Kombucha is a does kombucha need to be refrigerated tea beverage that contains a symbiotic culture of bacteria and yeast (SCOBY). It’s reputed to have many health benefits, including helping to manage high blood pressure, strengthen the immune system, reduce inflammation and improve digestive issues. It’s also said to help detoxify the body, and some people even use it as a substitute for coffee or alcohol.

Whether store-bought or homemade, it’s best to keep kombucha refrigerated to prevent the fermentation process from continuing too long. If left out of the fridge, kombucha will slowly start to taste more vinegary and will lose some of its carbonation. This is due to the remaining sugar being converted by the yeast and bacteria into more kombucha.

Cold or Not? The Lowdown on Whether Kombucha Needs Refrigeration

However, it’s not safe to drink kombucha that has gone bad. You’ll be able to tell if it has gone off by the off-putting smell and a strange, putrid flavour. If your kombucha looks and smells like vinegar, or tastes excessively sour and off, then it’s definitely time to throw it away.

If you’re a beginner to drinking kombucha, it’s always best to start with a small amount and build up your tolerance gradually. This is especially important for those who are not used to eating or drinking fermented foods and beverages, as consuming too much kombucha at once can lead to stomach discomfort, headaches or other digestive symptoms. It’s also worth noting that kombucha is high in sugar, so it shouldn’t be consumed as part of a diet that’s already too low in added sugar.