It's all about the brew. Does kombucha have caffeine? Keep reading to learn everything about how caffeine levels in kombucha compare to your morning coffee or tea.

Kombucha has become somewhat of a superstar in the world of health drinks, praised for its unique, tangy flavour and potential benefits. However, one question many newcomers often ask is: Does kombucha contain caffeine? The simple answer is yes, but the amount of caffeine depends on several factors, which we'll break down for you in this post. Keep reading to learn everything about kombucha and how its caffeine levels compare to your morning coffee or tea.

What Exactly Is Kombucha?

Before we get into specifics, it’s helpful to understand what kombucha is. At its core, it is a fermented tea drink made by combining tea, sugar, and a SCOBY (Symbiotic Culture of Bacteria and Yeast). This magical mix ferments over time, transforming the tea into the slightly fizzy, tangy drink people love. Beyond its unique taste, it is also known for being packed with probiotics and antioxidants, contributing to its reputation as a health-boosting beverage.

Kombucha is typically made with either black or green tea, both of which naturally contain caffeine. This is where caffeine starts to come into play. Spoiler alert: while kombucha does contain caffeine, it’s not quite on the same level as your regular cup of coffee.

Does Kombucha Contain Caffeine?

Yes, kombucha does contain caffeine, and the reason for that is simple—it’s brewed from tea! Whether the base is black, green, or another type of tea, the caffeine content from the tea itself carries over into the finished drink. However, there’s good news for those keeping an eye on caffeine intake. Kombucha generally has much less caffeine than its non-fermented tea counterpart.

The fermentation process plays a role here. While fermenting, the yeast and bacteria in the SCOBY consume some of the tea’s caffeine to fuel the process. This leaves kombucha with lower caffeine levels than the tea it started with.

Still, the final amount of caffeine depends on several variables, which we’ll explore next.

What Influences Caffeine Levels in Kombucha?

Several factors can influence just how much caffeine is in your bottle or glass. Here's what makes the difference.

1. Type of Tea Used

The choice of tea is the main factor. Black tea generally contains more caffeine than green tea, so kombucha made with black tea will typically have higher caffeine levels. Herbal teas, on the other hand, are naturally caffeine-free, so kombucha made with these will have minimal or no caffeine at all (depending on whether a regular tea blend is also added).

2. Brewing and Fermentation Time

The longer it ferments, the more the bacteria and yeast consume caffeine. A shorter brew time might leave you with slightly more caffeine in your kombucha, while a longer fermentation can lower it further.

3. Homemade vs Store-Bought

When making kombucha at home, you have control over the tea you use and the brewing process. This gives you flexibility in terms of caffeine content. Store-bought varieties typically list their caffeine levels on the label, but it tends to stay in the low range to suit a wider audience.

How Much Caffeine Is in Kombucha Compared to Other Drinks?

For most people, the caffeine in kombucha isn’t anything to stress about. To put it into perspective...

• Kombucha: 10-25 mg of caffeine per 8-ounce serving.
• Coffee: 95 mg or more per 8-ounce cup, depending on the roast and brew method.
• Traditional tea (black or green): 30-50 mg per 8-ounce cup.
• Soda: Around 30-40 mg per can (though this varies by brand).

With these numbers in mind, kombucha’s caffeine content is relatively low, making it a great choice if you're looking for a lighter boost rather than a big jolt.

Can You Find Low-Caffeine Kombucha?

If you’re sensitive to caffeine or just looking to cut down, there are ways to enjoy booch without worrying about the jitters.

Opt for Herbal Tea  

Varieties made from herbal teas—like chamomile or hibiscus—often have little to no caffeine since herbal teas are naturally caffeine-free. This is an excellent option for those sensitive to caffeine or drinking kombucha later in the day.

Go for Decaffeinated Tea

Another approach is using decaf black or green tea to brew kombucha. This way, you can enjoy the classic tea base but without the caffeine. Many store-bought brands offer low-caffeine or decaf options, so be sure to check labels when shopping.

Experiment with Fermentation Time

If you're brewing at home, letting it ferment for slightly longer can further reduce caffeine content. Just be cautious that over-fermenting might make the flavour a bit too tart.

Who Should Watch Their Caffeine Intake?

Some groups might want to keep track of how much caffeine they’re consuming. These include:

• Pregnant or breastfeeding women: Caffeine intake should be moderated during pregnancy.
• Children: While small amounts of caffeine are generally fine, it’s good to be mindful if kids are sipping on kombucha.
• Caffeine-sensitive individuals: If even small amounts of caffeine affect you, go for low-caffeine options or try herbal blends.

Final Thoughts

Yes, kombucha does contain caffeine, but it’s typically much less than coffee, tea, or even some sodas. The specific amount depends on the type of tea used, how long it’s brewed, and whether it’s homemade or store-bought. The great news is that there are plenty of low-caffeine and even caffeine-free options available, whether you’re buying from the shop or experimenting with your own brew.

Our raw organic kombucha is the real deal. Brewed with green tea, it is naturally lower in caffeine and completely sugar-free.

Read more about the benefits of kombucha.