If you're reading this, you likely already know what kombucha is, so we won't make a fool out of ourselves by explaining it. Simply put, the fermented drink is basically a collab between sweet tea, yeasts, and wild healthy bacteria, and is—all stereotypes aside—legitimately good for health. Well, popular local kombucha brand Fizzicle decided to level up on the health scale by adding one superfood—cacao.
Cacao tea, to be specific, which is made by steeping the husks as opposed to using the beans. The two flavours; Sunrise Cacao and Midnight Cacao come across as light and dark versions. While you'd naturally expect them to carry a velvety chocolatey flavour, the bitter cacao element fused with the kombucha's acidic tinge surprisingly results in a drink that tastes like ale.
It's crisp but certainly more earthy than fruity, and if anything, could be a mild double (since we're all about replacing 'sinful' foods with healthier imitations) for the alcoholic pint. When else can you knock back a beer in the morning and say it's good for your health? While you're on your lookout for kombucha, here are some places you can get your gut fix.
Fizzicle
Qualified tea blender and sommelier, founder Melissa sourced for the brand's tea from an organic and family owned Ceylonese tea plantation. Her drinks use honey for sweetness, and has one specifically created as a caffeine-free night cap for a good night's rest.
Order online at Fizzicle or Teapasar.
Le Vyr
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Kombucha with a local twist done right with flavours like Teh Limau, Kopi-O, as well as the ones inspired by Ribena, Liang Teh and personal favourite Pei Pa Koa. You can get the five bestsellers in a five-pack and decide if you agree with me.
Order online at Le Vyr or Teapasar.
YOCHA
Boasting 100% natural and unpasteurised goodness free from preservatives, colourings, and chemicals, homegrown YOCHA was born out of founder Amanda Tan's frustration with personal ailments and subsequent deep dive into how probiotics could help improve overall health. The results spoke for themselves, converting her from beneficiary to benefactor.
Order online at Yocha or Teapasar, or find it in most local supermarkets.
Kombynation
After discovering its beneficial effects against diabetes, hypercholesterolemia, and certain forms of cancer, as well as contributing to a healthier digestive system, Kombynation founders sought to combine the magic with various blended superfruits to result in the colourful bottled concoctions we see today.
Order online at Kombynation or Teapasar.
Remedy
Though hailing from the AU, Remedy is probably one the most widely stocked kombucha brands locally. Still, the brand still makes its kombucha the old-school way in small batches and long-aged brewed for 30 days. All Remedy drinks, including their soda and kefir range, boasts no sugar with an official tick of approval from I Quit Sugar (IQS) Recommends to prove it.
Order online at Remedy or Teapasar, or find at Little Farms and The Providore.
Jiva
Another one from down under, Jiva is impressively HACCP certified, NASAA certified organic and even kosher. The brand also uses a primary and secondary fermentation process in producing their juice-style kombucha to enhance the refreshing flavour and minimise any vinegar after taste.
Find Jiva at Little Farms.
Craft & Culture
Made in small batches by hand, Craft & Culture kombucha boast an extremely slow ferment of up to three months, a double fermentation process and a much more potent brew compared to commercial grocery brands. And over 20 years of fermentation experience and a background in medical science and organic chemistry certainly doesn't hurt.
Order online at Craft & Culture or Teapasar.
