Kombucha is all the rage these days in posh farm shops and supermarkets. It’s not everyone’s cup of (fizzy) tea. But what exactly is it, and what are its benefits (and contraindications, for some?)
Due to small amounts of fermented alcohol and caffeine, avoid for pregnancy/nursing and affected medical conditions, and keep away from children and pets.
Kombucha is also unpasteurised, which again means it should be avoided for pregnancy/nursing and weak immune systems (including children).
Read more important info on kombucha safety.
What is Kombucha?
Kombucha is a fermented drink made from black or green tea, sugar, and a living starter called SCOBY (Symbiotic Culture Of Bacteria and Yeast). The process involves brewing the tea with sugar, then leaving it to cool and ferment into a fizzy drink, packed with live cultures (a bit like yoghurt).
The sour kick and gentle bubbles come from natural fermentation. Sugar levels drop during fermentation as the cultures feed, while healthy acids and a trace of alcohol build up. Some brands add fruit, herbs, or spices for extra taste.
Kombucha is praised for its probiotics. These ‘good’ bacteria can help balance the gut, much like yoghurt or kefir. Bottles also pack antioxidants from tea, which fight cell damage. Some people say kombucha boosts energy, aids digestion, and supports the immune system.
Here’s what a glass of kombucha usually contains:
- Low calories (about 30 per cup)
- Trace vitamins and minerals, depending on the tea
- Small amounts of caffeine
- Probiotics (species vary by batch)
It’s always best to buy kombucha, because poor home brewing could lead to unsafe batches, with risk of harmful bacteria and mould.
Looking for new ways to enjoy kombucha? Try these ideas:
- Pour over ice with a squeeze of citrus
- Use as a mixer for mocktails or cocktails
- Add a splash to salad dressings for a tangy twist
- Blend into smoothies for an extra kick
Raw Kombucha Drinks (from a rugby legend!)
One Living is a unique brand of kombucha drinks, which are raw and contain fermented goodies, to help support mental health and digestion.
The company began after Johnny was on a mental health journey and his nutritionist wife and he, both discovered that good digestion can play a key role in helping conditions.
Any unsold items are sent to food-sharing charities, to ensure nothing gets wasted. Choose from fruity raspberry or ginger with turmeric flavour.
Health Shots are a good way to start your day. Sold in two fruity flavours, these contain prebiotic fibre, billions of live cultures and vitamins to support your gut, brain and immunity. Each shot contains fibre from chicory inulin.
One Living Plus is a natural drink containing kombucha, blended with ginseng from Chinese mountains and adds in vitamins (the blackberry contains vitamin B12, needed by vegans).
Strawberry Rhubarb Water Kefir is a lightly sparkling drink to keep your gut happy, with millions of live cultures in each bottle, along with apple cider vinegar and lemon juice.
One Living also offers alcohol-free alternatives to wine and beer, including Rose Blush, which again has beneficial bacteria.
Johnny Wilkinson is known as one of England’s best-ever rugby players. However after the dizzying height of victory at the World Cup, he then began to experience anxiety, which then ‘snowballed’ into severe depression.
Today he lectures widely, on the importance of men being open to talk about their mental health, in order to heal.
A Fresh New Organic Kombucha Brand
Equinox Kombucha is the first organic kombucha made in the UK. This is a fermented fizz in rotating flavours from refreshing raspberry to fiery ginger. You’ll also save a few bob, by ordering in bulk. Or buy the white peach and strawberry kombucha or Raspberry & Elderflower.
This brand’s founder discovered Kombucha while backpacking in Asia, and began the company, brewing up the first bottles in a spare bedroom in Yorkshire.
After winning ‘Best Vegan Drink’ award at VegFest, they now give 50% of all profits to local and global humanitarian and conservation projects.
Chef-Created Happy Gut Options!
Dalston’s has recently released a Happy Gut range, created by chefs. These contain dietary fibre along with zinc, magnesium and calcium, for digestion, immunity and metabolism. Choose from Raspberry or Tropical.
Organic Water Kefir (good for your tummy!)
PiQi Kefir is a raw probiotic sparkling beverage, which uses organic sugar and a mix of kefir culture (bacteria and yeast) for a light tangy taste (tastes like tart soda) and natural probiotics, teeming with vegan lactic acid bacteria.
Ideal for iffy tummies as an alternative to sugary soda, this is a bit like those yoghurt digestive drinks, but without the dairy and more hydrating. Brewed in Devon.
Store raw kefir in the fridge, to prevent further fermentation. Due to being raw (unpasteurised), avoid for pregnancy/nursing, children and weak immune systems (also contains small amounts of alcohol).
Avoid grapefruit version for some medication (check paper inserts). Avoid butterfly pea flower for low blood pressure.
If you are new to fermented drinks, take a small shot or two, gradually building up to 1 small bottle a day.
Popular in South America, water kefir has been enjoyed for years in Mexico, where it was first created. It kind of tastes like a natural tart soda.
The range includes:
- Original is brewed with organic figs, and has a honey-like aroma. Each bottle delivers up to 30 billion live cultures.
- Ginger & Lemon is a fiery drink with bitterness of organic lemons to offset. A real thirst-quencher.
- Grapefruit & Cardamom is the perfect combination, for a healthy glow!
- Butterfly Pea Flower is rich in antioxidants with a herb floral aroma.
Living Things: Prebiotic Belly-Loving Sodas!
Living Things is more than just a fizzy drink. It’s getting attention for its gut-friendly benefits, natural ingredients, and smart swaps for traditional soft drinks. Here’s a closer look at what sets this prebiotic soda apart, and why so many people are choosing it.
This brand stands apart from sodas packed with sugar and artificial sweeteners. This clever blend of prebiotic fibre and natural flavours packs more than taste; it gives your gut something to cheer about.
Supports Gut Health With Prebiotic Fibre
Each can of Living Things has prebiotic fibre. This fibre feeds the good bacteria in your gut, helping them grow and stay strong. Most soft drinks have little nutritional value, but this one offers help for your digestive health with every sip.
Low in Sugar and Calories
Many people look to cut down on sugar and calories. Living Things soda ticks both boxes. With less sugar than regular soft drinks, it avoids the energy crash and sticky teeth feeling. The lower calorie content makes it easier to enjoy a treat without overthinking your choice.
Uses Real Fruit and Natural Flavours
Artificial flavourings don’t win many fans these days. Living Things soda uses real fruit juices and botanical extracts. Each sip brings refreshing taste and natural sweetness, with no fake aftertaste.
No Artificial Sweeteners and Preservatives
No sneaky chemicals or aftertaste here. Living Things soda skips the artificial sweeteners and preservatives you’d find in many zero-sugar drinks.
That means what you taste comes straight from the ingredients, making it a cleaner, more transparent option for those who read the label.
Good for Plant-Based Diets
This soda suits vegans and vegetarians. All ingredients are plant-based, so everyone can join in. It’s also gluten-free and dairy-free, making it a safe pick at group gatherings when guests have different food needs.
Gentle on Sensitive Stomachs
Some fizzy drinks can leave you feeling bloated or unsettled. Prebiotic fibre in living things soda works with your body instead of against it.
The blend is gentle, so you’re less likely to get that uncomfortable feeling after drinking.
Flavours to Suit Any Mood
You don’t need to settle for one taste. Living things prebiotic soda comes in a range of flavours. Whether you want sharp, sweet, or tangy, there’s something to match your mood or meal.
Choose from:
- Lemon & Ginger
- Peach & Blood Orange
- Raspberry & Pomegranate
- Rhubarb & Apple
- Watermelon & Lime
