Recently, kombucha has gained popularity as a healthy, fermented beverage option. However, not all kombucha is created equal. With no identity standards for kombucha in Australia, consumers need to know what they are purchasing and how to determine an authentic kombucha.
At Zentient Culture, we are passionate about real kombucha. The Food Standards Code for Australia & New Zealand (FSANZ) has identity standards for many foods, specifying what a 'Juice', 'Cheese', or 'Beer' must contain to be called these products. However, currently, there is no definition and identity standard set for 'Kombucha' under the code. As such, it's up to producers' interpretation, discretion, and choice, which has led to less than authentic beverages in the marketplace being labelled 'Kombucha'.
One way to determine a good kombucha is to check if it is pasteurised. Pasteurisation is a process where the drink is heated to kill off the live cultures, extending the product's shelf-life. While this may be convenient for the manufacturer, it can reduce the drink's health benefits, making it less effective at aiding digestion and detoxification.
Another way manufacturers reduce costs is by diluting kombucha with water and adding high-intensity sweeteners to create a very low-sugar, shelf-stable drink. This process can reduce the nutritional and health-promoting antioxidant content.
Zentient Culture kombucha is raw and unpasteurised, not made from a concentrate, or diluted, meaning it's the fully functional real deal, complete with live cultures! We are committed to producing high-quality kombucha that retains all its natural health benefits. Our authentic kombucha is brewed in small batches using only the highest quality organic ingredients and is rich in probiotics, antioxidants, and enzymes.
In addition to our commitment to authenticity, we also believe in transparency. We encourage consumers to educate themselves about the ingredients in their food and drinks and to ask questions of the manufacturers if in doubt. As part of this effort, we have created a fantastic kombucha infographic on our Central Coast-based taproom wall, where customers can learn more about authentic kombucha.
Not all kombucha is equal. Instead of pasteurised or diluted and shelf-stable options, choose an unpasteurised, raw Zentient Culture kombucha and enjoy the natural health benefits of this delicious fermented drink!