One of the objectives of this trip to the U.S. was to find non-alcoholic beverages to serve at a bar.

Alcohol excites people, but we believe that non-alcoholic is not simply something without alcohol in it. Non-alcohol must be both delicious and relaxing to people. That is why we turned our attention to “kombucha.

What is Kombucha?

KOMBUCHA” is very popular in Los Angeles. It’s not the Japanese kombucha. Kombucha is a fermented tea made from sugar, water, tea, and SCOBY (a symbiotic colony of bacteria and yeast). kombucha is a “black tea mushroom” that became popular among health-conscious people in Japan around 1970. More like a jellyfish than a mushroom in appearance, SCOBY (a Symbiotic Colony of Bacteria and Yeast) is a symbiotic aggregate of bacteria and yeast that serves as a fermentation starter. The activity of the SCOBYs breaks down the sugars in the tea, producing carbon dioxide (bubbles) and alcohol (liquor). The resulting kombucha, which takes about a week to make, is sweet and sour and slightly effervescent, like a healthy soda.

◆Three health benefits of kombucha.

(1) Improvement of intestinal environment

The reason for this is the probiotics that are produced during the fermentation stage of kombucha. Recently, they have become famous in yogurt and other products. Probiotics have the ability to regulate the balance of bacteria in the intestines, which has a positive effect on constipation and indigestion. It can be said that this drink is ideal for “intestinal activities.

(2) Anti-aging

Kombucha is said to be effective for anti-aging and other purposes because it is made from black or green tea, which contains many antioxidants such as catechins and polyphenols, and because the fermentation of the strain produces ingredients such as vitamin B and organic acids.

Many people seem to be taking it not only for health maintenance but also for beauty.

(3) Easy to drink

As we have introduced its effects on health and beauty, the greatest feature of hard kombucha is that it is easy to drink.

Kombucha has a strong image as a health food, but we also hear that many people in the U.S. drink it as a substitute for cola. Since it is such a good substitute for cola, there is no doubt anymore that hard kombucha is easy to drink for many people.

Tasting at two typical restaurants in ◆ Los Angeles

One is Hi-Lo Liquor Market (Hi-Lo Liquor), which has a fun bar area in the store where you can sample the products.

Hi-Lo Liquor Market – Culver City

8582 Washington Blvd, Culver City

Another is June Shine, a brand specializing in hard kombucha,

JuneShine – Santa Monica

2914 Main St Santa Monica

◆ Conclusion!

Kombucha = Health Ade Ginger Pineapple Belly Reset

Hard Kombucha = June Shine P.O.G. (real passion fruit, orange and guava) / Chili Mango 6% ALC

◆Kombucha = non-alcoholic

The U.S. kombucha market tripled from $152 million in 2015 to $492 million ($67 billion) in 2019.

Among them, Health Ade, a Kombucha brand created in 2012, is the number one brand and is sold in supermarkets around the area.

Health-Ade was started in California in 2012 by Dinah Trout, her husband Justin, and her best friend Vanessa. In its early years, the company sold homemade Kombucha fermented in their home kitchen at local farmers’ markets. Seven years after its founding, in 2019, the company expanded its distribution to more than 26,000 retailers across the U.S. and achieved $200 million in sales ($27 billion in annual sales). In June 2019, the company also successfully received a $20 million equity investment from The Coca-Cola Company.

@healthade @dainatrout

Hard Kombucha = beer-level alcohol

However, alcohol is not directly added to the kombucha, but rather a trace amount of alcohol produced during the kombucha fermentation process is used to make the drink, so hard kombucha is characterized by its smooth taste and lack of alcohol.

Since they are basically made from natural ingredients, they are supported by those who want to enjoy alcoholic beverages while taking care of their health, such as those without antioxidants and gluten-free ones that do not contain wheat like beer.

Four Featured Hard Kombucha Brands

(1) Nova Easy Kombucha

This is a hard kombucha that is not processed with preservatives or pasteurization during the fermentation stage, which keeps the probiotics in a healthy state, and combined with the flavors, makes it a healthy and tasty hard kombucha.

The main flavors are very tropical, such as watermelon & mint and hibiscus & lavender. In addition, non-alcoholic hard kombucha has recently been introduced, making for a varied lineup.

(2) June Shine Hard Kombucha

While conventional hard kombucha typically uses black tea as an ingredient, June Shine uses green tea. This makes the hard kombucha smoother and more mellow tasting.

In terms of sustainability, the company is known for its hard kombucha, which is 100% carbon neutral throughout its operations and is made in an environmentally friendly manner, including an annual donation to 1% For The Planet.

(3) Flying Embers Hard Kombucha

The “dry fermentation process” is used to create a sugar-free and gluten-free hard kombucha. It is now attracting attention as a hard kombucha that allows people to enjoy the natural taste of its ingredients.

Flavors and spices range from light lemon and berry (4.5% each) to boozy mango coconut (7.0%) and pineapple chili (6.8%). Check it out.

(4) Strainge Beast

With a unique design reminiscent of insectivorous plants, this product seems to have a strong focus on raw materials. They trekked to various orchards and fields across the U.S. and searched until they found the ingredients and yeast they were satisfied with.

Flavors include grapefruit & pomegranate & cucumber, watermelon & sea salt & lime & mint, and other new combinations.