Is Kombucha Ultra-Processed?
It depends on the brand — some are NOVA 3, others NOVA 4.
Traditional kombucha is fermented tea with sugar. Brands that pasteurize, add sweeteners, or use “kombucha soda” formulas skew more processed.
Raw, low-sugar kombucha stays minimally processed.
Look for kombucha brewed with tea, sugar, and SCOBY, then flavored with fruit. If it contains juice concentrates, stabilizers, or zero-calorie sweeteners, it heads toward NOVA 4.
- Fermentation counts as processing but not ultra-processing.
- Added sweeteners or flavors push kombucha toward NOVA 4.
- Low-sugar kombucha keeps probiotics without spikes.
Ingredient Analysis
Raw kombucha
Tea + sugar + SCOBY fermented then chilled. Simple and probiotic-rich.
Pasteurized or soda-style
Brands that filter out probiotics and add sparkling water and flavorings become more processed.
High-sugar bottles
Anything over 12 g sugar per serving is basically soda.
Is it GF/DF/Vegan/Healthy?
Gluten-Free
Tea-based beverage with no gluten.
Dairy-Free
Plant-based fermentation.
Vegan
No animal inputs besides honey in some flavors.
Healthy
Pick low-sugar kombucha to keep benefits.
What to Look for on Labels
Check sugar levels
Seek bottles with <8 g added sugar per serving.
Look for raw/unpasteurized
That’s how you know the probiotics survived.
Avoid artificial sweeteners
They signal a more ultra-processed beverage.
Cleaner Alternatives
Low-sugar drinks
Hydration picks like infused waters and teas add variety.
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