We Tried 5 Types of Kombucha. Here’s the One We All Loved.
Updated: May 24, 2022
Are you hooked on the punchy fermented drink? These are the best kombucha brands to try.
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Just a few years ago, everyone was wondering what is kombucha? Kombucha was only a fringe drink available at health stores. Today the fizzy, fermented beverage is available in most grocery stores, and there’s a bevy of different brands and types to choose from. It’s obvious people are enjoying them for flavor as well as the health benefits. We did a taste test to find the best kombucha brands out there.
The top health benefits of kombucha may surprise you.
What’s the Best Kombucha? We Found Out.
We tried six popular brands of kombucha. We narrowed those results to the top three finalists. While testing, we considered flavor, coloration, level of cloudiness (a sign of robust fermentation action) and smell.
Why is fermentation so good for you?
The Best Kombucha Brand: G.T.’s Enlightened Gingerade
Our favorite kombucha was G.T.’s Organic Enlightened Gingerade. A common kombucha brand, you can find G.T.’s Enlightened at many grocery stores. Organic, non-GMO, vegan and gluten-free, this low-sugar kombucha only contains two ingredients: kombucha starter and freshly pressed ginger juice. What set this kombucha apart for our testers, was the taste. G.T.’s hit the right spot in the sweet-sour spectrum, with a slightly sweet ginger flavor. It was definitely punchy, but not in a just-swallowed-vinegar way.
The Gingerade was slightly carbonated and pleasantly cloudy, with particles of starter visible in the jar. One tester said: “Exactly what kombucha should taste like in my opinion. Slaps you in the face, but in a really good way.” Another compared it to apple cider, saying it was “just right for a fall day…I’d try it warmed.”
And if that doesn’t win you over, you’ll be pleased to know that G.T.’s only contains 2g of sugar per serving. Win!
$4 for a 16-ounce bottle; available at retailers nationwide.
More Bubbly Kombucha Brands
Health-Ade Ginger-Lemon Kombucha
The silver medal goes to Health-Ade’s Organic Ginger-Lemon Kombucha. This is another vegan, gluten-free option that’s also certified raw, which is believed to help preserve nutrients as the ingredients aren’t exposed to heat. The ginger-lemon flavor is made with kombucha starter and pressed ginger and lemon juice, plus green and black teas, which add an energizing boost. It’s also lightly sweetened with 5g of sugar per serving.
At first glance, our testers thought this one looked approachable even for those new to kombucha: a pale yellow hue, plenty of bubbles and a pleasant ginger smell. Some tasters mainly picked up on ginger notes, while others called it lemony. One taster said, “The flavor is worth savoring with a nice level of effervescence. I can’t wait to find out what this is so I can buy it!” Love ginger? These fresh ginger recipes celebrate the spicy root.
$4 for a 16-ounce bottle; available at retailers nationwide.
Get Sippin’
Whether you’re new to kombucha or sip it daily, you can’t go wrong with any of these delicious kombucha brands. Many kombucha lovers enjoy the beverage as a coffee or tea alternative, especially during the hot summer months. Pour a little of the fermented drink over ice, or dilute with still or sparkling water for a smoother sip.
Peachy Navel Infused Water
Get the sweet and fruity taste of a Fuzzy Navel without the schnapps. In a carafe combine water with fresh peach, orange and lime slices. After infusing overnight, serve chilled.
Cinnamon Apple Infused Water
For a fall-inspired infused water, add half a sliced Granny Smith apple, cinnamon stick and four allspice berries to a pitcher of water. Let sit overnight and then serve chilled.
Spring Lemon Verbena Infused Water
Combine 6 fresh lemon verbena sprigs, half a cup of fresh blueberries and water in a large pitcher for a light and herb-y infused water.
Sweet and Spicy Pear Infused Water
In a large pitcher, add a sliced pear, half a sliced peach, a tablespoon of fresh ginger and cover with water. After letting the ingredients steep overnight, serve chilled.
Triple Berry Blast
In a large pitcher, cover half a cup of cut strawberries, raspberries and blackberries with cold water. Let sit in a fridge for 12-24 hours then enjoy.
Spiced Blood Orange Infused Water
Perfect on a fall or winter day, this infused water includes a sliced blood orange, 5 whole cloves and 2 whole star anise. After the ingredients have infused the water overnight, serve chilled. Next, check out our most beautiful blood orange recipes.
Pear and Fennel Infused Water
To a large carafe, add half a sliced pear, 3 fresh rosemary sprigs, half a sliced fennel bulb and water. Serve with ice after steeping for 12-24 hours. Learn how to make clear ice cubes.
Mint Julep Infused Water
If you love this Kentucky Derby-staple, try it water form. Add a few slices of lemon, mint leaves, a tablespoon of ginger slices and water in a large pitcher. Let the ingredients sit overnight, then serve over ice. Craving something a little harder? Here's how to make a mint julep.How We Chose the Winners
Our Taste of Home Test Kitchen and editors team up to taste all kinds of popular foods and run essential kitchen gear through the paces. We rank them, discuss and test again, if needed, to arrive at the products we recommend for you and your kitchen. Find out how we choose the best products and see everything we’ve tested.
Originally Published: January 10, 2020
