Does Kombucha Have Caffeine? 

Kombucha has become popular with health-conscious individuals in recent years. This fizzy, fermented superfood contains more polyphenols than regular tea. Polyphenols are the powerhouse compounds in tea that boost metabolism, aid in digestion, and increase immunity. Kombucha also contains probiotics, B vitamins, and antioxidants.

While you are sipping on a cold glass of this tangy goodness and contemplating what it can do for your health, you may wonder, does kombucha have caffeine? The short answer is yes, but it's complicated.

Why Does Kombucha Have Caffeine?

Tea leaves naturally contain caffeine, though the amount varies between the different types of tea trees. Black and oolong tea leaves contain more caffeine than green or white tea leaves. Superfoods Company uses Taiwan high mountain premium black tea.

The leaves are dried and brewed to make tea, and the caffeine comes through in the beverage. The hotter the liquid used to brew the tea, the more caffeine will be present in that tea.

Because kombucha is made by fermenting sweetened, brewed tea, it does contain some caffeine. However, the amount of caffeine present in kombucha and its effects on your body might be surprising. 

How Much Caffeine Is in Kombucha?

Just as the amount of caffeine in tea varies by type, the amount of caffeine present in kombucha varies by the type of tea chosen to ferment. As the tea goes through the fermentation process, the caffeine level is reduced, leaving kombucha with about one-third of the caffeine than the tea used to make it had. The longer the tea is fermented, the less caffeine will be present in the final kombucha product. 

Natural kombucha is at the bottom of the caffeination list compared to other caffeinated beverages, such as coffee, energy drinks, tea, and cola. However, some kombucha makers add caffeine to their product after fermentation, so read the label carefully if you are trying to limit your intake.

How May the Caffeine in Kombucha Affect Me?   

Now you know that the answer to the question of does kombucha have caffeine is not as straightforward as you may have expected. The next question you are probably wondering is how the caffeine in kombucha may affect you.

Tea and kombucha both contain an amino acid called l-theanine. Not only does this protein slow down the absorption of caffeine in your body, but it also stimulates alpha brainwaves to create a calming effect. These brainwaves are the same ones that are active during meditation. They increase the production of serotonin and dopamine, both of which work to activate the pleasure center inside the brain. The combination of caffeine and l-theanine work together to act as a mood enhancer and memory-booster. 

Drink to Your Health With Confidence

Customers often ask, "Does kombucha have caffeine?" and we are pleased when we get to tell them that yes, it does, but the caffeine in kombucha can provide health benefits itself! Check out Superfoods instant kombucha powder to easily get these benefits on the go in several appealing flavors.

 

Sources:

https://www.bonappetit.com/story/does-kombucha-have-caffeine

https://greatist.com/health/does-kombucha-have-caffeine

https://www.thespec.com/life/health-wellness/2016/04/11/kombucha-may-help-you-beat-stress