Myth Busters

Kombucha Myths Debunked

Separating Fact from Fiction

December 20, 2025 · 8 min read

Comic illustration debunking kombucha myths

With kombucha's rising popularity in India, misinformation is everywhere. Let's separate fact from fiction and give you the truth about kombucha.

❌ MYTH #1: Kombucha will get you drunk

✅ FACT:

Commercial kombucha contains less than 0.5% alcohol—similar to ripe fruit or fresh bread. This is legally non-alcoholic and won't cause intoxication. You'd need to drink dozens of liters to feel any effect.

❌ MYTH #2: Kombucha is full of sugar

✅ FACT:

While sugar is added during brewing, 80-90% is consumed by the SCOBY during fermentation. A typical serving has 5-8g sugar—far less than soda (27g), fruit juice (24g), or sweet lassi (15-20g).

❌ MYTH #3: Kombucha is just a fad/trend

✅ FACT:

Kombucha has been consumed for over 2,000 years, originating in China around 220 BCE. It spread through Russia and Europe before reaching the West. This "fad" has serious historical staying power!

❌ MYTH #4: All kombuchas are the same

✅ FACT:

Quality varies enormously. Mass-produced kombuchas may be pasteurized (killing probiotics), artificially flavored, or high in sugar. Craft kombucha like Scoby Doo uses traditional methods, real ingredients, and preserves live cultures.

❌ MYTH #5: Kombucha is dangerous

✅ FACT:

Properly made commercial kombucha is safe for most healthy adults. Rare adverse reports typically involve contaminated home brews or extreme overconsumption. Reputable brands like Scoby Doo follow strict food safety protocols.

❌ MYTH #6: Kombucha can cure diseases

✅ FACT:

Kombucha is NOT medicine and doesn't cure diseases. It's a healthy beverage that supports gut health, provides probiotics, and offers antioxidants. These benefits are real but shouldn't be exaggerated into medical claims.

❌ MYTH #7: The SCOBY is mold

✅ FACT:

The SCOBY is a cellulose mat containing beneficial bacteria and yeast—not mold. Mold is fuzzy, dry, and colored (green, black, pink). A healthy SCOBY is rubbery, white/tan, and slimy. They're completely different.

❌ MYTH #8: Kombucha has too much caffeine

✅ FACT:

Kombucha contains 10-25mg caffeine per 250ml—about 1/4 to 1/10 the caffeine in coffee (95mg). Most people can drink kombucha without caffeine-related issues.

❌ MYTH #9: Homemade kombucha is better

✅ FACT:

Home brewing can be rewarding, but it carries contamination risks if not done properly. Commercial craft kombucha offers consistency, safety testing, and quality control that home brews can't guarantee.

❌ MYTH #10: Kombucha works instantly

✅ FACT:

Gut health changes take time. Expect to drink kombucha consistently for 2-4 weeks before noticing significant digestive improvements. Your microbiome doesn't transform overnight!

The Truth About Scoby Doo

  • ✅ Small-batch, craft-brewed in Amravati
  • ✅ Unpasteurized with live probiotics
  • ✅ Low sugar (5-8g per serving)
  • ✅ Real fruit flavors, no artificial additives
  • ✅ Safe, quality-controlled production
Try the Real Thing

The Bottom Line

Kombucha is neither a miracle cure nor a dangerous fad. It's a traditional fermented beverage with genuine health benefits—probiotics, antioxidants, and low sugar—that's been enjoyed for millennia.

Now that you know the facts, you can make informed choices about including kombucha in your healthy lifestyle!