The Drink on Everybody's Lips
Have you ever browsed the convenience store fridges and asked yourself, “What is Kombucha?” Well, this blog post is for you! Here we will uncover the mystery on everyone’s lips: what exactly is Kombucha?
You’ve probably seen it at your local café, grocery store or service station. Kombucha is a wildly popular soft drink alternative that even the biggest beverage companies have their eyes on. Lovingly known as ‘Booch’ amongst veteran hipsters and Gen Z alike, the drink has slowly but surely spread its wings from humble in-house brews to become popular enough to rival popular drinks like cola, ice tea and energy drinks.
Kombucha is also known for its detoxifying properties, which add to its appeal among health-conscious consumers.
Why is this interesting? After brands like Remedy Drinks and PS Organic entered the market, existing dominant manufacturers recognised consumers were increasingly loving the sparkling, healthy drink alternative.
So, let’s take a closer look.
What is Kombucha Made of?
Kombucha in Australia is made of two key components: green and black tea, and Symbiotic Culture of Bacteria Yeast, better known as SCOBY. The compounds found in these teas have health benefits, including anti-fungal properties, energising properties, and the ability to suppress harmful bacteria while promoting beneficial strains. The process of making Kombucha is both scientific and traditional, and is still often brewed at home by many today! Fermented tea, such as kombucha, offers numerous health benefits, including its potential role in fighting cancer and strengthening the immune system.
However, it is not the easiest or tidiest home project as you need to brew your Booch in a jar or container large enough to fit your SCOBY, which will eventually create a new SCOBY for you to continue your culture after it’s time to discard your original (most people recommend moving on to a new culture after four batches).
During the fermentation process, the Kombucha can then be bottled for drinking; however, to get infused flavours and fizz, it’s essential to add fruits, juice, and sugar to be broken down during a second fermenting process. The bacteria in your new brew will turn the sugars in these ingredients into probiotics and carbonation, enhancing the flavour to something you’d find on shelves today!
Kombucha in Australia is made of two key components: tea, and Symbiotic Culture of Bacteria Yeast, better known as SCOBY.
Where Does Kombucha Come From?
The practice of making Kombucha originated thousands of years ago in Ancient China, where the drink was commonly consumed for its detoxifying and energising properties. This origin is probably of little surprise since ‘Chá’ is the Chinese word for tea! As trade routes like the Silk Road grew and expanded, kombucha found its way to some eastern European areas.
Through various migrations and historical events like the World Wars, kombucha practices made their way across the rest of Europe, eventually reaching countries like Germany, France by the 50s. So what about kombucha today?
In Australia, most of the kombucha you come across in a day-to-day setting is likely brewed nationally or even locally. Popular brands like Remedy, SABA, Bonsoy and PS Organic began as humble home brews and are still using cultures that have derived from their original home brew SCOBY in Melbourne and South Australia, respectively. Cool, right?
What Does Kombucha Taste Like?
Unlike less appealing blends of probiotics and health drinks, Kombucha benefits from being brewed with a base of either green or black tea. During the fizzy fermentation process, it can be infused with all kinds of wonderfully natural and deliciously fruity flavours like berries, apple, citrus, ginger and more. The resulting taste is a tangy and fizzy reflection of whatever you’ve fermented it with.
Kombucha is a huge win for anyone who’s ever been thirsty for a sugary, artificial soft drink, iced tea, energy drink or juice because it’s a healthy, refreshing, and tasty alternative that’s readily available. Whether you’re a ‘Wild Berry,’ Ginger Lemon or Passionfruit lover, you’ll find a Kombucha to tickle your taste buds.
Is Kombucha Good For You?
Yes, Kombucha is good for you. Drinking kombucha is more than just a healthy drink, fizzy drink, or flavoured beverage. In fact, it’s all three! Drinking kombucha provides vitamins, antioxidants, and probiotics, making it a flavourful alternative to traditional tea.
As more and more Aussie consumers become increasingly health conscious, it’s only natural to be curious about the benefits of kombucha. Why? Well, not only is the beverage an alternative that’s better for you than a can of soft drink, but it also has the added benefit of being insanely low in sugars and, sometimes, naturally sugar-free. Kombucha tea, with its historical significance and process, offers numerous health benefits. Additionally, green tea extract in kombucha contributes to weight management, cholesterol control, and blood sugar regulation. While we provide you with facts about Kombucha, remember to always consult a health professional for advice on your personal health.
