Yahoo News Six of the best kombucha drinks, tried and tested
Unless you’ve been living under a rock for the past few years, you will no doubt have noticed the rapid growth of kombucha. Like kefir and sauerkraut, this fermented, sweetened tea drink is increasing in popularity due to its probiotic content – during the fermentation of tea, bacteria and yeast form and develop in the manufacturing process.
Like kefir and sauerkraut, kombucha has been consumed in eastern Europe for centuries; it’s nothing new. Because of the fermentation process, it contains trace amounts of alcohol.
While all sorts of health claims are made, many of which may turn out to be unfounded, there is growing evidence the probiotics that the drink contains benefit gut health.
However, as scientists often like to say: “Further research is required.” An increasing number of flavoured kombuchas have now announced themselves colourfully on the market, and we dutifully put them to the test.
6. Los Bros organic kombucha passion fruit
Floral in taste, and a little sour, with a touch of passion fruit at the end. Fizzier than most, but smells stronger than it tastes. A little bland.
6/10
5. Equinox kombucha raspberry and elderflower
Smells like fruit laces, and drinks like red fruit cider. There isn't much bitterness or sourness, which will make it much easier to drink for the sceptics.
7/10
4. Rude Health original kombucha
£2.65 for 250ml, Planet Organic
Sour-smelling and plain, but with a lovely, dry bitterness of green tea that comes through more than most. Refreshing and crisp with the right level of fizz.
8/10
3. Fix8 citrus saffron kombucha
£3.75 for 240ml, thevegankindsupermarket.com
A pungent mix of funky fermented tea and citrusy notes, with a honey-like aftertaste. A good balance of sweet, bitter and sour, and on the fizzier side.
8/10
2. Genie Living Drinks crisp citrus kombucha
£28.80 for 12x330ml, geniedrinks.co.uk
A herbal, crisp and almost elderflowery scent. The taste is fruit and pungent, and a touch vinegary, with a sugary hit at the end. Like a fancy iced tea, refreshing and delicious.
9/10
1. Real Kombucha Royal Flush
£1.95 for 330ml, thewhiskyexchange.com
A very clean-tasting product (the only ingredients are Darjeeling tea, sugar, water and kombucha cultures). It's delicately lemony, slightly sweet, lightly fizzy and pleasingly tangy. A hit.
10/10
