Top 5 Kombucha brands...!
Introduction to the Kombucha Klurb
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Okay so I’ve finally joined the kombucha klurb and I’m so happy to be here lmao!! Admittedly the first time I tried kombucha, I thought it was so disgusting that my lip trembled in disgust. No exaggeration, I damn near spat it out LOL. I got yeast, fizz and smells that rhyme with art. But lo and behold, I realised it’s all about the brand and flavour profiles which I had yet to explore.
What is Kombucha?
Kombucha is a fermented, lightly sparkling sweetened green or black tea. It’s especially known for it’s rich in probiotic benefits. It’s made from a specific culture known as ‘scoby’ short for ‘symbiotic culture of bacteria and yeasts’. Sounds a bit gross and honestly does have that yeasty smell when you get close to it but I don’t recommend you smell kombucha if it’s your first time trying. Sometimes that puts me off, personally speaking lol.
The bacteria and yeasts in the scoby convert the sugar into ethanol and acetic acid. The acetic acid is responsible for kombucha’s distinctive sour taste. You can actually buy scoby online, some etsy accounts give it away for free or cheap as it grows and somewhat forms a new layer of itself during fermentation. Its freaky, peculiar and cool at the same time. Slightly grosses me out but I’m open to developing my own kombucha recipe when I’ve tried enough and gotten comfortable with the idea.
As a huge fan of fermented goods such as kimchi, suaurkraut and pickles as such, I wasn’t expecting to enjoy this in drink form and I didn’t, til I tried a few different brands which led to me becoming a huge fan and being open to exploring what there is about kombucha. Also I am obsessed with tea so it makes a lot of sense for my palate.
Cost wise, as far as drinks go, kombucha isn’t the cheapest but I understand why. Usually made organically and slowly fermented in glass bottles so the costs add up. It’s highly beneficial so if you’re will to spend a few extra pence, I’d encourage you to give it a try!
I’m intrigued… What are the benefits?
Apart from the mentioned probiotics which is great for gut health reducing inflammation and in some cases promoting weight loss.
As it is made using green or black tea, you get those benefits doubled too. High in antioxidants, improving cholesterol levels.
It’s also quite low in sugar and some brands only use a little sugar to feed the scoby so it’s almost sugar free. A great alternative if you’re trying to cut down on processed sugar but love fizzy drinks. The sparkle is super satisfying and when you find the right flavours, its super enjoyable.
Also it’s a great for those trying to cut down on their alcohol in take, not saying it gets you drunk lol but it definitely gives a nice alternative to other drinks!
I’m going to list a few that I have tried in nearly chronological order. I won’t say least favourite as I know I have so much more to try but I will say I never ever try the ‘original’ flavours of kombucha. They smell a bit too pungent for me to enjoy and the added flavours mask that for me. So as a first timer, I highly recommend choosing flavoured kinds of kombucha first!
Remedy ‘Apple Crisp’ 1.5/5- Definitely my least favourite. Opened the can and it was giving farts lol. I don’t mean to offend anyone but the smell was so strong that the ‘apple crisp’ was hidden. I couldn’t finish the can so personally I wouldn’t recommend this brand but there are a few other flavours that you may want to try.
Equinox ‘Pink grapefruit & Guava’ 3/5 - This one was pleasant but I wasn’t getting much grapefruit. Although it felt much lighter and crisp that Remedy’s. I did buy this again. They also have a few other flavours I am open to trying so I’d give it a middle ranking.
REAL - Royal Flush 3.5/5 - I particularly love the packaging of this one, retro and quite cool. Flavour wise I’d say it was very pleasant, although the label advertises notes of white peach and rhubarb, I’d argue that I didn’t get much white peach. Slight tang from the rhubarb but it was enjoyable nonetheless, definitely sits in the middle for me. I’m open to try their other flavours! Their #sobercurious hashtag encourages drinkers who are trying to come off alcohol or don’t drink at all to try this one. Love that!
Holo ‘Citra Hops’ 4/5 - This one is a top top top contender. I found it in M&S and haven’t found it anywhere else since. The flavour ‘citra hops’ was so new to me, I thought it was made up lol. After a google search I found that citra hops is an alpha acid hop that looks similar to artichoke but has fantastic notes of passion fruit, lychee, lime and grapefruit all in one. I’ve bought this a few times since my first try and I absolutely love it. I need a crate lol.
Momo ‘ Elderflower’ 5/5 - Top 2 and she ain’t 2. I found this bottle on my way to work one day and whew, blown away. I almost wasn’t convinced that it’s kombucha as it barely had the distinctive sour yeasty taste/smell. I love elderflower and this drink came all the way through. I will say it’s not the cheapest but rightfully so. Sweet, floral and dare I say.. perfect.
So there you have it, my introductory list to the best kombucha brands I’ve had so far. I still have WAY more to try and will probably update this list and my knowledge of kombucha in the near future. Might even begin to develop some recipes too.
Have you tried any of these brands and are there some you think I’m missing out on?
Shoot me a response or comment as I’d love to hear your opinions!
Also if you do give these a try, let me know!
Hope you all have a fantastic week,
Love always,
The Empathic Foodie.
Namaste x