Feel Better with Kombucha

Why drink kombucha?

You may have heard kombucha is good for you.  It is much more than “good” for you, though.  Kombucha may be the ultimate superfood – an extraordinary elixir – when consumed regularly.   

Packed with live probiotics (good bacteria), kombucha has long been associated with improved digestion and gut health.  Modern research suggests that the health benefits of kombucha extend far beyond the gut. 

Kombucha is a nutritional powerhouse.  In addition to the live probiotics, high levels of naturally occurring enzymes, antioxidants, polyphenols, glucosamine, B-vitamins, and iron help to improve and maintain overall health from head to toe, inside and out.

Add it to your daily routine and feel better with kombucha! 

Studies link kombucha to the following health benefits:

  • Better gut health

  • Improved digestion

  • Prevention from inflammatory-related diseases (such as rheumatoid arthritis)

  • Relief from chronic stress

  • Boosted nutrient absorption

  • Lowered blood sugar levels

  • Reduced belly fat

  • Curbed food/snack cravings

  • Weight management

  • Improved cholesterol levels

  • Lowered risk of heart disease, cancer, and diabetes

  • Strengthened immune system

  • Improved kidney and liver function

  • Joint support and recovery

  • Decreased arthritis pain and joint inflammation

  • Increased energy level

  • Improved mood 

Sources: https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/8-benefits-of-kombucha-tea; https://med.stanford.edu/news/all-news/2021/07/fermented-food-diet-increases-microbiome-diversity-lowers-inflammation; https://osamds.com/kombucha-help-joints/#:~:text=How%20It%20Supports%20Your%20Joints,and%20muscles%2C%20and%20reduce%20inflammation; https://equinoxkombucha.com/blog/can-kombucha-give-you-an-energy-boost/; https://www.salon.com/2024/04/08/research-suggests-that-kombucha-microbes-may-mimic-the-effects-of-fasting-without-actually-fasting/; https://health.clevelandclinic.org/what-are-kombuchas-health-benefits-and-how-much-can-you-safely-drink

FAQs

What is kombucha?

A delicious, refreshing beverage! Technically, kombucha is a naturally carbonated, fermented tea that originated in Eurasia over two thousand years ago. It is high in probiotics, which are considered healthful to the digestive system. It also contains active enzymes, amino acids, and B vitamins.

Because of our society’s increased awareness tying gut health to overall health, kombucha has risen in popularity in recent years — despite it being an ancient drink. We like to say it makes us feel good. Dare we say, a Blue Ridge Bucha a day might keep the doctor away?

Speaking of doctor, please talk to yours if you have any medical concerns whatsoever about consuming kombucha. While we all have our personal reasons for drinking Blue Ridge Bucha on a regular basis, we are not attempting to make any medical claims here.

How is kombucha made?

Kombucha is made by fermenting tea and sugar using a mother culture, also known as a Symbiotic Culture of Bacteria and Yeast (aka SCOBY). Sometimes called a mushroom, a SCOBY is not technically a fungus, but rather is composed of bacteria (probiotics) and yeast that work together to ferment tea and create kombucha.

Is there caffeine in kombucha?

Not significantly so. During the fermentation process, the culture assimilates most of the caffeine, leaving just a small amount in kombucha. Most caffeine-sensitive people are not able to detect any effects. Two of our flavors, Chai Trail (formerly KombuCHAI) and Cold Brewcha (sold only in kegs/on tap), do have slightly more caffeine due to the tea and coffee infusions added in the flavoring process.

Is kombucha alcoholic?

This is a tricky question. As pertained to Blue Ridge Bucha, the answer is no, not our original “soft” line. We do have a separate, alcohol-infused line of kombucha, but our original line of Blue Ridge Bucha (identified with the black circle logo) is absolutely, positively not an alcoholic beverage. We promise.

Alcohol beverages are defined as containing .5% alcohol or more. Our kombucha is tested regularly at a TTB-certified facility and consistently contains less than .01% alcohol. (By comparison, this is less than can be found in kids’ apple juice.) Our proprietary process guarantees that our alcohol stays negligible without cutting any corners that would compromise quality, potency, or taste.

Be aware that not all kombucha makers strive to be non-alcoholic, and in fact, some have been aggressively lobbying to allow higher alcohol levels in kombucha (something we vehemently oppose). If you are unable or do not wish to drink alcohol, check labels! Rest assured, however, that the “soft” line of Blue Ridge Bucha — packaged with the pretty labels and black circle logo — is a safe, non-alcoholic choice that we as parents share with our children and that we as drivers take on the road.

What are probiotics?

The literal meaning of the term probiotic is “for life.” Probiotics are live organisms (good bacteria) that live inside the gut and are necessary to create a healthy, diverse microbiome. Associated with improved digestion and intestinal function, probiotics are naturally part of the digestive flora that line our intestines, and they help assimilate the food we eat. Lifestyle factors such as diet, stress, and certain medications such as antibiotics can deplete these naturally occurring organisms.

What is the shelf life of Blue Ridge Bucha?

Six months. Our kombucha has been shelf life tested to stay fresh for six months when kept in cold storage. It is a raw, unpasteurized beverage that must be kept refrigerated. It can “go bad” if left too long in a warm environment. Note that like any carbonated liquid, each time the bottle is opened you will lose effervescence. The taste may also be affected.

I just bought a bottle, and the kombucha looks thicker than usual. Is something wrong?

Probably not. At the very beginning or very end of some of our keg flavors, the there may be more pulp. Angie brought a batch of Wild Pear to a farmers market that was “heavy on the pulp” just to see what customers thought of it. The thicker bucha was so popular that we considered changing how we made Wild Pear. Though we decided to stick to the old way of making it (it just looks nicer in the clear bottle), you may find the thicker blend on a store shelf. If so, consider yourself lucky.

How much sugar is in your kombucha?

Our kombucha is brewed using organic cane sugar, but the majority of this sugar is “eaten up” during the fermentation process. Most of the sweetness and sugar content in Blue Ridge Bucha comes from the juices of the fruits and ginger that we add after brewing*, making our kombucha remarkably low in both calories and sugar (as compared to other brands of kombucha and other types of beverages as well). Generally our flavors contain 6-8 grams of sugar per 6-ounce serving. Specific information for each flavor can be found on our flavors page or on the cans and bottles themselves.

Note that the sugar and calories of alcohol beverages vary significantly. The information provided on this website pertains specifically to our line of “soft” (or non-alcoholic) kombucha, as identified by the pretty labels and black circle logo. Information about our separate “hard” (or alcohol-infused) line of kombucha will be made available in a separate website with access limited to those 21 and over only, to be launched sometime Q1 of 2022.

* Our chai tea infusion (added post-fermentation) includes molasses and cane sugar.

Why should I choose Blue Ridge Bucha?

Our superior taste sets us apart. Award-winning Blue Ridge Bucha is renowned for being crisp and refreshing.  Our smooth, clean finish is less vinegary than other brands and has no bitter aftertaste.  We are also all-natural, 100% certified organic, vegan, gluten free, dairy free, non-GMO, verified non-alcoholic, raw, and unpasteurized.

We are both healthy and delicious.  Our bright colors and flavors come from real fruit juices and herbs, including berries and ginger that we cold-press in-house.  Simple, all-natural ingredients produce a pure, fresh taste.  And, for most of our flavors, no sugar is added after fermentation. 

 Drink kombucha because it’s good for you.  Choose Blue Ridge Bucha because it’s good.  Ridiculously good.