Kombucha, a highly healthy drink full of probiotics, can replace the daily high sugar soda intake. Now many people are not confident to try kombucha. Often they wonder, “What Does Kombucha Taste Like?“.
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The taste is definitely something most people are not aware of and less talked about. Due to this, many are missing out on this great, healthy beverage. That’s why I want to share my first-time experience of trying kombucha tea and tips to start a great sipping adventure for you.
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My First Try
I was also skeptical about the taste at first. I was looking for an option to cut down my intake of high-sugary or zero-cal beverages. My friend suggested I try kombucha, as it will be highly beneficial for my gut health as well. He was drinking kombucha for the last couple of years and was a big advocate for spreading the word about this drink. I am so glad I listened to him! But honestly, did I like the taste? Let’s find out “what does kombucha taste like.”
But I already had some experience with trying apple cider vinegar and to me, the taste didn’t seem any different. However, the drink is much lighter, tangy, and fizzy and has a slight smell of fermentation.
The store-bought ones even taste better as they contain some level of sugar. The sweetness perfectly balances the acidic and vinegary flavors of raw kombucha. This sweet tea is now a staple drink at my home.
My Biggest Fear | What does kombucha taste like
My biggest fear was the live cultures floating in my tea. It seemed like I was drinking something alive (which I technically was). But as I understood more, I could get past the initial hesitation. I understood that this good bacteria in the tea is what makes kombucha beneficial for my gut.
Kombucha is much like yogurt, which also contains healthy probiotic strains. So, once I got past the initial hesitation, I started to appreciate the tangy, fizzy, and refreshing gut-friendly goodness.
Now if you want to try for the first time, buy store-bought ones, as those are more purified and have a good balance of the acidic taste with sugar in it. Once you like it, you can start brewing on your own to save the cost. All you need is the scoby.
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Tips to overcome the fear
- Strain it first. If the floating stuff bothers you, strain it first. Instead of buying local kombucha, get the store-bought branded ones. I did not see anything floating when I bought synergy, liquid remedy, or Kevita kombucha.
- Start small. If you don’t have experience with apple cider vinegar, it might be too sour or different for your taste. So, try flavored store-bought ones. There are so many different flavors you can get. Try the mango or gingerade flavors to balance the acidity, taste, and texture.
- Do your research. If you still feel a bit repelled to try kombucha, do your own research and try to understand why you fear drinking this health-benefit-packed beverage.
No Sugar Kombucha
If you want to get the full health benefits of kombucha, it is better to avoid the store-bought ones. Rather, I suggest making them at home where you can play with the sugar content.
However, if you still need to buy from the store, the liquid remedy brand is my favorite. Buy in bulk, as it will save you money instead of buying single cans. But if you are trying for the first time, try a can separately.
Also, keep in mind that fermentation requires some amount of sugar. The bacteria and yeast need to break down sucrose, which eventually gives rise to the bubbles (mainly CO2) and acetic acid. The acetic acid gives the sour taste to the kombucha. So, you need some amount of sugar for the fermentation to take place. Hence, it is better to homebrew or look for the lowest sugar kombucha or no sugar kombucha labels.
Overall, you don’t need to feel repelled or fearful of trying this amazing beverage. Also, don’t overindulge. Everything is only beneficial when consumed in moderation.
Related: Best Kombucha Starter Kit for homebrewing | Must know facts
Related: Synergy Kombucha | Is the hype worth it? | The ultimate guide
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