We Tried 5 Types of Kombucha. Here’s the One We All Loved.
Updated: May 24, 2022Every editorial product is independently selected, though we may be compensated or receive an affiliate commission if you buy something through our links. Ratings and prices are accurate and items are in stock as of time of publication.
Are you hooked on the punchy fermented drink? These are the best kombucha brands to try.
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.
Strawberry-Lavender Infused Water
A little bit of lavender goes a long way, so be sure not to overdo it! This pretty combo screams summer, but you can also dry out the lavender and enjoy this anytime. 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 Water
Nectarine 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
Raspberry and Lemon Infused Water
If you're craving raspberry lemonade but are trying to cut back on your sugar intake, this infused water is the perfect substitute.—James Schend, Taste of Home Deputy Editor 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 Water
Aromatic and slightly spicy, this infused water is great for winter holidays and celebrations. —James Schend, Taste of Home Deputy Editor Check out the benefits of ginger for beauty and health.
Grapefruit and Coriander Infused Water
Packed with bright flavor, this infused water gives you another reason to pull out your coriander seeds. —James Schend, Taste of Home Deputy Editor
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 Water
If 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, Taste of Home Deputy Editor By the way, here's how to deseed a pomegranate.
Blackberry and Sage Infused Water
Muddling the sage leaves a bit before adding the blueberries and water will intensify their flavor in the final product. —James Schend, Taste of Home Deputy Editor
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 Water
Who doesn't love the bright and juicy flavor of tangerine? The addition of thyme really rounds out this infused water. —James Schend, Taste of Home Deputy Editor Here are more tasty ways to use fresh thyme.
Apple and Ginger Infused Water
Tart and spicy, this infused water is like fall in a glass. —James Schend, Taste of Home Deputy Editor
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.
Lemon, Ginger and Turmeric Infused Water
This turmeric, lemon, ginger water is a fantastic pick-me-up when you are feeling a little under the weather or find yourself in need of a health boost. Turmeric is commonly used in Indian cuisines, and studies indicate it’s chock-full of antioxidants. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen 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 Water
It'll truly feel like spring when you sip this juicy and minty infused water. —James Schend, Taste of Home Deputy Editor Get our guide to different grape varieties.
Pineapple and Mint Infused Water
This pineapple and mint water is like a tropical cocktail but without the sticky-sweet taste. —James Schend, Taste of Home Deputy Editor
Spiced Blood Orange Infused Water
Perfect on a fall or winter day, this infused water includes a sliced blood orange, 5 whole cloves and 2 whole star anise. After the ingredients have infused the water overnight, serve chilled. Next, check out our most beautiful blood orange recipes.
Citrus and Cucumber Infused Water
If you’ve ever enjoyed cucumber and citrus in a drink before, you know how beautifully they go together. Skip the soda and try this instead for the ultimate in infused water refreshment.
Cantaloupe, Mint and Lemon Infused Water
Nothing 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 Water
This gorgeous infused water would make a great addition to your holiday dinner table. —James Schend, Taste of Home Deputy Editor
Mint Julep Infused Water
If you love this Kentucky Derby-staple, try it water form. Add a few slices of lemon, mint leaves, a tablespoon of ginger slices and water in a large pitcher. Let the ingredients sit overnight, then serve over ice. Craving something a little harder? Here's how to make a mint julep.How We Chose the Winners
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.
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A sprinkle of granola turns plain yogurt into a parfait, adds crunch to baked goods and can even stand in for graham crackers in a pie crust. Our Test Kitchen put a grocery store's worth of brands to the test so you can level up these treats with the best.
The Best Hummus
Hummus has become a snacking go-to. It's a great dip for veggies, topper for Mediterranean-style nachos and can be incorporated into so many healthy recipes. Our Test Kitchen and editors have a soft spot for red pepper hummus in particular. Find out which they recommend for all these healthy snacks.
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Need a pick-me-up or breakfast on the go? Chances are you're going to reach for a protein bar. Not all these bars are created equal, though. Our Test Kitchen tried 17 different brands to find favorites that are tasty and good for you.
The Best Kombucha
Fermented foods like kombucha have lots of great benefits, like improving gut health and immunity. Find out what brands Taste of Home's kombucha superfans love best. (Psst! Wondering what is kombucha? We've got you covered.)
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We all like to spoil ourselves, but diving into a pint of ice cream, spoon first, doesn't have to be that bad for you. We found the best healthier options of ice cream for when you feel like a treat.
The Best Dark Chocolate
Dark chocolate has plenty of health benefits for your body, so it's worth indulging in this treat on occasion. To find out what chocolate really satisfied our cravings, our editors and cooks sampled a whopping 17 brands! We really did find the best.
The Best Cauliflower Pizza Crust
Cauliflower has been sneaking into more and more of our cooking, thanks to tricks like making cauliflower rice. This veggie can also sneak into our favorite comfort foods—hello, cauliflower pizza crusts. Find out which pre-made brand we like best (when we can't make our own, of course).
The Best Balsamic Vinaigrette
A big, green salad makes for a great side or lunch. While homemade dressings are always good, there's nothing wrong with a store-bought option—especially when it's top-rated by our editors.
The Best Spiralizer
Spiralizers are a great way to add more veggies to your diet. Turning zucchini, sweet potatoes, carrots and more into spirals and ribbons make adding produce to your favorite recipes a cinch—and using the right spiralizer makes it even easier. Our Test Kitchen pros recommend their favorites for dishes like this blackened tilapia with zoodles and arugula pesto chicken with spiralized veggies.
The Best Juicer
Skip the juice bar and start juicing at home! Our Test Kitchen tried all the big brands to find the best option out there for your homemade juice blends.
