Are you hooked on the punchy fermented drink? These are the best kombucha brands to try.
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We Tried 5 Types of Kombucha. Here’s the One We All Loved.
Updated on May 24, 2022
Just a few years ago, everyone was wondering what is kombucha? Kombucha was only a fringe drink available at health stores. Today the fizzy, fermented beverage is available in most grocery stores, and there’s a bevy of different brands and types to choose from. It’s obvious people are enjoying them for flavor as well as the health benefits. We did a taste test to find the best kombucha brands out there.
The top health benefits of kombucha may surprise you.
What’s the Best Kombucha? We Found Out.
We tried six popular brands of kombucha. We narrowed those results to the top three finalists. While testing, we considered flavor, coloration, level of cloudiness (a sign of robust fermentation action) and smell.
Why is fermentation so good for you?
The Best Kombucha Brand: G.T.’s Enlightened Gingerade
Our favorite kombucha was G.T.’s Organic Enlightened Gingerade. A common kombucha brand, you can find G.T.’s Enlightened at many grocery stores. Organic, non-GMO, vegan and gluten-free, this low-sugar kombucha only contains two ingredients: kombucha starter and freshly pressed ginger juice. What set this kombucha apart for our testers, was the taste. G.T.’s hit the right spot in the sweet-sour spectrum, with a slightly sweet ginger flavor. It was definitely punchy, but not in a just-swallowed-vinegar way.
The Gingerade was slightly carbonated and pleasantly cloudy, with particles of starter visible in the jar. One tester said: “Exactly what kombucha should taste like in my opinion. Slaps you in the face, but in a really good way.” Another compared it to apple cider, saying it was “just right for a fall day…I’d try it warmed.”
And if that doesn’t win you over, you’ll be pleased to know that G.T.’s only contains 2g of sugar per serving. Win!
$4 for a 16-ounce bottle; available at retailers nationwide.
More Bubbly Kombucha Brands
Health-Ade Ginger-Lemon Kombucha
The silver medal goes to Health-Ade’s Organic Ginger-Lemon Kombucha. This is another vegan, gluten-free option that’s also certified raw, which is believed to help preserve nutrients as the ingredients aren’t exposed to heat. The ginger-lemon flavor is made with kombucha starter and pressed ginger and lemon juice, plus green and black teas, which add an energizing boost. It’s also lightly sweetened with 5g of sugar per serving.
At first glance, our testers thought this one looked approachable even for those new to kombucha: a pale yellow hue, plenty of bubbles and a pleasant ginger smell. Some tasters mainly picked up on ginger notes, while others called it lemony. One taster said, “The flavor is worth savoring with a nice level of effervescence. I can’t wait to find out what this is so I can buy it!” Love ginger? These fresh ginger recipes celebrate the spicy root.
$4 for a 16-ounce bottle; available at retailers nationwide.
Get Sippin’
Whether you’re new to kombucha or sip it daily, you can’t go wrong with any of these delicious kombucha brands. Many kombucha lovers enjoy the beverage as a coffee or tea alternative, especially during the hot summer months. Pour a little of the fermented drink over ice, or dilute with still or sparkling water for a smoother sip.
Get More Healthy Drink Ideas
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Wondering what is a good way to flavor water? Learn how to make flavored water with these easy infused water recipes.
Nectarine, Basil and Clementine Infused WaterNectarine and basil may sound a little strange, but trust us, this combination is a real winner. A few slices of clementine seal the deal. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
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Find more of our favorite lemon-infused water recipes.
Peachy Navel Infused Water
Get the sweet and fruity taste of a Fuzzy Navel without the schnapps. In a carafe combine water with fresh peach, orange and lime slices. After infusing overnight, serve chilled.
Rosemary and Ginger Infused WaterAromatic and slightly spicy, this infused water is great for winter holidays and celebrations. —James Schend, Pleasant Prairie, Wisconsin
Check out the benefits of ginger for beauty and health.
Grapefruit and Coriander Infused WaterPacked with bright flavor, this infused water gives you another reason to pull out your coriander seeds. —James Schend, Pleasant Prairie, Wisconsin
Cinnamon Apple Infused Water
For a fall-inspired infused water, add half a sliced Granny Smith apple, cinnamon stick and four allspice berries to a pitcher of water. Let sit overnight and then serve chilled.
Pomegranate and Pear Infused WaterIf you can't find a pomegranate at your local grocery store, you can substitute it with a splash of pomegranate juice just before serving. —James Schend, Pleasant Prairie, Wisconsin
By the way, here's how to deseed a pomegranate.
Blackberry and Sage Infused WaterMuddling the sage leaves a bit before adding the blueberries and water will intensify their flavor in the final product. —James Schend, Pleasant Prairie, Wisconsin
Spring Lemon Verbena Infused Water
Combine 6 fresh lemon verbena sprigs, half a cup of fresh blueberries and water in a large pitcher for a light and herb-y infused water.
Tangerine and Thyme Infused WaterWho doesn't love the bright and juicy flavor of tangerine? The addition of thyme really rounds out this infused water. —James Schend, Pleasant Prairie, Wisconsin
Here are more tasty ways to use fresh thyme.
Apple and Ginger Infused WaterTart and spicy, this infused water is like fall in a glass. —James Schend, Pleasant Prairie, Wisconsin
Sweet and Spicy Pear Infused Water
In a large pitcher, add a sliced pear, half a sliced peach, a tablespoon of fresh ginger and cover with water. After letting the ingredients steep overnight, serve chilled.
Turmeric WaterKeep a stash of this zingy chilled turmeric water in the fridge. Infused with tart lemon and peppery ginger, this refreshing beverage is great anytime.
Questioning if you can use frozen fruit to infuse water? You definitely can, along with these other recipes that are made with frozen fruit.
Triple Berry Blast
In a large pitcher, cover half a cup of cut strawberries, raspberries and blackberries with cold water. Let sit in a fridge for 12-24 hours then enjoy.
Grape and Mint Infused WaterIt'll truly feel like spring when you sip this juicy and minty infused water. —James Schend, Pleasant Prairie, Wisconsin
Get our guide to different grape varieties.
Pineapple and Mint Infused WaterThis pineapple and mint water is like a tropical cocktail but without the sticky-sweet taste. —James Schend, Pleasant Prairie, Wisconsin
Spiced Blood Orange Infused Water
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Cantaloupe, Mint and Lemon Infused WaterNothing beats fresh melon. You can also play around with this recipe and swap cantaloupe for honeydew or watermelon, or go ahead and use all three.
Psst! Here's how to pick a perfectly ripe melon.
Pear and Fennel Infused Water
To a large carafe, add half a sliced pear, 3 fresh rosemary sprigs, half a sliced fennel bulb and water. Serve with ice after steeping for 12-24 hours. Learn how to make clear ice cubes.
Cranberry, Orange and Cardamom Infused WaterThis gorgeous infused water would make a great addition to your holiday dinner table. —James Schend, Pleasant Prairie, Wisconsin
Mint Julep Infused Water
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Our Taste of Home Test Kitchen and editors team up to taste all kinds of popular foods and run essential kitchen gear through the paces. We rank them, discuss and test again, if needed, to arrive at the products we recommend for you and your kitchen. Find out how we choose the best products and see everything we’ve tested.
