Is Kombucha Plant Based?

When you switch to a plant-based diet, it can be tricky to find out what you can consume and what exactly goes into the foods and drinks. A concern among Kombucha lovers is whether the refreshing drink suits a plant-based diet. Let us try to find out whether the two go together!

So, is Kombucha plant-based? Yes, Kombucha is plant based. Kombucha is a sweetened beverage containing tea, sugar and a culture of bacteria and yeast. It is fermented to allow the bacteria to develop probiotic nutrients. Kombucha does not contain any dairy or animal products which is why it is classified as plant based.

Is Kombucha Plant Based?

Some kombucha recipes can contain ingredients not suitable for a plant-based diet. In this article, let us try to learn more about what goes into kombucha to find out whether you should make it a part of your diet. 

Why Kombucha is Plant Based?

Kombucha can often be suitable for a plant-based diet, depending on the ingredients used. As this simple recipe does not contain any dairy or animal-based ingredients, it is easy to say that it is plant-based to a great extent. 

However, it is important to look at the ingredients used in Kombucha to make sure they are free of dairy, honey and white sugar. Only when the kombucha uses a natural form of sugar can it be really called a plant-based food. 

What Are The Main Ingredients of Kombucha?

Kombucha is a fermented drink made out of a few simple ingredients. It is basically prepared by adding a culture of bacteria and yeast to black tea and sugar and left to ferment for days or weeks. Kombucha does not involve other ingredients from animal sources.

Plant-based kombucha uses natural sugar instead of table sugar. It also avoids the use of honey. The living organisms in the drink are those present in any fermented food and are suitable for plant-based diet. 

Kombucha Nutrition

The fermented tea is a probiotic superfood with a tangy, fizzy taste. Kombucha, when consumed on a plant-based diet, is a great source of non-dairy gut-friendly bacteria. It offers several health benefits including antibiotic and probiotic properties that boost digestion and the immune system. 

The nutritional content of kombucha can vary based on what brand you choose and the ingredients. The type of sugar used in the recipe affects the calories and other nutrient content. If the variety contains fruits, the calorie count will increase. 

Here is the nutritional breakdown of a serving of kombucha (8 ounces) according to the USDA stats.

  • Calories – 30
  • Carbohydrates – 5g
  • Fat – 1 g
  • Sodium – 10mg

Like other tea varieties, Kombucha lacks significant nutrition but contains some essential minerals and vitamins including antioxidants, B-complex, niacin and thiamin. What makes this drink healthy is the vitamin B12 content from bacteria and yeast. As plant-based diet followers find it hard to get this vitamin found mainly in animal products, kombucha is a great option containing a high amount of vitamin B12 in just one 8oz cup. 

Conclusion

So, can you enjoy kombucha as a part of a plant-based diet? Yes, it is, in fact, a great addition to your daily diet. It is a healthy beverage that improves your gut health and offers several other benefits. It can be used as an ingredient in other recipes or consumed in its original form. Just remember to make sure it contains plant-based ingredients and is free of any additives or white sugar.