Answering your questions on kombucha

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

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?

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.

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.”

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...

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?

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