how old do you have to be to drink kombucha

2 min read 07-02-2025

how old do you have to be to drink kombucha

Kombucha, a fermented tea drink, has gained popularity for its purported health benefits and slightly tangy flavor. But with its slight alcohol content, a question arises: how old do you have to be to legally drink kombucha? The answer isn't as straightforward as you might think, and depends largely on your location and the specific kombucha you're consuming.

Understanding Kombucha's Alcohol Content

The fermentation process that gives kombucha its unique fizz and flavor also produces a small amount of alcohol. The alcohol content varies greatly depending on several factors: the type of tea used, the length of fermentation, and the specific kombucha brewing process. Most commercially produced kombuchas contain less than 0.5% alcohol by volume (ABV). However, some homemade or artisan varieties can have significantly higher alcohol percentages.

Legal Drinking Age and Kombucha

The legal drinking age varies widely across the globe. In many countries, including the United States, the minimum legal drinking age (MLDA) is 21. This means that individuals under the age of 21 are generally prohibited from purchasing or consuming alcoholic beverages, regardless of the alcohol percentage.

Therefore, while most commercially produced kombucha contains a very low amount of alcohol (often below the legal threshold for alcoholic beverages), it's generally advisable to adhere to the MLDA in your region. This means individuals under 21 should avoid consuming kombucha, even commercially produced brands, to stay on the safe side of the law.

The Grey Area: Low-Alcohol Kombucha and State Laws

The low alcohol content of most commercially-available kombucha creates a legal grey area. While technically containing alcohol, the amount is often so small that it doesn't trigger the same regulatory scrutiny as beer, wine, or spirits. However, this doesn't mean it's legally permissible for minors to consume. State and local laws might vary on how they classify low-alcohol beverages like kombucha. It's always best to err on the side of caution and follow the MLDA in your area.

Homebrewed Kombucha: A Different Story

Homebrewed kombucha poses a different challenge entirely. Because the fermentation process is uncontrolled, the resulting alcohol content can vary significantly. It's possible for homemade kombucha to have a much higher alcohol content than commercially available varieties. Therefore, consuming homebrewed kombucha carries a higher risk of violating alcohol laws, regardless of age.

What Parents Should Know

Parents who consider giving kombucha to their children should be aware of the potential alcohol content, even in commercially available brands. The small amount present may not cause immediate intoxication, but it's still against the law in many jurisdictions to provide alcoholic beverages to minors. Furthermore, the potential health impacts of kombucha on children are still being studied and aren't entirely understood.

Conclusion: Safety First

While the alcohol content in most kombucha is low, the legal drinking age should always be respected. The risk of violating alcohol laws, even with low-alcohol kombucha, isn't worth taking. If you're unsure about the alcohol content of a specific kombucha product, check the label carefully or contact the manufacturer. When in doubt, it is always best to err on the side of caution and consult local laws and regulations. For minors, choosing alternative beverages is always a safer option.