Why Home Brewed Kombucha is (Generally) Tastier, Healthier, & Better

Kombucha is a fermented tea drink that has gained popularity in recent years due to its health benefits and unique flavor — and is made by combining tea, sugar, and a kombucha culture (also known as a SCOBY) and allowing it to ferment for several days or weeks. This process creates a refreshing and slightly effervescent beverage that is rich in probiotics and other beneficial compounds, and many people enjoy drinking kombucha and are interested in brewing it at home.  Home brewing allows you to control the ingredients and flavors of the kombucha, and can also save you LOTS of money compared to buying kombucha at a store.  In addition, home brewed kombucha is often fresher and more vibrant in flavor than store bought kombucha.

There are many potential reasons why home brewed kombucha may be considered better than store bought kombucha. In this article, we will explore these reasons in more detail and provide a list of reasons why home brewed kombucha is generally better than store bought kombucha.  Whether you are a seasoned kombucha brewer or are just starting out, this article will provide valuable information and inspiration for your home brewing journey.

There are several reasons why home brewed kombucha may be considered better than store bought kombucha, including:

1. Freshness:  Home brewed kombucha is typically fresher than store bought kombucha because it has not been sitting on a shelf for an extended period of time.  This means that the flavors of the kombucha are likely to be more vibrant and the probiotics in the drink may be more active.
2. Cost savings:  Brewing kombucha at home is generally much less expensive than buying it at a store. This is because the cost of the ingredients is relatively low and you can produce a large quantity of kombucha at once, which means that the cost per serving is significantly lower.  Generally speaking, brewing with Raw Brewing Co. brewing products can save you upwards of 90% versus store bought.
3. Convenience:  Although brewing kombucha at home requires some time and effort, it can be a convenient option in the long run.  This is because you can brew a large batch of kombucha at once, which can last for several weeks.  This means that you can have a supply of fresh kombucha on hand at all times, without having to make frequent trips to the store.
4. Health benefits:  Kombucha is a fermented drink that contains a range of beneficial probiotics, which can support gut health and improve digestion. When you brew kombucha at home, you can use high quality ingredients, such as organic tea and sugar, which can provide additional health benefits. Store bought kombucha, on the other hand, may contain ingredients that aren’t the best for your health.  And you can also control which culture you use, as you should know not all cultures are created equal, and the benefits of some far exceed the benefits of others.
5. Quality of the kombucha culture:  When you brew kombucha at home, you can use a high quality kombucha culture, also known as a SCOBY (symbiotic culture of bacteria and yeast). This means that the kombucha will have a healthy and robust colony of probiotics, which can provide a range of health benefits.  Store bought kombucha, on the other hand, may not always be made with a high quality culture.
6. Environmental benefits:  Brewing kombucha at home reduces the amount of packaging waste that is generated, compared to buying kombucha in bottles or cans.  This is because you can brew the kombucha in a large container and then transfer it to reusable bottles or containers for storage. This can help to reduce your carbon footprint and support sustainable living.  Additionally, packaged kombucha is heavy and take lots of energy (fuel) to get from the the ingredients and packaging suppliers to brewery, to the distribution centers, to the stores, and then finally to you.
7. Control over carbonation:  When you brew kombucha at home, you have complete control over the level of carbonation in the finished product. This means that you can adjust the amount of sugar and the length of the fermentation process to create kombucha with the perfect level of fizziness. With store bought kombucha, you don’t have the same level of control over carbonation, which can result in a less enjoyable drinking experience.
8. Control over ingredients:  When you brew kombucha at home, you have complete control over the ingredients that are used. This means that you can choose high quality ingredients, such as organic tea and sugar, and avoid any artificial flavors or preservatives.
9. Customization:  When you brew kombucha at home, you can experiment with different flavors and ingredients to create unique and personalized blends.  This allows you to tailor the kombucha to your own personal taste preferences.
10. Increased knowledge and understanding:  When you brew kombucha at home, you can learn about the process and gain a deeper understanding of how kombucha is made.  This can be a fun and educational experience, and can also help you to troubleshoot any issues that may arise during the brewing process. T his knowledge and understanding can be beneficial if you want to brew other fermented drinks, such as kefir or mead.
11. Sense of accomplishment:  Brewing kombucha at home can be a rewarding experience, as it allows you to create something from scratch using natural ingredients.  This can give you a sense of accomplishment and pride, and can also be a fun hobby that you can share with others.
12. Avoidance of potential contaminants:  When you brew kombucha at home, you can take steps to prevent the growth of any potential contaminants, such as mold or harmful bacteria. This is because you are in control of the brewing environment and can ensure that it is clean and sterile. Store bought kombucha, on the other hand, may be exposed to a range of potential contaminants during the bottling and transportation process.
13. Avoidance of artificial flavors and sweeteners:  Some store bought kombucha products contain artificial flavors and sweeteners — or ingredients that just aren’t that great (we are looking at you Pepsi, and what you’ve done with Kevita).  When you brew kombucha at home, you can avoid these ingredients and instead use natural flavors and sweeteners, such as fresh fruit and different sugar sources.  This can make the kombucha more delicious and healthy.
14. Support of traditional fermentation methods:  Brewing kombucha at home allows you to support traditional fermentation methods and keep the art of kombucha making alive.  This is because home brewing allows you to create kombucha using the same methods and techniques that have been used for centuries.  Store bought kombucha, on the other hand, is often mass produced using industrial processes that may not reflect the traditional methods of kombucha making.

Brewing kombucha at home allows you to create a high quality and delicious drink that is tailored to your own personal preferences.  It also allows you to save money, reduce waste, and can be a fun and educational hobby that provides numerous health benefits.  If you are interested in brewing kombucha at home, we’ve got all the necessary free educational resources (Raw University), free brewing tools, and products available to help you get started. And with just a little bit of time and effort, you can easily brew delicious brewery quality kombucha at home, every time, with the RBC system!