Black Tea Kombucha Culture1

Kombucha is a fermented beverage made from tea (usually black or green), sugar, and a SCOBY (Symbiotic Culture Of Bacteria and Yeast). The SCOBY consumes the sugar and tea compounds during fermentation, creating a slightly effervescent, tangy drink with a small amount of alcohol.

Kombucha cultures are used to ferment beverages, primarily kombucha tea. Manufacturers use them to create a probiotic-rich, flavorful drink that is often marketed as a healthier alternative to soda or juice.

Kombucha is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the FDA for its intended use as a food ingredient. While some studies suggest potential health benefits from the probiotics and organic acids in kombucha, more research is needed to confirm these effects. JECFA has evaluated kombucha and its components. Evidence regarding specific health benefits is mixed, and it's important to consume it in moderation due to its sugar and alcohol content.