DIY Kombucha 101

What is Kombucha?
​Kombucha is the bubbly, sometimes sweet, and tangy drink that has taken over grocery store refrigerators across the country. This trendy beverage has been around for hundreds of years and is made by fermenting tea with sugar using what is called a SCOBY, or a symbiotic culture of bacteria and yeast.

Who’s Drinking Kombucha?
Kombucha is not only trendy in the health space, but has also become popular among soda-lovers seeking a healthy alternative. The fermented tea drink is enjoyed by consumers young and old who appreciate its creative flavors and fizz.

Why Are People Making Kombucha at Home?

More and more people are feeling inspired to make kombucha at home because it’s much less expensive than purchasing it from the store. Kombucha goes for $3–$5 per bottle at the grocery store, but only costs about $2 per gallon (that’s eight bottles) to make at home!

Brewing kombucha is easy—it’s as simple as making a giant pot of tea with sugar, from there, the SCOBY does the work. Plus, making your own kombucha gives you 100% control over the sweetness, flavor, and level of carbonation.

Making kombucha at home empowers you to have a deeper connection to your food. It is so gratifying to enjoy something homemade versus something store-bought. Read on to learn how to make your own kombucha at home.

Health Benefits of Kombucha

Probiotics
You know that healthy bacteria everyone has been talking about? Well, kombucha has plenty of those! Your gut contains 100 trillion bacteria that affect everything from your digestion to your immune system, weight, and even your mood. The goal is to nurture that precious bacteria, and consuming plenty of fermented foods and beverages is a great way to do that.

Healthy “Soda”
Kombucha satisfies fizz and caffeine cravings without all of the chemicals and sugar that come with a soda. Plus, with all of those probiotics, you’ve got a beverage that is contributing to your health instead of depleting it!

Antioxidants
​Kombucha contains health-supportive antioxidants that neutralize free radicals and combat oxidative stress, as demonstrated in a recent research study. This is important because oxidative damage plays a role in the development of chronic diseases including cancer, cardiovascular disease, and neurodegenerative disease, to name a few.