You’re thirsty. You need something refreshing, but not just anything will hit the spot. You want something tasty, cold, and a bit bubbly. A pick me up with more flavor and fun than water, but less sugar than traditional soda.
Your mouth - and your gut - will be happy if you pick up a nice cold kombucha.
Now that that’s settled, it’s time to pick some up. Where do they sell kombucha? You might be surprised to hear how easy it is to get your hands on some these days.
In the not-so-distant past, if you wanted to shop for kombucha, you had to go to a specialty store that carried health foods, like Whole Foods. Kombucha wasn’t yet mainstream and had the reputation of being a strange beverage reserved for hippies and health enthusiasts.
Thankfully, times have changed.
Today, shopping for kombucha is as easy as going to your neighborhood grocery store or corner convenience store. Yes, even convenience stores now carry kombucha. That’s not all. Restaurants and bars frequently serve kombucha in bottles or on tap. Have you ever had kombucha on tap? It’s definitely worth a try.
Everywhere!
Okay, that’s an exaggeration… but not by much. Kombucha is cropping up in even the most unexpected places. You can now grab a bottle of your favorite brew when you stop for gas, pick up a sandwich at your local cafe, have your afternoon coffee, and pop into your yoga studio.
It’s starting to feel like the most common question has gone from “where do they sell kombucha?” to “which kombucha should I choose?”
The popularity of kombucha comes from a couple of drivers. For one, people are looking for healthier alternatives to sugary beverages and sports drinks, heavy juices, and boring, flavorless water. They’re also looking for zero-proof alternatives to their evening cocktail or beer. They want something refreshing, delicious, and beneficial l - and kombucha definitely fits that bill.
Secondly, more and more consumers are turning to natural products with real ingredients. Tired of the artificial nonsense found in so many foods and beverages, people are turning to real products with simple ingredients. Kombucha fits right in there, too. At least, some kombucha.
As the demand for kombucha has increased dramatically, some independent kombucha makers have been purchased by large beverage manufacturers. These global conglomerates see the rise in kombucha popularity and are taking the opportunity to expand offerings beyond sodas.
Similarly, craft kombucha is following the beer trend. There’s now a dizzying array of kombuchas from which to choose. Of course, not all are made the same.
Finding out where they sell kombucha is one thing, but deciding on the right kombucha is another. And that means reviewing your options.
When shopping for kombucha, you should read labels and go to the brand’s website to find out how it’s made and what’s in it. All kombucha begins as sweet tea, but things can go in dramatically different directions from there, all dependent on who’s manufacturing the kombucha.
One of the primary benefits of kombucha, when made the traditional way, is that it is “raw.” Raw kombucha contains live, beneficial bacteria, much like the bacteria cultures found in yogurt, kefir, and kimchi. If the manufacturer chooses to pasteurize their kombucha - which some do - all of those cultures are killed.
Sad, we know.
Some add in probiotic supplements to repopulate their heated brew, but the cultures aren’t as numerous or as diverse as those that naturally occur during the fermentation process.
Aren’t sure how to tell? Just look for the word “raw” on your bottle or check the brewer’s website to see if they publish it there. Most manufacturers know raw is preferred and will advertise it if theirs is.
Where do they sell kombucha? If you’re checking your local shop, make sure you know where to look. One place you won’t find it is on the soda aisle.
You will find kombucha in the refrigerated beverage section at grocery and convenience stores. Kombucha is a fermented drink that is bottled at just the precise time. Refrigeration stops the fermentation process so the kombucha has the perfect balance of acidity, sweetness and fizz. Left at room temperature, kombucha will continue to ferment and become increasingly more tangy and vinegary.
Most kombucha is sold in glass bottles. Some companies also offer kombucha in clever cans so you can easily pack them when you’re on the go.
Of course, no modern answer to “where do they sell kombucha?” would be complete without mentioning online shopping.
Thankfully, we’re living in an era where not only is kombucha available in shops, restaurants, and fitness studios all over town, it’s also available online. Shopping online for kombucha means it’s easy to stock up on your favorite brew.
You may have noticed a new feature on our Store Locator: An option to buy online now from your favorite retailers. While you’re reading about your favorite Brew Dr. flavor or browsing for recipes, you’ll be able to easily access retailers that will deliver kombucha right to your door, as cold and refreshing as if you bought it from a store.
Our Store Locator is a great way to answer the question of where they sell kombucha. This handy tool will help you any time the craving strikes. Just head over, select your favorite flavor, add your location, and voila! A list of stores where you can pick up your old favorite.
If you’re looking to try something new, you may find the widest selection at places like Whole Foods Market, Sprouts, Natural Grocers, Target, and Safeway. And if you’ve fallen in love with a Brew Dr. Kombucha flavor that your store doesn’t carry, just ask! Many grocery stores will order products for customers.
