Does Kombucha Need to Be Refrigerated?
If we could shout it from the rooftops, we would. Please. Refrigerate. Your. Kombucha. Kombucha is a living beverage, which means that at bottling, the bacteria and yeast found in RISE Kombucha are living, and the fermentation process is still in action when you purchase it. When you don’t refrigerate your Kombucha, it will continue to ferment, making more carbon dioxide and alcohol. The buildup of carbon dioxide will cause pressure to continuously build up in your bottle before you open it. This will cause a reaction similar to when we shake a can of pop.
Authentic Kombucha is NEVER Pasteurized
Authentic kombucha contains live bacterial cultures that need to be refrigerated to maintain its potency. As authentic kombucha is never pasteurized (if it is, it’s actually dead kombucha!), refrigeration is necessary.
Pasteurization is the process of heating a liquid to kill all the living organisms within it. If kombucha is pasteurized, all of its good yeast and bacteria beneficial for our digestive health are destroyed in the process, as well as the enzymes, organic acids, and antioxidants. This is usually done to lengthen the shelf life and cut costs involved in a kombucha beverage. Be aware that pasteurized kombucha drinks typically have added preservatives and higher sugar content.
Store Kombucha at The Right Temperature
To control kombucha’s fermentation process, it must be kept refrigerated at or below 4 degrees celsius. If not kept at this temperature, the fermentation will rapidly continue, producing more alcohol and C02. Continuous fermentation will increase acidity, affecting our kombucha’s flavour profile and raises the risk of cap and bottle breakage.
FAQ: How to Store Kombucha
Kombucha is best enjoyed cold, so it’s best to keep it in your refrigerator or a cooler. Here are a few of the most frequently asked questions we get about consuming kombucha when left unrefrigerated.
How Long Can Kombucha Last Unrefrigerated?
If left unrefrigerated for extended periods (weeks), nature will take its course, and pressure will begin to build up inside the bottle. However, if it’s only for a few hours, you can simply place your bottle back in the fridge – The flavour and culture content should not have changed.
I Left a Bottle of Kombucha Out of the Fridge for a Few Hours. Can I Still Drink It?
Yes, you can still drink your bottle of RISE Kombucha in this case. It’s safe and there will be no effect if it is left outside of the fridge for a couple of hours. As it’s best served cold, we do suggest that you put it back in the fridge for 30 minutes before you enjoy it!
How Can I Take My Kombucha to a Picnic?
Summer is the perfect time to have kombucha during a picnic! Whether you’re taking a bottle of RISE Kombucha to the lake, beach, or the canal, you don’t have to worry about the fermentation process if you plan to drink it soon. We recommend storing it in an iced cooler, so its crisp, fresh taste is refreshing to the last drop.
Does Kombucha Go Bad in The Fridge?
Our classic RISE Kombucha line will retain its freshness, taste, nutritional values, and more, for up to 12 months when stored under appropriate conditions. Our 1g line has an 8-month shelf life at bottling. If you haven’t had your kombucha by its best before date, there is no risk if you do drink it, but the flavor profile and the live culture content may change slightly.
Same goes for opened bottles of RISE Kombucha. You can keep it in the fridge up until it’s best before date and still enjoy it’s delicious flavour and fizziness!
What Happens If Kombucha Is Not Refrigerated?
When you refrigerate your kombucha, the fermentation process essentially stops. Alcohol and acidity levels stay the same, and the beverage will taste the same as when you first put it in the fridge, but if you leave it out, you risk getting a mouthful of vinegar-tasting kombucha that’s overly fermented.
Suppose you have left your RISE Kombucha unrefrigerated for an extended period. In this case, we recommend that you put the bottle back in the refrigerator until the internal temperature reaches 4 degrees, pour it down the drain, and recycle the bottle. If you throw it in the bin from the counter, you run the risk of carbon dioxide buildup. We do, however, recommend that you enjoy your bottle of RISE Kombucha refrigerated for the best taste!
