The best brands of kombucha bring the perfect mix of fizz, flavor, and fun—but how do you know which ones to try? We’ve taste-tested and ranked our top 10 picks to help you find your next favorite bubbly booch.
Kombucha: is it the fizzy drink your friends swear by, the one you’ve tried once and couldn’t decide if you loved or hated, the thing you’ve been eyeing in the grocery aisle but haven’t quite dared to try, or just an expensive habit? Wherever you stand, one thing is clear: kombucha is having a moment. With its endless flavor combinations and tangy, bubbly charm, it’s a drink that’s hard to ignore.
But here’s the catch—there are so many brands and bottles to choose from that it’s hard to know where to start. Passionfruit Tangerine, Blueberry Social, Ginger Lemon—the options sound amazing, but which ones are actually worth a spot in your fridge? After testing a lot of them, we’ve put together this guide to help you find the best kombucha brands out there. And once you find a favorite? Try mixing it into a kombucha cocktail for a fun, fizzy twist on happy hour.
Whether you’re curious about kombucha or already a fan, this guide breaks down the top 10 options—from the ones you’ll love immediately to others that might surprise you.
What Is Kombucha?
Kombucha is a fizzy, tangy tea that starts with a simple mix of tea (usually black or green) and sugar—but the magic happens when a SCOBY gets involved. This jelly-like culture of bacteria and yeast transforms the sweet tea through the process of fermentation, creating a drink that’s a little tart, a little sweet, and naturally effervescent. Think of it as a happy science experiment you can sip on, packed with organic acids, gut-friendly probiotics, a mild caffeine buzz, and a touch of natural sweetness.
The result? A drink that’s refreshing and full of bubbly personality. Depending on how it’s brewed, kombucha can swing from fruity and sweet to tangy and sharp, with flavors as layered as a good wine (minus the alcohol). With creative infusions and combinations like fresh fruit, herbs, and spices, it’s got a little something for everyone.
What Is A SCOBY?
A SCOBY—short for Symbiotic Culture of Bacteria and Yeast—is the key to kombucha’s fizzy magic. This jelly-like disk might look strange (okay, downright weird), but it’s the powerhouse behind fermentation. During the brewing process, the SCOBY feeds on the sugar in the tea, producing bubbles (carbon dioxide), tangy acids, and probiotics.
Think of it like a tiny factory: the bacteria and yeast work together to transform sweet tea into a naturally fizzy, slightly tart drink. Without a SCOBY, kombucha would just be sweet tea dreaming of being something more. So yes, it’s weird, but it’s also what makes kombucha so delightfully unique.
Now that you know the secret behind this bubbly tea’s fizz, let’s dive into the best brands of kombucha we’ve tried—and loved.
Best Kombucha Brands
When it comes to kombucha, some brands just get it right every time. After plenty of sipping and note-taking, we’ve narrowed down our top three favorites. These brands hit the sweet spot with bold flavors, just-right fizz, and that perfect tangy finish. If you’re wondering where to start, this is the crème de la crème of kombucha choices.
Health-Ade Kombucha
When it comes to kombucha, Health-Ade sets the standard for bold, balanced flavors and a fizz that’s just right. Whether you’re sipping on Passionfruit + Tangerine or the classic Ginger Lemon, each bottle delivers a flavor experience that’s hard to beat. This kombucha brand consistently tops the list for its vibrant yet approachable blends, making it a no-brainer for our #1 spot.
- Our Favorites: Passionfruit + Tangerine, Strawberry Glow, Ginger Lemon.
- Fizz Factor: 10/10: Bright, lively bubbles in every sip and bold, vibrant flavor without being overpowering.
- Sweetness: 7/10 – Enough to highlight the flavors but never overwhelming.
- Availability: 9/10 – Easy to find in stores and online.
- Unique Features: Cold-pressed juice, fermented in small batches.
- Price Range: $3.50–$5 per bottle.
- Calories: ~60 per 16 oz bottle.
- Best For: Balanced flavors and a reliable fizz that appeals to both kombucha newbies and seasoned fans.