The key ingredients that make kombucha a healthy beverage extend beyond the traditional antioxidants it gets from green and black tea, which have antifungal properties and promote beneficial bacteria. The fermentation process breaks down and converts added sugars into healthy acids and alcohol, which are then consumed by the useful bacteria and probiotics that grow within the drink. As a result, the drink is packed with super healthy ingredients and, in some varieties, activated bacteria for gut benefits. Kombucha offers many benefits, linking it to the advantages of tea and probiotics. Organic acids in kombucha possess antimicrobial properties that support immune system health, but caution is advised due to the risks associated with excessive consumption. Giving your thirsty, health-conscious customers even more reason to buy it.
Packed with super healthy ingredients and, in some varieties, activated bacteria for gut health benefits.
Is Kombucha Good For Your Gut Health?
Kombucha is good for your gut because it’s a fermented drink. Fermented foods like Kombucha, yoghurt, kimchi, tempeh, and sauerkraut are linked to improving health because they feed the good bacteria in your gut microbiome. Kombucha contains various species of lactic acid bacteria, which are beneficial probiotics that contribute to gut well-being.
When influencers and doctors talk about improving your ‘gut health’, what they’re actually referring to is improving the conditions of your ‘gut microbiome’. Everything we eat, drink and snack on contributes to the overall health of the bacteria and organisms that live in our gut. A healthy gut is important for a comfortable digestive system, regulating your body’s system, brain health (including mental health), and controlling your blood sugar levels.
As a fermented beverage, Kombucha includes loads of probiotics, friendly bacteria, and micro-organisms that help build up and restore your gut’s good bacteria. According to Nutrition Australia, fermented foods in all shapes and sizes are particularly important after a tummy bug or round of antibiotics, both of which usually compromise your gut bacteria.
Why Should I Stock Kombucha?
Kombucha‘s detoxifying and energising properties make it a popular choice among health-conscious customers.
Whether your customers are looking for healthier drink alternatives, you want to expand your range, or target a new customer demographic, you simply cannot go wrong with a bit of Booch.
At Kelly’s Distributors, we stock a wide range of brands and other health drinks. Kombucha is a functional and extremely popular beverage option that will make your customers love your guts! Browse our range of multiple kombucha brands and flavours. So what are you waiting for? Order now to receive your batch of Kombucha goodness.
Frequently Asked Questions
Kombucha, a drink made from black or green tea, offers many benefits. Drinking kombucha tea supports digestive health due to its probiotic bacteria, including lactic acid bacteria, which promotes a balanced gut microbiome.
Research suggests it may help with weight loss to manage blood sugar levels and cholesterol, thanks to its hypoglycaemic and antilipidemic properties. Kombucha’s antioxidants, derived from green tea extract, may boost the immune system and support cardiovascular health. Studies have shown potential benefits for reducing inflammation and improving kidney function.
Drinking kombucha daily offers many benefits, including better digestive system health, improved heart health, and enhanced immune system support, thanks to its fermented tea base rich in good bacteria and acids. Kombucha‘s energising properties make it a great daily drink. Its low-calorie, refreshing taste makes it a great alternative to soft drinks and enjoying kombucha in moderation can be a fantastic way to boost your overall well-being and reap the many benefits of this drink.
Kombucha tea offers many benefits for stomach health. It contains probiotic bacteria, which can promote gut well-being by supporting a healthy balance of good bacteria and aiding digestion. The benefits of kombucha include improved digestion, relief from irritable bowel syndrome, and protection against bad bacteria. Overall, research suggests that kombucha‘s natural acids and bacteria can help maintain a healthy gut environment.
Drinking kombucha tea at any time of day can be a refreshing and beneficial addition to your routine. Rich in probiotics and good bacteria, kombucha supports gut wellness, improves digestion, and may aid in sugar management when enjoyed before meals. It’s a great way to incorporate fermented foods into your diet and boost your health. Store-bought kombucha ensures a safe balance of beneficial bacteria, providing many benefits. For most people, adding kombucha to a healthy diet offers a delicious way to support overall well-being.
Kombucha does contain some minimal amounts of sugar, but it’s an essential part of the fermenting process, as yeast breaks down the sugar into organic acids, creating many health benefits. The sugar content in store-bought kombucha varies, but it’s generally lower than in soft drinks.
Drinking kombucha has been linked to potential benefits, including improved cholesterol levels and blood sugar control, making it a better choice for a healthy diet. With all of this considered, it’s your best option for a refreshing drink that’s low in sugar and healthy!