Does Kombucha Have Caffeine? What You Need to Know Before Drinking It

You might be wondering: does kombucha have caffeine? After all, kombucha is made from tea, which naturally contains caffeine. This question matters, especially for people sensitive to caffeine or those tracking their intake for health reasons. The short answer is yes, kombucha typically contains some caffeine, but the amount varies depending on how it’s brewed. But beyond caffeine content, what really matters is how kombucha fits into your overall eating and drinking habits.
August 2, 2025
✅ Fact checked
August 2, 2025

Does Kombucha Have Caffeine?

Kombucha is made by fermenting sweetened tea with a symbiotic culture of bacteria and yeast (SCOBY). Since tea naturally contains caffeine, the kombucha you drink will usually have caffeine too.

The caffeine level varies depending on factors like:

  • The type of tea used (black tea has more caffeine than green tea).

  • The fermentation time (longer fermentation generally lowers caffeine levels because the microbes consume some caffeine).

  • The brand and brewing process (commercial kombuchas can differ widely).

On average, an 8-ounce serving of kombucha contains between 8 to 14 mg of caffeine,much less than a typical cup of brewed coffee (about 95 mg) but enough to notice if you’re sensitive.

Should You Be Concerned About Kombucha’s Caffeine?

For most people, the caffeine in kombucha is moderate and unlikely to cause problems when consumed in typical amounts. 

However, if you: are sensitive to caffeine or need to limit it for medical reasons,are pregnant or breastfeeding or experience sleep difficulties, you might want to watch your kombucha intake or opt for caffeine-free varieties.

Remember, it’s not about completely avoiding caffeine but about balancing it with your overall daily intake and lifestyle.

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How Does Kombucha Fit Into a Balanced Diet?

Kombucha can be a refreshing alternative to sugary sodas or high-calorie beverages when enjoyed occasionally and mindfully.Here are a few tips for including kombucha healthily:

Cracker Criteria Table
Tip Explanation
Choose kombucha with no added sugars or minimal sweeteners. Avoid extra sugars to keep your drink healthier and less processed
Enjoy it as part of a balanced diet rich in vegetables, whole grains, and plant-based proteins. Kombucha complements a varied, nutrient-rich eating pattern.
Don’t rely on kombucha as a health cure. Think of it as a flavorful drink, not a magic solution for health.

What Matters More Than Kombucha’s Caffeine Content

In the end, whether kombucha has caffeine or not is less important than how your overall diet and habits support your health. 

Moderation, variety, and practical choices make a bigger difference than focusing on single ingredients.

Want to learn how to build these balanced habits with ease? Visit the Gococo blog or try our app for simple, sustainable tips to improve your nutrition, no extremes, no confusion.

FAQS

How much caffeine is in different types of kombucha?
Caffeine levels vary by tea type and fermentation time but generally range from 8 to 14 mg per 8 oz serving.
Is there caffeine-free kombucha available?
Yes, some brands offer kombucha brewed with herbal teas or decaffeinated tea, which contain little to no caffeine.
Can drinking kombucha too late in the day affect my sleep?
If you are sensitive to caffeine, drinking kombucha late may interfere with sleep, so it’s best to consume it earlier in the day.

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Curious about how your favorite drinks fit into a balanced diet? Explore the Gococo app and blog for easy, practical tips on mindful nutrition.
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