GT’s Living Foods Synergy Raw Kombucha
GT’s Synergy is the kombucha brand most people recognize—and for good reason. With years of experience behind them, they’ve mastered flavors that are bold and balanced, with a fizz that feels just right. Their GingerAde delivers a sweet-tart punch, while Pomelo Pink Lemonade offers a crisp, citrusy refresh. This is fermentation done right!
- Our Favorite: Ginger Berry.
- Fizz Factor: 10/10 – Effervescent and tangy with bold, layered flavors.
- Sweetness: 8/10 – Slightly on the sweeter side, but still balanced.
- Availability: 10/10 – Widely available in stores and online.
- Unique Features: Brewed with a mix of green and black tea; small-batch fermentation for over 30 days.
- Price Range: $3.50–$4 per bottle.
- Calories: ~50–60 per 16 oz bottle.
- Best For: Tangy, bold flavors and adventurous drinkers who enjoy a vibrant fizz.
KeVita Master Brew
KeVita is another brand that we love for its crisp and clean flavor. Although they offer seven flavors, we especially love the Tart Cherry. It has a lightly tangy with a gentle fizz, perfect for those wanting a milder kombucha experience.
- Our Favorite: Tart Cherry.
- Fizz Factor: 9/10 – Lively bubbles with a crisp, tangy finish.
- Sweetness: 7/10 – Just enough sweetness to balance the tartness.
- Availability: 8/10 – Easy to find in stores and online.
- Unique Features: Certified organic, non-GMO, and kosher; proprietary blend of fermented cultures.
- Price Range: $3.50–$4 per bottle.
- Calories: ~40 per 15.2 oz. bottle.
- Best For: Those seeking a crisp, mild kombucha with a clean finish and lower calorie count.
Other Kombucha Brands We Love
These kombucha brands bring their own vibe to the mix—some fruity, some tea-forward, and all worth exploring. Each one has standout qualities, whether it’s bold flavors, unique twists, or just the right fizz. They’re a great way to mix up your kombucha routine and try something new.
Brew Dr.
Brew Dr. brings a chill, no-frills approach to kombucha, and their superberry flavor delivers a bright, juicy punch. It’s fruity without being overwhelming—a perfect balance for anyone looking for a lighter, easy-drinking booch.
- Our Favorites: Superberry and Clear Mind.
- Fizz Factor: 6/10 – Mildly bubbly with a balanced fruity flavor.
- Sweetness: 7/10 – Lightly sweet, letting the fruit and herb flavors shine.
- Unique Features: Brewed with herbal blends, certified organic.
- Price Range: $3.50–$4 per bottle.
- Calories: ~50 per 14 oz. bottle.
- Best For: Fans of fruity kombucha with herbal undertones and a laid-back vibe.
Aqua ViTea
Aqua ViTea feels like a nod to kombucha’s earthy roots, but with a playful twist. Blueberry Social is subtly fruity, with just enough tang to keep things interesting. It’s an easy-going sip, perfect for when you’re looking for something mellow.
- Our Favorites: Blueberry Social and Strawberry Sage.
- Fizz Factor: 6/10 – Mildly fizzy and lightly tart.
- Sweetness: 6/10 – Subtle sweetness that doesn’t overpower.
- Unique Features: Alcohol-removed kombucha; certified organic.
- Price Range: $4.50–$5 per bottle.
- Calories: ~50 per 16 oz. bottle.
- Best For: A mellow kombucha experience with subtle sweetness and alcohol-removed options.
Better Booch
Better Booch leans into tea-forward flavors, and Tropical Green Tea is one of their standouts. It’s a smooth blend of tropical notes and earthy green tea, making it feel fresh but grounded. Perfect for when you want kombucha that’s a little more tea than fizz.
- Our Favorites: Tropical Green Tea and Yerba Mate.
- Fizz Factor: 7/10 – Lightly fizzy with a tea-forward taste.
- Sweetness: 6/10 – Balanced sweetness with a tropical hint.
- Unique Features: Emphasizes tea blends; small-batch brewed.
- Price Range: $3.50–$4 per can.
- Calories: ~10 per 12 oz. can.
- Best For: Tea-forward drinkers who appreciate nuanced, earthy flavors with a touch of fizz.
