Kombucha 101

Kombucha: The Delicious and Healthy Beverage You've Been Missing Out On 

What is kombucha?

Kombucha is a fermented tea that is often consumed for its health benefits. It is made by combining tea leaves, sugar, and a symbiotic culture of bacteria and yeast (commonly referred to as SCOBY) and allowing it to ferment for several days or weeks. Or to put it another way, it's a cup of sweet tea (without milk), that has undergone a completely natural biological process to convert much of the sugar into other beneficial organic compounds. If you have an understanding of cider making, you can think of kombucha as being fermented sweet tea in the same way as cider is fermented apple juice - the processes are quite similar.

The end result is a fizzy, slightly tangy beverage that is said to aid digestion, boost the immune system, and provide other health benefits. Kombucha is often consumed as a non-alcoholic alternative to beer or wine and is available in many different flavours but we brew our Kombucha to taste more like a fizzy tea and have more savory flavours. If you're looking to learn more about the benefits of Kombucha and the science, check out this research listed on Science Direct, or the National Library of Medicine which look at ways Kombucha is being researched as a fantastic health-improving drink.

What makes Left Field Kombucha different to other Kombucha drinks?

Our kombucha is craft-brewed in the UK. We do not add fruits during secondary fermentation. We believe that finest quality teas have all the aromatics needed for a natural flavour. Kombucha as it should be. Our kombucha is low in sugar and brewed with a lower acidity, leading to a drink which is refreshing yet still packs a feel good punch! We make an award-winning kombucha. Our kombucha is made to pair with dinner, lunch, brunch, breakfast, and midnight snacks!

What are the health benefits of drinking kombucha?

Drinking kombucha can have numerous health benefits that make it a great addition to a healthy lifestyle. Kombucha is a fermented tea that is rich in healthy bacteria, antioxidants, and organic acids. These beneficial compounds can help support gut health, boost the immune system, and improve digestion. Additionally, kombucha has been shown to reduce inflammation, lower blood sugar levels, and promote heart health. So, if you're looking for a delicious and healthy drink that can help improve your overall well-being, be sure to try Left Field Kombucha today and look at our Taster Pack.

Is kombucha safe to drink?

Yes, kombucha is generally considered safe to drink. However, it is important to purchase from a reputable source and to follow proper handling and storage procedures to avoid contamination. Our Kombucha has several health benefits, including improved digestion and immune support. Give your health a boost with Left Field Kombucha, a delicious and nutritious option for any health enthusiast. Try our variety of flavours and experience the benefits of this popular health drink. Order now and experience the refreshing taste of Left Field Kombucha!

Where to buy Kombucha in the UK?

You can buy Kombucha from lots of online retailers in the UK as this segment of the tea market is exploding. We'd advise trying one of our four Kombucha Tea as our range is multi-award winning with the Great Taste Awards for it's flavour and health benefits. We have a range of flavours that appeal to everyone's taste - an earthy savoury one, a zesty one, a floral one and a fruity one - you can try them all in our Taster Pack.

What is the difference between kombucha and other fermented beverages?

Kombucha is a unique fermented beverage that sets itself apart from other fermented drinks. Unlike traditional wine or beer, kombucha is made from a blend of tea, sugar, and a symbiotic colony of bacteria and yeast called SCOBY. This combination creates a delicious, tangy taste with a slight effervescence that is not found in other fermented beverages. Kombucha is also known for its numerous health benefits, including improved digestion, boosted immune system, and increased energy. So, if you're looking for a tasty and healthy alternative to other fermented drinks, give Left Field Kombucha a try today!

Is kombucha alcoholic?

Kombucha can contain a small amount of alcohol due to the fermentation process, but the majority of commercial kombucha products contain less than 0.5% alcohol by volume and are considered non-alcoholic. However, there are some kombucha brands that produce a higher alcohol content, so it's important to check the label if you have concerns about alcohol consumption. At Left Field Kombucha, our Kombucha is under 0.25% ABV. Our carbonation levels are less than champagne or prosecco, but you still get that sparkling sensation.

What ingredients are used to make kombucha?

Left Field Kombucha is made with organic green tea or black tea, organic sugar, and a SCOBY (symbiotic fermentation culture of bacteria and yeast). We don't use any fruits, herbs, or spices to add flavor to our kombucha. We never use any artificial ingredients or sweeteners, ensuring that our kombucha is a healthy and refreshing beverage for our audience. All this means that Left Field Kombucha is full of healthy organic acids, is super low in sugar, and therefore has very low calories.

How do you store kombucha?

To ensure your Left Field Kombucha retains its quality, we’ve made our Kombucha shelf stable so that it can be left at room temperature for 6 months. We recommend storing it away from direct sunlight, and somewhere cool and dark is best. We love popping off the cap of a bottle of Sencha Green after a long day to enjoy a healthy, savoury tea tipple.

Why choose Left Field Kombucha?

