FAQs
What is kombucha?
Kombucha is a fermented tea drink. Tea leaves, sugar, and SCOBY (the living culture) ferment together into a fizzy drink rich in probiotics, enzymes, and organic acids.
Are there health benefits to drinking kombucha?
Kombucha contains live probiotics (like lactobacillus and bifidobacterium) and natural organic acids, which may support a healthy gut. It's part of a balanced diet — not a cure for anything. We brew it because it tastes good and the craft is real.
What's in Kai Kombucha?
Tea, water, sugar, SCOBY, and fruit — naturally fermented. No artificial additives, flavorings, or preservatives.
How should I store Kai Kombucha?
Unopened: Keep refrigerated at 1–7°C. Our fermentation is tightly controlled, so unopened bottles keep up to six months in the fridge. Out of refrigeration, no more than an hour (especially in Taiwan's humid heat). Don't leave at room temperature — bottle pressure can build up.
After opening: If more than half a bottle is left, screw the cap tight and finish within 2 days, refrigerated. If left uncapped and unrefrigerated, don't drink after a day.
Why does kombucha need to be refrigerated?
Kai Kombucha is naturally fermented and full of live probiotics. Refrigeration keeps the live cultures stable, preserves flavor, and prevents over-fermentation.
Who shouldn't drink kombucha?
Kombucha is generally fine for most people — including pregnant and nursing moms, kids, and folks with health conditions. If you have specific health concerns, check with your doctor or nutritionist first.
Is kombucha tea?
Technically, only on day one. Over several days of fermentation, yeast and probiotics convert sugar in the tea, transforming it into kombucha — full of organic acids, probiotics, and natural fizz. So it starts as tea and ends as something more layered: a fermented sparkling drink.
Why does kombucha taste tangy? Is it spoiled?
That tang is the point. The gentle sourness comes from natural fermentation — sugar converts into organic acids, giving kombucha its signature sweet-tart flavor. Not spoiled — just real fermentation.
Does Kai Kombucha contain alcohol?
Natural fermentation produces trace alcohol — similar levels to fruit juice or fermented foods like kimchi. We test every batch to confirm under 0.5% alcohol, which qualifies as 'non-alcoholic' under Taiwan regulations. If you're particularly sensitive to alcohol, check with your doctor first.
Does Kai Kombucha contain caffeine?
Yes, but small amounts — about 10mg per 100ml. For context: a cup of Americano has ~100mg, green tea ~30–50mg. If you're caffeine-sensitive, adjust portion accordingly.
When's a good time to drink kombucha? Can I drink it daily?
You can drink Kai Kombucha every day. The natural organic acids and probiotics from fermentation may support digestion, so after meals is a popular time to sip.
- Morning: gentle digestive lift
- Before meals: appetite warm-up
- Post-workout: probiotics and acids for recovery
How much can I drink per day?
Typically 330–990ml per day (1–3 bottles), adjusted to your body and preference.
Can I heat or warm kombucha?
Heating isn't recommended. The live cultures are heat-sensitive — above 40°C, probiotics start to lose viability and the flavor flattens, with acidity becoming sharper.
If you want it less cold, pour into a glass and let it come up to room temperature — keeps the cultures intact and the flavor balanced.
There's stuff floating in my bottle. Can I still drink it?
Yes — and that's a good sign. Floaty bits and sediment are natural growth from the live cultures. It means your kombucha is properly fermented and still alive.
Those probiotics worked hard to produce the organic acids and depth of flavor you're drinking. Every sip is full of live cultures.
If you'd rather not see it, give the bottle a gentle swirl before pouring.
Which flavor is least tart?
Tieguanyin and jasmine flavors, acidity is one star.
Which flavor has the least sugar?
Recommend the Pekoe Jasmine and Tieguanyin flavors, both of which have one star sweetness.
How many calories in a bottle of Kai Kombucha?
Kai Kombucha is low-sugar, low-calorie, all-natural: about 50–70 kcal per bottle.
For comparison: a 330ml cola has ~139 kcal. Kai is less than half — enjoy the fizz without the calorie cost.
Does kombucha help with weight loss?
Kai Kombucha isn't a weight-loss product, but it can fit a healthy diet. The organic acids, probiotics, low sugar, and low calorie count make it a solid swap for sugary sodas.
The catechins, enzymes, and probiotics in kombucha may support metabolism and digestion, but the real keys to weight management are balanced eating and regular movement. Kai is a good sip alongside those habits.