Katalyst Kombucha
Katalyst Kombucha keeps things simple but flavorful, and Raspberry Lime is no exception. It’s tart, bright, and a little zippy, making it a fun pick for those who love citrusy drinks. This is kombucha with a playful edge that’s easy to enjoy.
- Our Favorites: Raspberry Lime and Bliss Berry.
- Fizz Factor: 9/10 – Bright, citrusy fizz with a sharp finish.
- Sweetness: 7/10 – Tangy with just a touch of sweetness.
- Unique Features: Focuses on vibrant, fruit-forward flavors.
- Price Range: $3.50–$4 per can.
- Calories: ~80 per 16 oz. can.
- Best For: Citrus lovers who enjoy fruit-forward flavor combinations.
Goldthread Kombucha
Goldthread brings a wellness-focused twist to kombucha, with flavors like Green Minerals and Turmeric Radiance that feel … really healthy. However, it’s still delicious—light, herbal, and totally refreshing.
- Our Favorite: Green Minerals.
- Fizz Factor: 4/10 – A tad fizzy with herbaceous notes.
- Sweetness: 3/10 – Barely sweet, highlighting the herbal flavors.
- Unique Features: Botanical-based blends with functional ingredients.
- Price Range: $4.50–$5 per bottle.
- Calories: ~40 per 12 oz. bottle.
- Best For: Wellness seekers looking for light, herbal flavors with functional botanical blends.
High Culture Brewing
High Culture is for those who want a kombucha experience that’s a little different. Blueberry Rooibos and Blackberry Hibiscus varieties blend fruity and earthy flavors into something unique but approachable. It’s kombucha for when you’re feeling adventurous and want totally unique flavor options!
- Our Favorite: Blueberry Rooibos.
- Fizz Factor: 7/10 – Mild fizz with a rich, tea-forward flavor.
- Sweetness: 6/10 – Light sweetness with a fruity edge.
- Unique Features: Combines tea blends with creative flavor profiles.
- Price Range: $4.50–$5 per bottle.
- Calories: ~50 per 14 oz. bottle.
- Best For: Adventurous drinkers who want unique, tea-inspired flavors that stand out from the crowd.
FAQs
The healthiest kombucha brands are those that keep ingredients simple, avoid added sugars, and focus on natural fermentation. Brands like Health-Ade and Aqua ViTea are often praised for their clean, organic ingredients and low sugar content. Look for options labeled raw or unpasteurized to get the most probiotics and fermentation benefits.
Taste is subjective, but Health-Ade and GT’s Synergy are top favorites for their bold, balanced flavors and consistent fizz. Health-Ade’s Passionfruit Tangerine and GT’s Ginger Berry are standout options that deliver vibrant, tangy profiles. For a milder kombucha experience, KeVita’s Tart Cherry is a refreshing choice.
Most store-bought kombucha contains less than 0.5% alcohol by volume, which is a result of the natural fermentation process. This minimal level is considered non-alcoholic and is safe for most people to enjoy. If you’re looking for something stronger, some brands offer spiked kombucha with higher alcohol content.
Booch, There It Is!
Whether you’re all-in on kombucha or just kombucha-curious, we hope this guide has you feeling ready to explore the best brands of kombucha out there. From bold, fruity classics to tea-forward blends, there’s a bubbly option here for everyone. So crack open a bottle, let the fizz flow, and enjoy the ride—cheers to finding your perfect booch!
If you have a favorite brand we’ve missed, let us know in the comments so we can add it to the list!
Tracy says
Kroger’s simple truth organic brand makes a 0 sugar kombucha pineapple guava and ginger lemon which is my favorite! They have other flavors that contain sugar. The price is good and so is the taste.
Christine says
what about Remedy brand kambutcha?
erin wysocarski says
I’ve never tried it, but will have to keep an eye out!
P. Turner says
Love how you break the kombucha drinks down. I’ve always picked the GTs brand, perhaps they were 2nd in the field I did not see the Buddha brand. I think they were first in the industry. what’s your take on their quality?
erin wysocarski says
Glad you enjoyed the breakdown! GT’s has definitely been a leader for years. I’ll have to keep an eye out for Buddha’s Brew kombucha … thanks for the rec!