Dec 22, 20244 min read

Types of Kombucha: Are All Kombucha Good for You?

Kombucha, the fizzy fermented tea drink, has surged in popularity as a health beverage. Known for its probiotic content and tangy taste, it’s often hailed as a gut health booster.

But not all kombucha is created equal.

With so many types on the market - raw, pasteurized, hard kombucha, and even kombucha soda - you might wonder: Are all kombucha good for you?

While kombucha has ancient roots and numerous health claims, its benefits depend heavily on how it’s made. Some types of kombucha preserve the drink’s natural, living qualities, while others lose these during processing.

This guide dives into the different types of kombucha, their benefits, and how to choose the right one for your health goals.

Types of Kombucha

Understanding the different types of kombucha found today on the market worldwide - will help you make informed choices.

Here are the 4 main varieties:

1. Raw Living Kombucha

What it is: Raw kombucha is unpasteurized and contains live probiotics, enzymes, and nutrients. It’s the closest to traditional kombucha, preserving all its natural benefits.
Health benefits: Supports gut health, aids digestion, and helps maintain a balanced microbiome. It’s rich in live cultures, acetic acid, B vitamins, vitamin C, and antioxidants—all of which contribute to overall well-being.
Key tip: Raw kombucha must be refrigerated to slow down fermentation, as its probiotics remain active and alive.
How it’s labeled: It will still be called “kombucha,” so to differentiate it from pasteurized versions, you’ll need to boost your detective skills.
Look for terms like “raw,” “alive,” or “unpasteurized” on the label.

2. Pasteurized Kombucha

What it is: Pasteurized kombucha is heat-treated to extend shelf life and stabilize the product. This process eliminates live probiotics but might preserve other beneficial compounds.
Health benefits: Pasteurized kombucha retains acetic acid, which has antimicrobial properties and supports gut balance.
Key tip: While pasteurized kombucha doesn’t offer the probiotic benefits of raw kombucha, it still contains nutrients and compounds that support health in other ways. It’s a convenient option for those looking for a kombucha-inspired beverage.
How is it labeled: it will still be called “kombucha”, so if you differentiate it from raw kombucha you will have to boost your detective skills…

3. Kombucha Soda

What it is: Kombucha soda is a kombucha-inspired drink made by combining carbonated water, sweeteners, and a small amount of over-fermented kombucha.
Health benefits: Probiotic content is minimal, as this product lacks the live cultures found in raw kombucha. It’s closer to a flavored soda than a healthy beverage.
Key tip: If you’re looking for a kombucha-like taste without the health benefits, kombucha soda might be for you. Otherwise, stick with raw kombucha.
How it’s labeled: Kombucha soda will still be labeled as “kombucha,” making it difficult to differentiate from raw or even pasteurized kombucha. Unfortunately, even the ingredient list may not clearly reveal whether it’s a soda or raw kombucha. Your best bet is to look for additional clues, such as the brand’s brewing process, whether it mentions live probiotics, or if the product is shelf-stable without refrigeration—key indicators that it might not be raw kombucha.

4. Hard Kombucha

What it is: Hard kombucha goes through extended & modified fermentation to increase its alcohol content, typically reaching 4–7%. It’s a popular choice for those seeking an alternative to beer or wine.
Health benefits: If unpasteurized, it may still contain probiotics & other health benefits, but the alcohol content reduces its overall health value.
Key tip: Enjoy hard kombucha socially, but don’t rely on it as a health drink.
How it’s labeled: Luckily, alcohol laws are well-regulated in our country, so the label should clearly state the alcohol percentage. Look for indicators showing the % alcohol content to confirm you’ve found a bottle of hard kombucha. This makes it much easier to distinguish from regular, non-alcoholic kombucha.

How to Choose the Right Kombucha for You

Not sure which kombucha is right for you?

Here are some tips to guide your decision:

Check the label: Look for “raw,” “unpasteurized,” or “contains live cultures.” These terms indicate the presence of probiotics.
Read the ingredients: High-quality kombucha should have simple ingredients: tea, water, sugar, and a SCOBY. Avoid products with excessive sweeteners or artificial flavorings.
Refrigeration matters: Raw kombucha needs refrigeration to keep its live cultures alive. If it’s on the shelf, it’s likely pasteurized.
Know your goals: For gut health, stick with raw kombucha. For a social beverage, hard kombucha or kombucha soda might be better options.

Ready to enjoy the benefits of alive Kombucha?

You can find our products in health stores, cafes, and restaurants nationwide.

Why Choose Living Kombucha?

At Living Kombucha, we’re committed to offering authentic, raw kombucha crafted with traditional fermentation methods.

Our kombucha is alive, unpasteurized, and packed with probiotics, enzymes, and nutrients that promote gut health and vitality.

Here’s what makes Living Kombucha unique:

Authenticity: We brew kombucha the traditional way, preserving its natural qualities.
Premium ingredients: Made with high-quality organic ingredients.
Dietary-friendly: Caffeine-free, gluten-free, and suitable for a variety of lifestyles.

Conclusion: Not All Kombucha Is Created Equal

The health benefits of kombucha vary depending on its type.

If you’re looking for a probiotic-rich, gut-healthy beverage, raw living kombucha is your best choice.

Pasteurized kombucha, kombucha soda, and hard kombucha can be enjoyable but lack the same health-boosting properties.

When selecting kombucha, always check the label and align your choice with your health goals.

For a kombucha that’s alive, authentic, and crafted with care, try Living Kombucha.

Your gut will thank you!