Frequently Asked Questions

FAQs

What is Kombucha

Kombucha is a fermented tea passed down through centuries of Eastern tradition. For more than 2,000 years, people believed Kombucha to have unique healing properties. To craft Kombucha, a base of sweetened tea is cultured with a SCOBY (Symbiotic Culture Of Bacteria and Yeast). Over time, the SCOBY transforms the tea into a bright, tangy, and effervescent drink with billions of living probiotics that aid digestion, support gut health, and boost immune function.

Since 1995, we’ve crafted and bottled all our offerings in sunny Los Angeles, California—the hometown of our founder, GT Dave.

SCOBY is an acronym for Symbiotic Culture Of Bacteria and Yeast. The heart and soul of Kombucha, this living culture (which looks a bit like a slimy pancake) consumes sugar and caffeine during fermentation.

Consistent with Eastern tradition, all of our Kombucha is authentically crafted with organic green and black tea, a sugar source (SYNERGY = organic kiwi juice, CLASSIC & SYNERGY HARD = organic cane sugar), and a SCOBY. To ensure the viability of the living probiotics, we never process, pasteurize (heat), filter, or dilute our Kombucha.

We begin by brewing a sweet tea made from black tea, green tea, and an organic sugar source. To that, we add a SCOBY and let the brew ferment in a serene environment for several weeks. Before bottling, we develop unique flavors by pairing our raw Kombucha with organic whole ingredients: fruits, vegetables, botanicals, herbs, and spices. We never add artificial colors or flavors.

Does Kombucha have alcohol?

Yes. Alcohol is a natural byproduct of fermentation and can be found in all fermented foods, like miso, kefir, sauerkraut, and kimchi. This alcohol is very beneficial, as it provides a natural form of food preservation—Nature’s self-defense against contamination and bacteria.

CLASSIC is fully fermented for 45 days, so this line naturally develops 0.5 to 1% ABV (alcohol by volume) and is only available to those over 21.

HARD has 3% ABV (alcohol by volume). Through a unique dual fermentation, this line naturally develops a higher alcohol level, making it a better way to drink for those over 21.

If you have a sensitivity to alcohol for personal, religious, or dietetic reasons, we recommend abstaining from drinking Kombucha.

What is Adaptogenic Tea?

GT’s ALIVE is a sparkling drink crafted with the best of Mother Nature. Inspired by Ayurvedic tradition, this tea-forward offering features an infusion from a trio of adaptogenic mushrooms (reishi, chaga, and turkey tail) paired with select varieties of invigorating loose leaf tea to promote #LifeInBalance.