When Should You Drink Kombucha, and How Much?

So, you’ve discovered kombucha. You like the taste, you like the fact that it’s a natural product, and you like that it has probiotics that will help your gut health stay optimal. You even like that it’s trendy and that there are some great flavors out there. Kombucha is undoubtedly one of the most exciting beverages on the market today, but we all know that you can have too much of a good thing.

So is there such a thing as too much kombucha? How do you know when to drink kombucha and how much? Read on to find out.

When to Kombucha and How Much: Recommended Daily Allowance

When it comes to the question of when to drink kombucha and how much, there really isn’t a standard recommendation. As with most things, you can go overboard, even with water! 

It’s important to remember that recommended daily allowances don’t apply universally to everyone, though. The amount that’s good for an average-sized person is not the same as what a larger person might be able to consume. So, you should use your discretion based on the manufacturer’s recommendations and your own body type.

Related: What Is Raw Kombucha?

What Happens If You Have Too Much Kombucha?

Another question many people ask when they are trying to work out when to drink kombucha and how much is what happens if they have too much.

The first thing you need to know here is that this varies enormously depending on where you get your kombucha and your own body. 

Because kombucha is a fermented product, it naturally has some alcohol in it, and kombuchas will vary in their alcohol amounts. The alcohol in the final product results from yeast consuming and fermenting sugar into C02 and ethanol. Most of this is removed during processing, but there’s usually a trace amount left. Reputable kombucha manufacturers are careful to monitor the alcohol content and overall safety of their product, so it’s like drinking any other commercial beverage. Moderation is always a good idea, but you can be sure you’ve got a healthy and safe product.

Related: Alcohol in Kombucha: What You Need to Know

If you’re drinking homemade kombucha, there’s a lot less certainty. There’s no way to know for sure whether the product is entirely safe or how much alcohol is in each cup, so you should approach those kinds of products with a little extra caution.

Most people won’t feel any adverse effects if they have more than the recommended quantity of kombucha. However, if you are pregnant or immune-compromised, you should ask your doctor what they recommend since your diet often has restrictions. 

When to Drink Kombucha?

Kombucha is a great thirst quencher. It also has a very mild caffeine content from the tea base. 

Most of the caffeine from tea is used up during the fermentation process, but a little is left over after brewing. So you might feel a little energy boost from drinking kombucha, but it’s mild enough that you can drink it at any time of day.

This makes kombucha a great option to enjoy with breakfast, as a midday pick me up at the office, or while you are on a hike or enjoying a picnic. It’s a very refreshing beverage, and it can be enjoyed on its own or paired with a meal.

Kombucha is also a great addition to a party or barbecue, and it works well as a mixer in several kinds of cocktails. In fact, if you haven’t tried using kombucha in mocktails and cocktails, you’re missing out! It offers a unique and interesting element to other beverages that you won’t find in plain juices or sugary sodas. If you really want to relax and unwind, you can even find cannabis-infused kombucha products.

Related: What Is Hard Kombucha Made Of?

How to Stay Safe While Enjoying Kombucha

Now that you know when to drink kombucha and how much, the next thing you need to know is how to make sure you’re playing it safe when you’re drinking kombucha. As we’ve already mentioned, most of the guidelines for this product are based on commercial brewing, and there are far fewer safety protocols when you’re dealing with a home-brewed product.

So, here’s how you can safely enjoy kombucha when you feel like it:

• Whenever possible, choose a product from a reputable brewer – they will monitor everything from the alcohol content to the fermenting process, so you know what you’re getting in every can or bottle. You can find great kombucha in most grocery stores, convenient stores, cafes and restaurants, and even bars (remember our tip on cocktails)!
• Make sure you store your kombucha according to the manufacturer’s guidelines, which always includes refrigeration. Remember that your raw kombucha contains live probiotics that you want to keep alive and happy. The refrigerator is their happy place!
• While most people feel great after consuming kombucha, not everyone’s digestive system is the same. If you feel gastrointestinal distress after having kombucha, stop drinking it and talk to your doctor.
• Talk to your doctor first whether they have any recommendations about you consuming kombucha if you have a health condition or are pregnant. 

In general, kombucha is entirely safe and a great way to quench your thirst, and it comes in lots of tasty flavors to keep things interesting. However, like any product, it’s best enjoyed in moderation. Drink it straight from the bottle, mix it into recipes and cocktails, or just sip on it throughout the day. You’ll be adding gut-healthy probiotics to your system and potentially reducing the amount of sugar and caffeine you consume if you drink sodas, energy drinks, or sweetened coffee and tea beverages.

Safe, Tasty Raw Kombucha

Brew Dr. has been making kombucha for a long time, and our facility is set up to make raw kombucha products that are safe, delicious, and full of the probiotics that your gut will love.Our processes are designed to ensure that all our products are safe and delicious to drink. Find a flavor you love today!