WHAT IS KOMBUCHA?

Kombucha is fermented tea, and it naturally contains probiotics and healthy organic acids much like other fermented foods such as sourdough, miso, kimchi, sauerkraut, and cultured yogurt. It starts as brewed tea with cane sugar, similar to apple cider vinegar which starts with apple juice. It has been consumed for thousands of years across diverse cultures as a beverage that promotes health. Soul Patch Kombucha is a little tart and a little sweet and crafted with wholesome ingredients which makes every flavor delicious to the last sip.

WHAT ARE THE INGREDIENTS IN KOMBUCHA?

Kombucha is made using four simple ingredients: water, tea, sugar, and a starter called SCOBY. A SCOBY (Symbiotic Culture of Bacteria and Yeast) is the byproduct culture that ends up turning sweet tea into kombucha, and it’s similar to what is used for fermenting yogurt, sauerkraut, and sourdough. This living culture consumes much of the sugars and caffeine during fermentation.

WHY CANE SUGAR?

Cane sugar is the main source of food for the bacteria and yeast in the fermentation process which results in creating the healthful probiotics. Without sugar yeast and bacteria cannot make kombucha. After fermentation, kombucha is naturally low in sugar.

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF KOMBUCHA?

Kombucha is a food, not a drug or a supplement. So it’s best to look at kombucha like you look at a bag of carrots–delicious, natural, and makes you feel good. Of course, kombucha, like all fermented foods, naturally contains probiotics and healthy organic acids–and the science is strong around their benefit to our digestion and our bodies. In the end, try it and see how it makes YOU feel. That’s your best indication for what its benefit will be, beyond great taste!

HOW OFTEN SHOULD I DRINK KOMBUCHA?

Kombucha is a food, not a drug or a supplement. So, it’s best to look at kombucha like you look at a bag of carrots–delicious, natural, and makes you feel good. When you look at it like that, you’ll realize there is no “right” amount or “wrong” amount to drink. Drink as much as makes you feel good! Some like a ½ bottle, some like a full bottle–some like 4 bottles! There is no rule here, as it’s a natural food.

HOW MUCH SUGAR IS IN YOUR KOMBUCHA?

Sugar is a necessary ingredient in the fermentation process of kombucha, but after fermentation very little sugar actually remains. In a 12 ounce serving, Soul Patch kombucha contains between 10-16 grams of sugar. The flavors that contain purees and juices are closer to 16 grams, whereas our kombuchas with only essences are closer to 10 grams of sugar.

WHAT ARE THE FLOATY LOOKING THINGS IN THE BOTTLE?

They are actually active strands of living culture – They are a good thing! It is also a sign of active fermentation. You may also notice natural separation of pulp (purees) in the bottles. Please DO NOT SHAKE, but gently swirl to mix the content.

DOES KOMBUCHA HAVE VINEGAR IN IT?

At Soul Patch we do not add any type of vinegar to our Kombucha. Kombucha does end up having vinegar (acetic acid) and other types of acids (e.g. malic, tartaric) in it because that’s what develops in fermentation: the SCOBY (probiotics culture in kombucha) eats the sugars and makes them healthy organic acids.

DOES KOMBUCHA CONTAIN CAFFEINE?

During the fermentation process much of the caffeine dissipates leaving the finished product with lower caffeine than regular brewed tea. Our kombucha has between 5-15mg of caffeine per serving, which is similar to the amount in a cup of decaf coffee. For comparison, a cup of regular coffee has about 100-120mg and a cup of tea has about 30-40mg.

DOES KOMBUCHA HAVE ALCOHOL?

Due to natural fermentation, kombucha may contain a trace amount of alcohol (less than 0.5%). Ask your doctor about drinking kombucha if you are pregnant. If you are concerned about alcohol intake for personal or religious reasons, you might want to avoid drinking kombucha.

CAN KIDS DRINK KOMBUCHA?

Many parents are comfortable with this, but whether you choose to give kombucha to your kids is really a personal choice. Kombucha can be safe for children and a great alternative to sugary juices and sodas. Our own children drink Kombucha.

HOW LONG DOES KOMBUCHA LAST IN THE FRIDGE?

Kombucha continues to ferment, but really only at room temperature or warmer. As long as it's stored in the fridge, it doesn't really expire. We find that it retains flavor and carbonation for 3-4 weeks in the fridge, even once opened. Just ensure that it has a nice tight seal on the cap!