Kombucha: The Ultimate Alcohol Alternative?
Kombucha, that mysterious fermented drink with its unique taste and health benefits, is having a moment. But did you know it's made with a 'scoby', a living, breathing colony of bacteria and yeast? It's like a creature from a sci-fi movie, but one that can transform into a delicious, fizzy drink!
While making your own kombucha is an adventure, the supermarket shelves are now brimming with an impressive array of options. These kombuchas are not just refreshing, but also offer a healthier, lower-sugar alternative to many sweetened drinks. The fermentation process naturally reduces sugar content, and some brands even create kombucha specifically as a non-alcoholic cocktail or wine substitute.
But here's where it gets controversial: some sugar-free kombuchas use sweeteners like steviol glycosides and erythritol, which, despite being derived from natural sources, can make the drink ultra-processed and, in my opinion, alter the taste.
So, let's dive into the world of supermarket kombucha and discover the best options out there!
Best Overall:
Holos Ginger & Hibiscus Organic Kombucha
This organic kombucha is a real treat, with a delicate balance of fizziness and a subtle sour note. Made with a unique blend of four teas and flavored with ginger and hibiscus, it tastes almost homemade. Plus, the Holos Foundation's social impact program provides employment opportunities for survivors of trauma and exploitation, making it a feel-good choice.
Best Bargain:
FIX8 Kombucha Ginger Turmeric
A lively, sparkling kombucha with a kick! Flavored with ginger, turmeric, and black pepper extracts, it's fortified with vitamin C and has a subtle warmth from the ginger and lemon extract. It's a great value option, especially considering its high fizziness.
And the Rest...
LA Brewery Sparkling English Blush Kombucha
This extraordinary green tea kombucha is elegantly flavored with hops, elderflower, rhubarb, peach, strawberry, and lychee. It's perfectly carbonated to mimic sparkling wine, offering a complex yet subtle, floral, bright, and fruity experience. It's slightly sweeter than some, but not overly so, making it a fantastic alcohol alternative or a special treat. Certified by B Corp, it's my go-to splurge.
Equinox Organic Sicilian Lemon Kombucha
A raw, beautifully flavored kombucha with lemon juice and lively carbonation. Certified organic by the Soil Association and B Corp, it's a strong choice for those seeking a green policy.
Momo Organic Ginger-Lemon Kombucha
This unfiltered, raw kombucha is made with tea, apple juice, ginger, and lemon juice, resulting in a wonderfully fresh and zesty drink with a warming ginger kick. B Corp-certified and with a commitment to donating 1% of revenue to charity, Momo also boasts a Great Taste one-star award.
Plants Ginger, Lime, and Mint Kombucha
Intensely minty with a unique frothy, micro-bubble carbonation, this kombucha offers a whole new taste experience. Made slightly differently with concentrated apple juice and flavored with lime juice concentrate and extracts of lime, ginger, and mint, it's a Great Taste one-star winner. I know it's good because I finished the whole bottle!
Hip Pop Passion Fruit & Guava CBD Kombucha
A subtly sweet-and-sour green and black tea kombucha with a clean passion fruit and guava flavor and a very enjoyable, subtle spritz. Great value, especially considering the 15mg of cannabidiols (CBD) it contains.
Nexba Kombucha Ginger and Lemon
An oolong tea kombucha with a strong, ginger beer-like taste that transitions to lemonade. Sweetened with erythritol and steviol glycosides, it's incredible value and B Corp-certified.
Remedy Ginger Lemon Kombucha
Raw and slow-fermented, this kombucha is made with black and green tea and flavored with ginger and lemon juice. Sweetened with erythritol and steviol glycosides, I found the flavor more palatable than some other brands. It's frothy, widely available, and good value.
One Living Ginger Kombucha with Turmeric
Raw and unpasteurized, this kombucha is made with sencha tea and fortified with B vitamins. Flavored with ginger, turmeric, and pepper extracts, it's well-carbonated. Sweetened with steviol glycosides, the taste is noticeable, but it's B Corp-certified and decent value.
So, there you have it! A guide to the best supermarket kombuchas. But remember, this is just the tip of the iceberg. For more low- and no-alcohol drink options, check out our guide to the best non-alcoholic drinks.
