The best kombucha you can buy in the UK (2023)

It didn’t seem all too long ago that if you wanted to buy a bottle of kombucha you would have to visit your local health foods shop where you were likely to only find a small selection of Equinox kombucha (the OGs), with their original hippy branding.

Nowadays kombucha is absolutely everywhere. It takes up most of the fridge space in a Holland & Barrett and you’ll likely find a few different brands on the shelves in your local supermarket.

Kombucha has had such a glow-up that you can now get kombucha wine, beer (or as my partner calls it, kombeercha), gut shots, adaptogenic kombucha, and much more.

It is great to see it becoming so popular because not only is it a much healthier option than sugary soft drinks, and even their sweetener-packed ‘diet’ alternatives, but it also postively contributes to our gut health! This is because kombucha is a fermented drink full of live bacteria – making it a great plant-based source of probiotics.

I am a regular drinker of kombucha and love trying out new brands that I see pop up online and in the supermarkets. I now want to share the best kombucha that you can buy in the UK right now!

My top picks

• Best fermented taste: Momo Kombucha | Skip to review
• Best kombucha flavours: HOLOS Kombucha | Skip to review
• Best CBD kombucha: Hip Pop Kombucha | Skip to review
• Best alcohol alternative: Counter Culture Kombucha | Skip to review
• Best organic kombucha: Equinox Kombucha | Skip to review
• Best range of kombucha: No.1 Living Kombucha | Skip to review

What is kombucha?

Kombucha was born from the alchemy of tea, sugar, and a symbiotic culture of bacteria and yeast (a SCOBY) which is believed to have originated from Northeast China from as far back as 220 B.C. (read more here). It is a fermented drink that can come flavoured or unflavoured and can be served either fizzy or still, depending on how it is brewed.

The sugar is pretty much eaten away during the fermentation process making it a low sugar drink. You will often find the fermented drink is then mixed in with fruit juices to add a natural sweetness. But it still remains a low calorie drink.

You should find the flavour to be quite tangy thanks to the fermentation process. It may come as a surprise at first, like when drinking either Momo or Holos, but with time you’ll definitely come round to it.

What are the benefits of drinking kombucha?

Whilst there is still limited scientific research on the benefits of drink kombucha, there is evidence to suggest that you could experience the following benefits:

• Probiotic potential: Kombucha is a source of live bacteria and yeast, which are beneficial for gut health. These probiotics are effective at maintaining a balanced gut microbiome, which can have positive effects on digestion and immune function. Making a great alternative to probiotic supplements (see scientific study).
• Antioxidant properties: Kombucha contains compounds like polyphenols and flavonoids, which are known for their antioxidant properties. Antioxidants help neutralize harmful free radicals in the body and may contribute to reducing oxidative stress (see scientific study).
• Improved digestion: Some proponents claim that the probiotics in kombucha can aid digestion and alleviate gastrointestinal discomfort, though more research is needed to establish these effects conclusively.
• Potential immune support: The gut microbiome plays a significant role in immune system function. By promoting a healthy gut, kombucha might indirectly support immune health.
• Glucuronic acid: Kombucha fermentation produces glucuronic acid, which some believe can aid in the body’s detoxification processes. However, the levels of glucuronic acid in kombucha might not be as high as originally thought.
• Joint health: Kombucha contains glucosamines, which are compounds associated with joint health. However, the amount of glucosamines in kombucha may be insufficient to have a significant impact on joint health.
• Heart health: Some research has indicated that tea (one of the main ingredients in kombucha) consumption may be associated with a reduced risk of heart disease. Kombucha might share some of these potential benefits (see scientific study).

How much kombucha can you drink in one day?

There really is no scientific research to suggest that there is a right or wrong amount of kombucha to drink in a day. Instead, I would suggest you should base the amount you drink on these factors:

• Your tolerance to probiotics: Is your body used to probiotic supplements? If not, it may react badly if you consume a lot at first. So ease your body in gradually.
• The calories in the drink: Most kombucha is low in calories, but if you drink quite a few a day then it may be tipping you over the edge of your daily recommended intake.
• Your tolerance to caffeine: Kombucha is made using green tea or black tea, meaning it does contain caffeine. If you are sensitive to caffeine take it easy and up your intake as you gauge your body’s reaction to the caffeine.
• Whether you have any sensitivities to alcohol: Kombucha is really low in alcohol, normally around 0.5% (which technically makes it non-alcoholic), but if you are sensitive to alcohol then even this may be too much. So give small amounts a try at first.
• The price of the kombucha: Obviously, anything high-quality and worth consuming comes at a high price. Which is definitely worth spending, but if you are on a budget then you may want to be wary of downing a few of these every day. You’ll definitely start burning through cash.

Here is the best kombucha

These are all kombucha brands that I have tried and tested. It includes a mix of different styles of kombucha, some with strong fermented tastes and others more subtle. There is something for everyone here!