Can Kids Drink Kombucha?
Some people drink kombucha for the many health potencies it provides, but do you know if it’s safe and healthy for children? There are some factors to consider before deciding if consuming kombucha is right for your child. In this article, we’ll review why kombuchas can be an excellent alternative to sugary beverages, as well as any possible health concerns you should know before serving your little one their first sip.
What Is Kombucha?
Kombucha is a sparkling beverage made by fermenting tea and sugar with a symbiotic culture of bacteria and yeast (SCOBY). Kombucha is comprised of living cultures, organic acids, and antioxidants that help digestion and support the immune system. Real kombucha (like RISE Kombucha) is raw, unpasteurized, and is filled with good bacteria and yeast that is very potent.
We at RISE Kombucha believe that the most important thing we can do is share our love of kombucha with you. Our flavours are carefully crafted by combining various herbs, spices, and fruits to ensure each bottle is delicious and energizing.
The Potency Of Kombucha
A healthful alternative to sugary soft drinks, kombucha is low in sugar and filled with the living cultures that support your immune system. It’s great for digestion too!
Living cultures: Produced through fermentation by the SCOBY, good bacteria and yeasts found in the intestines support digestion, immunity and mental health.
Antioxidants: The teas and herbs that the kombucha is brewed with are filled with antioxidants that help protect the body’s cells from possible damage.
Organic acids: Organic acids such as gluconic, glucuronic and acetic help balance the PH of the digestive system and allow for consumed minerals to be bioavailable. They are also known for detoxifying the liver and helping with digestion.
Good bacteria: RISE Kombucha is unpasteurized; the enzymes, organic acids, antioxidants, and good yeast and bacteria are left intact.
Gut health: Living cultures, antioxidants and organic acids all play an essential part in gut health.
Can You Drink Too Much Kombucha?
Like all things in life, it is possible to have too much of a good thing. Drinking too much kombucha can lead to excess sugar and calorie intake, and some people experience side effects like digestive distress if they overindulge.
It’s hard to know how your body might react to large quantities of kombucha. You could try a small amount at first, like 4-6 ounces per day, and then work up from there if you feel comfortable with that amount of consumption or cut back on the amount of sugar in your diet by switching to the RISE Kombucha 1g line.
Common Questions Parents Have
Sugar-free drinks for kids are usually a disappointment, as kids only drink them if they taste great. That’s where kombucha comes in! Kombucha tastes good to both adults and children alike while also being loaded with antioxidants and living cultures. However, there are some common questions parents ask before introducing their children to this sparkly fermented beverage.
How Much Sugar Is In Kombucha?
A dash of sugar is essential to our fermentation process. Without it, kombucha couldn’t ferment! The cultures consume that sugar and release CO2 (the bubbles) & ethanol (alcohol).
RISE uses raw, organic, unrefined cane sugar for our fermentation process. Our classic & limited edition flavours have only 5-7 grams of sugar per serving, and our 1g flavours have only 1g. Compared to an 8 oz. glass of orange juice containing roughly 24g of sugar, kombucha is the clear winner. To learn more about the role sugar plays, read our post on The Best Low-Sugar Kombucha.
How Much Caffeine Is In Kombucha?
Kombucha is very low in caffeine, but it does have a little. The average amount of caffeine found in kombucha is roughly 15mg per serving – to which even those sensitive to the substance would hardly notice a difference if they were drinking this tea regularly! The caffeine content can vary based on the type of tea utilized in the fermentation process; however, it’s nowhere near the amount found in a cup of coffee or tea.
When it comes to the caffeine amount found in RISE Kombucha, it purely depends on the flavour. For example, our Rose & Schizandra contains just 8.63 mg per 207ml (7 oz.), whereas our Lemongrass flavour has 19.77 mg per 207ml (7 oz.). For a full list of caffeine quantities, visit our FAQ.
How Much Alcohol Is In Kombucha?
Naturally, the most common question for parents is knowing how much alcohol is found in kombucha. As it is a fermented product, there are some traces of alcohol present in the beverage. However, it is a relatively insignificant amount. Kombucha sold in stores must remain below 0.5% ABV, an amount that is not something to be concerned about for adults or children. This is why kombucha is a popular beverage for those who drink non-alcoholic beverages.
Is It OK For Kids To Drink Kombucha?
As long as it is properly brewed to manage the amount of alcohol, kombucha is a great beverage option for kids. Not only is it a low-sugar alternative to soda and sugary fruit juice, but it also offers excellent nutritional value! Our RISE Kombucha OG and 1g line come in all kinds of unique flavours that kids will love, and they will likely never guess how healthy it is.
Why You Should Avoid Home-Brewed Kombucha
Studies have shown that homebrewed kombucha can reach alcohol levels as high as 3-5% ABV, roughly the same as a mid-strength beer. That’s not something you want to give to your kids! If you are hesitant to serve your children homebrewed kombucha due to its alcohol content, it’s better to purchase it in-store.