Left Field Kombucha is the perfect beverage for the health-conscious drinker looking for a tasty and healthy alternative to sugary drinks. Our kombucha is refreshing, low in calories, and packed with organic acids that can help improve digestion and boost the immune system. We only use organic, natural ingredients to make our kombucha, and we never use any artificial sweeteners or flavors. Plus, our kombucha is vegan, gluten-free, and contains no GMOs. So, if you want to experience the delicious and healthy benefits of kombucha, choose Left Field Kombucha today!

Where can I learn more about Kombucha?

Below are some brilliant articles from online publications that provide more information on the health benefits of drinking Kombucha. Incidentally, BBC Good Food reviewed Left Field's Kombucha and said that our Kombucha is 'really something special'. If you want to find out why, try our Taster Pack.

Articles on Kombucha Health Benefits:

  1. BBC Good Food
  2. Every Day Health
  3. Cleveland Clinic
  4. Healthline
  5. Forbes

Kombucha is a source of healthy bacteria

The healthy bacteria in Kombucha are natural. As a result, they are said to improve gut health and boost the immune system. In our opinion, Left Field Kombucha is the perfect choice for health-conscious individuals who want to incorporate a refreshing beverage that has been used for hundreds of years to improve their gut health. Our kombucha is made with organic ingredients, is low in calories, and is full of healthy organic acids that are said to aid in digestion and support overall health. Our commitment to using only natural ingredients and avoiding artificial sweeteners and flavours ensures that our kombucha is a healthier alternative to other sugary drinks.

By choosing Left Field Kombucha, you are not only making a healthy choice for yourself, but you are also supporting a small business committed to quality and sustainability. We use only the finest organic ingredients, and our kombucha is brewed in small batches to ensure the best possible taste and quality. So why settle for less? Choose Left Field Kombucha and experience the delicious and healthy benefits of this amazing beverage today!

Is Kombucha safe for everyone?

Kombucha is not advised for pregnant or breastfeeding women, or those who have a compromised immune system. It is important to reiterate that there haven’t been many human clinical studies to prove its safety though and most of the people that can't drink Kombucha would also not be able to eat blue cheese or any unpasturised food and drinks.

There have been some reports that drinking too much can lead to unpleasant side effects, such as stomach ache, nausea and dizziness. Fermented foods, including kombucha, are high in histamine, so those with a histamine intolerance should be wary that consuming kombucha may exacerbate symptoms.

Buy Kombucha online?

You can buy Kombucha from lots of online retailers in the UK as this segment of the tea market is exploding. We'd advise trying one of our four Kombucha Tea as our range is multi-award winning with the Great Taste Awards for it's flavour and health benefits. We have a range of flavours that appeal to everyone's taste - an earthy savoury one, a zesty one, a floral one and a fruity one - you can try them all in our Taster Pack.

Where does Kombucha come from?

Kombucha originated in China over 2000 years ago and has since gained popularity around the world for its health benefits and delicious taste. It is made by fermenting tea with a symbiotic culture of bacteria and yeast, also known as a SCOBY. This process produces a tangy and slightly fizzy drink that is packed with probiotics and other beneficial compounds. At Left Field Kombucha, we are proud to continue this ancient tradition and bring you the best-tasting and healthiest kombucha on the market.

How long does it take to brew kombucha?

Left Field Kombucha is brewed for several weeks to achieve its perfect balance of flavour and healthy bacteria. Our small-batch brewing process ensures that every bottle of our kombucha is packed with natural goodness, making it the perfect drink for the health-concious who prioritise their well-being. Whether you're looking to boost your immune system or simply enjoy a refreshing and delicious drink, Left Field Kombucha is the perfect choice for you. So why wait? Try our kombucha today and experience the benefits of our carefully crafted brewing process for yourself!

How is Kombucha Tea made?

Fermentation, as a process of food production might not sound all that appealing. But, bear in mind, that it is an essential process in producing a variety of food and drink - cider, beer, wine (and their derivative products such as whisky and brandy); bread, cheese, yogurt and even chocolate. These are all (save for a few exceptions) produced by fermentation by yeast, bacteria, or both.

One of the key differences between kombucha and other fermented drinks is that it naturally contains trace levels of alcohol. This is the result of using a combination of yeast and bacteria - the yeast creates alcohol, and the bacteria blasts it, converting it into other organic acids. So the end result is a refreshing drink with a rather aromatic tea flavour. In fact, the quality of the tea is paramount to the final product - supermarket own-brand tea bags just won't cut it.

Because it is a fermented drink, it has a maturity of flavour that is far beyond the original tea. Of course, the same is often said of all the other products described above. You could take a quantity of milk, split it three ways, and produce a range of different cheeses from the same raw material, all the result of the power of fermentation.

Without a contribution from yeast and bacteria, there would be no kombucha. We hope you enjoy their work. Please have a read of the reasons to drink our kombucha.