Let's talk calories in our kombucha!

sherry
Feb 4
2 min read

Let's talk about calories in our kombucha. But first, let's try to understand what calories are and why they are important. Calories are a unit of measurement for energy. They indicate the amount of energy that food and drinks provide to the body. The energy from calories is used for essential bodily functions like breathing, digestion, and physical activity. The body needs calories to function, but consuming too many without burning them through activity can lead to weight gain, while consuming too few can lead to weight loss. Calories in kombucha are primarily counted based on the amount of sugar it contains, as sugar is the main source of calories in this beverage.

Kombucha can lose calories through the fermentation process. Here’s how it works:

1. Sugar Consumption by Bacteria & Yeast

Kombucha is made by fermenting sweetened tea with a SCOBY (Symbiotic Culture of Bacteria and Yeast). The yeast in the SCOBY breaks down the sugar in the tea into alcohol and carbon dioxide. Then, the bacteria convert most of the alcohol into organic acids.

Since sugar is a major source of calories in kombucha, as the fermentation progresses and sugar is consumed, the caloric content naturally decreases.

2. Longer Fermentation = Fewer Calories

A shorter fermentation (7–10 days) leaves more residual sugar, meaning higher calories.
A longer fermentation (14–30 days) allows more sugar to be consumed, reducing calorie content further.

3. Carbonation & Evaporation

During fermentation, carbon dioxide is released, which can slightly reduce calorie density.
If kombucha is left open or improperly sealed, some volatile compounds (like alcohol and organic acids) can evaporate, slightly altering calorie content.

4. Dilution & Secondary Fermentation

Some commercial kombucha brands dilute the final product with water or herbal infusions, reducing calories per serving.
Adding fruit or juice in secondary fermentation can increase or maintain calorie levels, depending on sugar content.

Summary

Kombucha loses calories as the SCOBY consumes sugar, especially during a longer fermentation process. However, the final calorie content depends on factors like fermentation time, added ingredients, and dilution.