6 Kombucha Brands You'll Actually Want to Drink
Booch it up!
Full disclosure: I’m not much of a kombucha person. I first heard about it as part of a lesson about fermentation in 10th grade biology class, and the idea of a scoby freaked me out. As the years went on, I tried a few kombuchas here and there, but I never really got into it. To me, most tasted like apple cider vinegar—nothing like the fresh fruit or tasty tea promised on the labels.
A few months ago, all that changed. After tasting fresh kombucha at a microbrewery, I realized there are better options out there. I started seeking out kombuchas I’d actually enjoy drinking, and was delighted to find a few. Whether you’re in it for the health benefits, or looking for an afternoon pick-me-up, mixer for your cocktails or alternative to alcohol, there are plenty of reasons to give kombucha a try. Here are six of the best widely available brands of kombucha that I’ve found, perfect for kombucha connoisseurs and skeptics alike.
Kombucha is serious business in Colorado, and Boulder-based Rowdy Mermaid is no exception. These kombuchas are impressively light and fruity, more akin to seltzer than anything else. There’s not a trace of vinegar to be found. The lineup also includes uncommon ingredients, like the Lion’s Mane mushroom in its fan-favorite Roaring Pineapple flavor. If you're ready to branch out from sparkling water, try these kombuchas.
Bear’s Fruit promises “no weird stuff" in its kombucha, but does include some fun flavor combinations. My personal favorite is the Strawberry Jalapeno, which has just enough heat to jumpstart your day. Like Rowdy Mermaid, Bear’s Fruit is very light, neither too sweet nor too acidic. (And, if you're interested in something even lighter, check out its line of probiotic sparkling waters. I recommend the Strawberry Basil.)
Forage is so subtle and balanced, it's easy to forget you're drinking something often characterized by tang. It’s fruity in an understated way, not too sweet or acidic. Plus, the can designs are gorgeous. If you're going to be seen drinking kombucha, make it this one.
KeVita is one of the better-known brands on this list, and for good reason. Its products deliver what you expect from a more traditional kombucha: bold flavors, bright acidity, and lots of bubbles and complexity. Since KeVita has more of a bite than other brands, this would be a good candidate for sipping at a party when you’re not drinking alcohol, or swapping it for your morning dose of caffeine.
Like KeVita, Health-Ade is a brand you've probably seen on grocery store shelves. It's got a great level of fizz and strong flavors with just a bit of acidity. Best of all, Health-Ade's products are made with cold-pressed juices rather than extracts, delivering ultra-fresh flavor. If you’re a fan of ginger, the Ginger-Lemon flavor is a solid, classic pick.
Better Booch makes a relatively sweet and fruity kombucha, and, unlike many brands, you can actually taste its tea. If you like tea with a bit of sugar in it, and want to ease into kombucha, Better Booch is a great place to start. It’s easy to drink and comes in a variety of delicious flavors like Citrus Sunrise and Guava Cooler.
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