FAQs

1. What is kombucha?

Kombucha is a live, lightly effervescent tea, fermented by Symbiotic Culture of Bacteria and Yeast (SCOBY). The tea ferments as it interacts with sugar, allowing for good bacteria and yeasts to produce beneficial enzymes and acids. As kombucha derives from fermenting sweet tea, there will be caffeine present within. However, because the natural fermentation process breaks down caffeine and sugars, the amount of caffeine and sugar in the final Kombucha product is significantly reduced.

It is packed with refreshing natural fizz and is a pleasantly sparkling and tangy pick-me-up at any time of the day! Depending on the flavour profile, it can be either sweet and/or sour at the same time. 

 It is often consumed for its health benefits (containing probiotics, vitamin B and antioxidants) or as a source of energy!  Unlike your regular cup of coffee, the caffeine in Kombucha contains an anxiety reducer called L-Theanine which has a calming effect 30-40 minutes after ingestion.

 At moon juice kombucha, we use only premium and fair-trade green and black tea from the mountains of _______. We set a long brew cycle, to ensure that acid interactions are not rushed, and that maximum beneficial enzymes are produced. 

  

2. What are the scientifically backed health benefits of kombucha?

Detoxification	The main compound glycosaminoglycan (GlcUA) in kombucha modifies toxic metabolites and exogenous chemicals ingested into compounds of better solubility for easier excretion. In other words, you get awesome poop.
Kills bad bacteria	Kombucha is rich in tea polyphenols and acetic acid, which have both been shown to inhibit the growth of undesirable bacteria and yeasts.
Energy	Irons set free from tea and the gluconic acid produced from the kombucha culture increases the blood haemoglobin level, thus increasing the oxygen uptake which results in more energy production. It also has small levels of caffeine, and can also act as a coffee substitute!
Probiotics; Mental and physical well-being and health.	Probiotics contained in Kombucha helps to support a healthy gut microbiome. By ensuring sufficient levels of good bacteria in our gut, we prevent inflammation and strengthen our immunity – both physically and mentally. A healthy microbiome improves digestion, helps fend off chronic diseases, allergies and enables your body to function at its peak. After all, it is true that the gut is the second brain! Overall improvement of gut health interacts with the brain and helps regulate mood, alleviate stress and promote better sleep.
Antioxidants; enhancement of immunity	Kombucha contains antioxidants (like vitamin C, vitamin E, beta-carotene, and other carotenoids) which prevents the oxidation of molecules and thereby prevents harmful free radicals’ formation. These properties thereby enhance the body’s immune system and protects against cell damage and the development of inflammatory disease

 

Scientific references you can check out for yourself 

• Dufresne C. and Farnworth E. (2000). Tea, kombucha and health: a review. Food Research International
• https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10888589/)
• (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/1985414/)
• Vina et. al. (2014 ). Current evidence on physiological activity and expected health effects of kombucha fermented beverage. Journal of Medicinal Food

 

3. How is kombucha best enjoyed? Can you drink it as a mixer?

On the rocks, at any time of the day. We like best to consume it on a hot day, after a sweaty workout, and together with meals for a digestive aid (on its own, and yes! As a mixer for cocktails).  

If you have gastric problems, it is best to consume it in small amounts after meals as sourness may cause some discomfort. Also, if you are very sensitive to caffeine, we advise that you limit kombucha consumption in the evening since it does contain small amounts of caffeine.

 

4. How much kombucha should I drink daily?

The only rule is that there are no rules. That said, listen to your body! If you do consume a whole bottle in a day, trust us, you will soon after have the best poop of your life. tried and tested.

 

5. How do I store and open my kombucha?

Please keep refrigerated as leaving it out in the open may re-activate fermentation and cause a change in carbonation and taste. It is best consumed within 2 weeks of purchase.

Please Do NOT shake before opening. Your drink is alive and naturally carbonated.

 

6. When does kombucha expire? What is this brown/yellow sediment in by bottle?

Technically speaking, it doesn’t. Kombucha will continue to ferment slowly in your fridge.  However, as with natural fermentation, the drink will become more sour overtime (think: vinegar!). As such, we recommend consumption within 2 weeks of purchase for the best taste.

By the way, because our juice is raw and unpasteurized, you may find yellow/brown sediments in your bottle. Fear not, they are harmless strands of SCOBY, not Garfield’s fur. They are living proof that your drink is alive, fresh and natural. Feel free to sift them out, or consume them as they are – they are harmless and tastes like jelly! You can even use it as starter to brew your own kombucha.

 

7. Who can drink Kombucha?

Anyone and everyone!

However, if you are advised against caffeine intake by your doctor (i.e. if you are pregnant, or are a breastfeeding mother), please do exercise caution as kombucha does contain caffeine (albeit in low levels). If you are unsure, do contact your healthcare professional.

 

8. Are there side effects of Kombucha?

Only a very small percentage of people might experience what is known as a ‘Healing Crisis’ or Herxheimer Reaction. It occurs when the body starts a detoxifying process as it is flooded with good bacteria and potent detoxifiers, cleaning out certain pathogenic organisms in the body. This experience is typically temporary and the benefits of consuming kombucha increases over time!

 

9. Can you make kombucha with decaffeinated tea and/or without sugar?

 No. Kombucha needs caffeine and sugar to ferment and ultimately produce those wonderful acids, probiotics and enzymes that makes Kombucha beneficial for our gut. That said, rest assured because most of the sugar and caffeine is consumed in the fermentation process! Thus, any caffeine and sugar you are consuming as and end product is only residual and relatively very little.

 

10. How much caffeine and sugar is in kombucha? 

As we do not add any sugar after the original ferment, our brews contain approximately 2-5g of sugar and caffeine levels are approximate to a quarter of a regular cup of tea. For those very sensitive to sugar and caffeine, we have made a special brew for you “________” (this flavour is made with very small amounts of sugar and steeped less for less caffeine. ​

  

11. Does kombucha contain alcohol? 

Like all fermented foods, Kombucha contains a negligible amount of alcohol from the beneficial yeasts (around 0.5% Alcohol By Volume), which is metabolized as soon as you consume it. This is considered non-alcoholic by Food Safety standards.

  

12. Can I give my pets kombucha?

For the love of God please do not even think about it.