In a time when mindful alcohol consumption is becoming increasingly important, many people are looking for refreshing, tasty, and healthy alcohol-free beverages. Our BOUCHE Kombucha is an ideal choice all year round—and perfect for months like “Sober October” or “Dry January” when taking a break from alcohol feels right. But what does “alcohol-free” actually mean, and why does our Kombucha still contain a small amount of alcohol, typically around 0.5% or less? Let’s take a closer look.

What Does “Alcohol-Free” Mean?

In Germany and many other countries, a beverage is considered “alcohol-free” if it contains up to 0.5% alcohol by volume (ABV). This limit is set because such a low level of alcohol has no noticeable effects. For context, many everyday foods like ripe fruit, soy sauce, or sourdough bread naturally contain similar alcohol levels. Even alcohol-free beer and wine may contain up to 0.5% alcohol and are still considered alcohol-free.

Our BOUCHE Kombucha is always below this threshold, making it nearly imperceptible for most people. But why can’t we reach exactly 0.0%?

The Natural Fermentation Process

Kombucha is a living beverage created through the natural fermentation of tea, sugar, and a culture of yeast and bacteria. Here’s where the magic happens: the yeast transforms sugar into alcohol and carbon dioxide. Then the bacteria get to work, converting most of the alcohol into valuable organic acids, giving Kombucha its unique flavor and probiotic properties.

Although most of the alcohol is converted, a small amount remains. Fully removing it without altering the drink's natural character is nearly impossible. Without this process, Kombucha wouldn’t deliver the distinct taste and health benefits we love.

Sugar Breaks Down, Alcohol Stays Minimal

During fermentation, the sugar in our Kombucha is mostly broken down, creating only a minimal amount of alcohol. Thanks to our mindful production process, the alcohol content remains naturally low—just as it should be.

At BOUCHE, we value a mindful, healthy lifestyle, and our Kombucha is the perfect match. The tiny amount of alcohol is a natural part of the fermentation process and a sign of how minimally processed our Kombucha is. Whether you’re celebrating “Sober October,” “Dry January,” or simply in the mood for a delicious, alcohol-free drink, our Kombucha is here to join you on your alcohol-free journey. Cheers to natural refreshment and conscious enjoyment!

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