What Is Raw Kombucha?

Key points

• Raw kombucha is a fermented tea that has not been pasteurised. Raw kombucha is a traditional kombucha beverage that preserves all the naturally-occurring bacteria and probiotics. It’s believed to improve digestion and promote gut health.
• Some commercial manufacturers pasteurise kombucha, which kills all the naturally-occurring bacteria. Then they infuse the drink with their own probiotics. However, raw kombucha has been shown to be more beneficial to human health than the pasteurised version.
• It’s recommended to choose commercially available brands over homemade kombucha. Kombucha made at home may be contaminated with pathogens. It’s also recommended to avoid drinking kombucha if you’re pregnant or nursing. 

So, what is Kombucha? Kombucha has become one of the most popular and high-demand beverages on the soft drink market, with thousands of people drinking it for its numerous health benefits. But raw kombucha offers something different with an even more unique smell and taste that people instantly hate or love. 

Kombucha originated in China, where it was used in traditional medicine for thousands of years. Now it’s all over the shelves in shops all across the world. While many of us know what kombucha is, a lot of people haven’t heard of raw kombucha. Let’s talk about it in this article. 

What Is Kombucha?

Kombucha is a fermented probiotic-rich drink that delivers many health benefits, such as improved gut health, detoxification, and an immune system boost. Every kombucha brewer uses pretty much the same recipe with the same basic ingredients: water, tea, sugar, yeast, and bacteria. This bacteria is also often referred to as a SCOBY or symbiotic colony of bacteria and yeast. This colony of microorganisms feeds on sugar in the tea, which results in fermentation. It works similarly to the process of making wine, as alcohol, vinegar, and CO2 are formed during fermentation as byproducts. These byproducts are responsible for kombucha’s distinct flavour. 

During the first fermentation, the SCOBY eats the sugar, which gives kombucha a sour taste. After that, the SCOBY is removed. You can consume kombucha at this point, but it doesn’t have any flavour yet. All the flavour and carbonation are added during the second fermentation. That’s when kombucha is kept in glass fermenting bottles that are filled with fruit, juice, or herbs for flavouring. After that, kombucha is ready to be refrigerated and consumed.

Raw vs Pasteurised Kombucha

Raw kombucha is the same as unpasteurised kombucha, meaning that it contains all the natural probiotics because the beverage hasn’t been heated to the point when all bacteria are killed. Most kombucha on the market is sold raw, and brands that sell pasteurised kombucha replace the naturally occurring bacteria with their own probiotics. 

Added probiotics don’t deliver as many benefits as naturally-occurring ones, and they are not diverse. Keeping beneficial bacteria in the beverage is crucial because, in the end, kombucha is fermented tea. Those manufacturers who pasteurise their kombucha do it for various reasons: some for safety precautions, others pasteurise their kombucha to remove alcohol, which also occurs naturally during fermentation. 

In simple words, raw kombucha is a beverage that contains live, naturally occurring bacteria. 

Probiotics in Kombucha

Probiotics are live bacteria that promote healthy digestive system functioning. Don’t be confused with the word bacteria because most people associate it with something bad. 

But in reality, our bodies contain lots of different good bacteria strains that help us to survive. Probiotics are some of them. They are proven to improve digestive function and prevent diarrhoea, as well as boost energy levels and improve mental health. These bacteria are found in different fermented products, including yoghurt, kefir, and sauerkraut. Consuming “raw kombucha” ensures that you get these healthy probiotics and allow your body to take advantage of the benefits they deliver.

Risks Of Drinking Raw Kombucha

While the risks of drinking raw kombucha are very rare, you should still be aware of them. When made improperly, kombucha could pose some health risks. For instance, homemade kombucha may be contaminated with pathogens, which is why it’s recommended to choose commercially available products that usually go through quality assurance testing. You also shouldn’t drink kombucha if you’re pregnant or nursing. Otherwise, raw kombucha is just as safe as yoghurts and kefir. 

There are numerous ways you can incorporate kombucha into your diet. You can put it in a cocktail or mix it with juice. You can add kombucha to your morning smoothie as well. And if you’re looking for more beneficial and healthy drinks to include in your diet, try sparkling spirulina drinks. 

FUL® Sparkling Spirulina Drinks

You may have heard of spirulina - superfood algae revered for its nutritional value. Of course, the biggest issue with spirulina is its smell and taste. After all, nobody likes to eat or drink something that tastes like fish food, no matter how nutritious it is. But the good news is that you can now enjoy delicious spirulina beverages on the go whenever you want! FUL® sparkling spirulina drinks are healthy, all-natural carbonated drinks that provide all the nutrients of spirulina extract. If you’re looking for a delicious soft drink that has many health benefits as kombucha (if not more), try FUL®. 

Spirulina is abundant in antioxidants and chlorophyll that eliminate pollutants from the body. This super algae also helps to maintain pH balance by alkalising the body. Spirulina contains essential minerals and vitamins that are vital for your overall well-being. Numerous studies found that spirulina has antifungal, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties, and it is widely considered to be the best dietary supplement out there. 

Plus, FUL® sparkling spirulina drinks taste amazing without even a trace of spirulina’s natural taste or smell. FUL® is made using a special extraction process that eliminates the fishy taste while preserving all the nutrients. Choose your favourite flavour, place an order, and have these delicious drinks delivered to your doorstep.

FAQ