Can You Drink Kombucha While Pregnant?

With alcohol, soft cheese and most shellfish out of the equation, can you still enjoy an Equinox Kombucha if you’re pregnant? In this article we’ll explore the dos and don’ts when it comes to fermented foods and whether you can drink kombucha while pregnant. 

Is it safe to drink kombucha while pregnant?

There isn’t a definitive answer when it comes to whether you should avoid kombucha during pregnancy. There are two main factors that cause some contention: the natural bacteria and the small amount of alcohol in kombucha. Let’s explore further. 

Kombucha contains live bacteria which is created during the fermentation process. While most of the bacteria is gut-boosting ‘healthy’ bacteria, in some instances, depending on the conditions in which the Kombucha is brewed, there can be a small amount of ‘bad’ bacteria left behind that could be potentially harmful to the baby. However, this is only really a risk when dealing with home-brewed kombucha, as all commercially-available brands will have to adhere to strict health and safety regulations to ensure any ‘bad’ bacteria has been removed. At Equinox we are a BRC double A grade site (British Retail Consortium Food Safety Standards) and have super high levels of food safety and hygiene in our breweries. 

Kombucha alcohol content 

There is a very small amount of naturally-occurring alcohol in kombucha, so it’s a matter of personal choice whether to consume it. Always check the packaging as the alcohol content between brands will vary and be sure to discuss with your GP or midwife if you’re new to kombucha. Equinox Kombucha contains a tiny trace amount of alcohol (equivalent to less than 0.5% ABV) which is comparable to an overripe banana. Again, avoid home brewed kombucha because the alcohol content cannot be regulated, so it may be much higher, and therefore make the booch unsafe to consume. 

Read more about the alcohol content of kombucha here. 

Are fermented foods safe for pregnant women?

The advice on whether fermented foods are safe during pregnancy is inconclusive, but most health professionals agree that home fermentation should definitely be avoided because the chance of it containing bad bacteria is higher. 

If fermented foods were a regular part of your diet before pregnancy, consult with your GP about whether they would advise you to cut them out – but if not, as a general rule it’s best to avoid introducing new foods while pregnant. 

Ultimately, the best advice we can give is check the label, speak to your GP or midwife and make an informed decision! And if you do decide to take a break on the booch, we’ll have one here ready for you to enjoy once your bundle of joy arrives. 

Learn more about Kombucha and Breastfeeding here.