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 seasonal flavors, the KombuChai and the Cold Brewcha, 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 that are believed to improve your health by maintaining a strong immune system and improving 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 your organic kombucha?

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 flavor infusion may be thicker. This is most noticeable in the Ginger or Black Raspberry flavors.

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 includes molasses and cane sugar.