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Gut Health

Answering your questions on kombucha

17/05/20234 min read

Find out the answers to your top questions on this traditional, fermented drink. We've got you covered on all things Kombucha, to keep you and your gut happy!

Explore related topics

Gut Health

We answer your most Googled questions on kombucha

Fermented consumables are back in! From kimchi, probiotic yogurts, to kombucha. Recently, looking after your gut has become top of the ‘wellness priority list’ for most… And kombucha is becoming increasingly more recognised. Here, we will be answering some of your most googled questions on this traditional, fermented beverage.

1. What is kombucha?

Kombucha originated in Northeast China (historically referred to as Manchuria) around 220 B.C. and was initially prized for its healing properties.¹

It’s a mildly fizzy, fermented drink made from sweetened green or black tea and a specific culture known as a ‘scoby’ (short for a ‘symbiotic culture of bacteria and yeasts). The bacteria and yeasts in the scoby convert the sugar into ethanol and acetic acid. The acetic acid is responsible for kombucha’s distinctive sour taste.²

Kombucha is thought to contain antioxidant properties, due to its origin as a tea. Green tea is known to have high concentrations of antioxidants known as polyphenols; these are naturally occurring substances that neutralize free radicals. It is also thought to be a probiotic as it’s made by adding bacteria to tea.³ Although more research is needed for this to actually be proven!

2. Is kombucha good for you?

Kombucha is a fermented food, much like cultured yogurt, cheese, kefir, kimchi and sauerkraut.⁴

Fermented foods provide many health benefits such as antioxidant, anti-microbial, anti-fungal, anti-inflammatory, anti-diabetic and anti-atherosclerotic activity. However, some studies have shown no relationship between fermented foods and health benefits.⁵

This being said, they are a popular choice for supporting the number of beneficial bacteria, or probiotics, in your tummy – and are thought to be good for contributing towards gut health.

For more information on the benefits of kombucha, check out Is hard kombucha good for you?

3. Is kombucha alcoholic?

Not always. It depends on what type of kombucha. All kombucha contains a small amount of alcohol, though this is usually less than 0.5% alcohol by volume, so it is labelled non-alcoholic. However, hard kombucha undergoes a longer fermentation process, raising the alcohol by volume (ABV) to between 4-7%, making it a boozier beverage.⁶

4. Can kombucha make you poop?

Kombucha is not considered a laxative, since a laxative is a compound that is intended to loosen stools or increase the number of bowel movements. However, kombucha’s ingredients and probiotic properties can contribute to healthy and regular bowel movements.⁷

5. Does kombucha help a hangover?

No. Unfortunately, kombucha is not a hangover cure.

6. Will kombucha keep me awake?

No. Although it may contain a little caffeine, kombucha won’t keep you up at night.⁹

7. Are kombucha’s vegan?

Yes – kombucha is both vegetarian and vegan-friendly. However, it's worth double-checking the flavoured varieties to see if they've added honey as an additional ingredient.

8. Can kombucha make you drunk?

In a nutshell, the answer is no.

It is unlikely that you will get drunk from drinking a lot of kombucha.¹⁰

Rachel Chatterton, Head of Food Development at H&B:

“Fermented foods [have made] a big comeback in 2023, providing 'good' gut bacteria but this time around, they taste delicious.”

Kombucha “with benefits” at H&B

That’s right, here at H&B we have kombucha “with benefits”, meaning that not only can it help keep your gut happy, but it provides additional benefits too.

Take a look at 3 of our favourites – Energy, Focus and Glow:

1. Holland & Barrett Energy Kombucha

Need a little pick me up? Our energy kombucha contains Vitamin B12, which helps reduce tiredness and fatigue, helping you with your energy levels.

But that’s not all… Our secret weapon is Ashwagandha extract. Known as an adaptogen, ashwagandha is a natural agent that can potentially help with everyday pressure making it the perfect companion for busy lifestyles.

Packed with friendly cultures, this tangy mango and yuzu flavour drink is the perfect way to enliven you.

2. Holland & Barrett Focus Kombucha

It’s time to focus! Our focus kombucha contains a combo of friendly cultures, Ginkgo Biloba and a source of iodine to aid normal cognitive function. Making this kombucha the perfect tipple to sip whilst tackling your morning to-do list or to help you power through an afternoon.

Get your gut in gear ready for the workday with a bottle of chilled, ginger and pineapple flavour Focus Kombucha. Taste the crisp flavour and feel the focus start to flow.

Sugar free, but full of flavour. So flavoursome in fact, it was a winner at the Free From food Awards 2023! Our tangy kombucha base contains friendly cultures which are a type of good bacteria that can help the normal function of the gut.

3. Holland & Barrett Glow Kombucha

Ready, set, glow! Our glow kombucha is packed with Vitamin C, which contributes to normal collagen formation for the normal function of skin.

Our refreshing cucumber and mint kombucha contains Ginsenosides, which are the most potent active ingredients in ginseng - contributing to general well-being and might also help with everyday pressure.

Good health starts with the gut. And our Kombucha with friendly cultures is here to help you glow from the inside out.

All about kombucha

What does kombucha taste like? Does kombucha contain alcohol? We sit down with Naomi, our Store Colleague and Wellness Expert and Alex, our Senior Nutritionist to answer these questions and more as they dive into this gut health wellness trend...

All about kombucha

The final say

Kombucha is quickly gaining a reputation and can be found in most chilled sections at your favourite stores. This traditional, fermented tea drink is taking the wellness industry by storm. We hope we have concluded some of your kombucha curiosities within this article – So, why not try it for yourself?