Kombucha & Microbiome: Probiotic Drink in Focus

Kombucha is trending – and for good reason! But what exactly does Kombucha do in the body?

This fermented tea drink is packed with nutrients and live microorganisms that naturally support our gut flora. A healthy digestion, a strengthened immune system, an active metabolism, and greater inner balance – all of this can be promoted by regularly enjoying Kombucha. What’s more, Kombucha has anti-inflammatory properties, provides a pleasant energy boost, and contains significantly less sugar than conventional soft drinks.

We spoke to the Berlin-based start-up KOMBUCHERY, whose mission is to produce real, living Kombucha in the highest organic quality. We found out what makes their drink so special and how it works. Let’s dive in!

Please introduce yourselves – who are you?

We’re KOMBUCHERY, a Berlin-based start-up with a passion for Kombucha. We lovingly craft unpasteurised Kombucha in organic quality, following an ancient tradition. Our goal? A delicious drink that supports gut health and promotes overall wellbeing. We bring natural freshness and vitality into our customers’ everyday lives.

How did you come up with the idea to produce Kombucha?

Our founder Maximilian was first introduced to Kombucha by his grandmother. Back then, the homemade tea didn’t taste particularly exciting or refreshing. In 2016, while living in Los Angeles for work, he discovered a new, revolutionised form of Kombucha – still unpasteurised and living, but now naturally sparkling and blended with fresh fruit and vegetable juices. Super refreshing and thirst-quenching, yet full of benefits for digestion and overall wellbeing.

Back in Germany, he couldn’t let the idea go. He began fermenting various Kombucha creations for friends and family. In 2019, he joined forces with friends in Berlin to launch KOMBUCHERY – with the mission of making real, living Kombucha accessible to a wider audience. Since then, it’s become our purpose to show people that true health begins in the gut – and sometimes, all it takes is a single bottle of Kombucha. That’s what KOMBUCHERY stands for – and it’s what you’ll find in every single bottle. In many countries, Kombucha is already a part of everyday life – and we believe it’s high time more people here discovered this special drink for themselves!

Kombucha is on trend – what sets you apart from conventional Kombucha products?

Unlike many commercial Kombucha brands, our Kombucha is unpasteurised and therefore still contains all the living cultures, enzymes, and valuable ingredients – just as nature intended. We rely on traditional long-term fermentation and avoid any artificial additives altogether. On top of that, our Kombucha contains up to 40% less sugar than most other brands – without compromising on flavour. We use delicious organic ingredients and ferment with natural carbonation for a gently refreshing experience.

And we don’t stop at great taste and quality – social responsibility is just as important to us. That’s why every bottle sold supports our NGO partner Viva con Agua de Sankt Pauli e.V., which campaigns worldwide for access to clean drinking water. Drinking Kombucha and doing good? That’s a perfect match for us.

How is your Kombucha made, and what exactly happens during production?

Our Kombucha is traditionally brewed from high-quality Sencha green tea – known for its antioxidant properties and delicate, natural taste. The sweetened tea is inoculated with a so-called Kombucha culture, made up of live yeasts and bacteria. During the multi-week fermentation process, these microorganisms convert the sugar into natural acids, enzymes, vitamins, and gentle carbonation. Sugar is essential to fuel the fermentation – it feeds the microbes. However, most of it is consumed in the process, leaving behind a low-sugar drink.

Depending on the flavour, we then enhance our Kombucha with fresh organic ingredients like spicy ginger or sun-ripened oranges. The result is a naturally refreshing beverage that not only tastes great but also delivers live microorganisms thanks to our specially developed PrioBiotic Complex. We deliberately avoid pasteurisation – to preserve all the beneficial components. Every bottle is a genuine natural product – handcrafted, living, and full of flavour.

How often do you drink Kombucha, and why?

The KOMBUCHERY team drinks Kombucha almost daily – and often more than just one bottle! For us, Kombucha is more than just a drink – it’s a part of a healthy lifestyle and gives us exactly what we need day-to-day: refreshment, balance, and renewed energy. We also love the taste and the feeling of doing something good for our bodies.

For us, Kombucha isn’t just a drink – it’s a real all-rounder for greater wellbeing in daily life.

How much Kombucha should you drink per day?

Kombucha is easy to incorporate into your daily routine – whether as part of your gut health ritual or simply as a tasty refreshment. For most people, one to two bottles a day is a good amount to benefit from its positive effects on digestion, gut health, and overall wellbeing.

If you’re new to Kombucha, we recommend starting with half a glass and seeing how your body responds. The live cultures and organic acids can stimulate your digestion – which is a good sign, but might require a little adjustment at first.

When should you drink Kombucha – and when is it better to avoid it?

Kombucha isn’t just a trendy drink – it’s a genuine all-rounder for the body and mind. If you’re struggling with bloating, sluggish digestion, Irritable bowel syndrom symptoms, or inner imbalance, Kombucha can offer gentle support. The live microorganisms, organic acids, and enzymes it contains can help stimulate digestion, strengthen gut flora, and improve overall wellbeing.

Even during phases of mental fatigue or low mood, a healthy gut can make a big difference – our "gut brain" strongly influences how we feel. Kombucha can help maintain balance in the body when enjoyed regularly.

And let’s not forget – it simply tastes great. With its natural fizz, fresh taste, and low sugar content, it’s a perfect alternative to standard soft drinks. Refreshing, thirst-quenching, and ideal for a mindful lifestyle – no compromises needed.

If you have specific intolerances or health conditions, it's best to start with small amounts to see how your body reacts.

Kombucha and gut health – what’s your experience? Are there any studies?

At KOMBUCHERY, gut health is at the heart of what we do – because wellbeing starts there. Our own experience and customer feedback consistently show that Kombucha can help improve digestive comfort, regulate the gut, and strengthen inner balance. Many report feeling more energised, lighter, and more balanced after regular consumption – with some digestive complaints even disappearing entirely.

It’s not surprising – Kombucha is a fermented drink full of living microorganisms, organic acids, and enzymes that can benefit the gut. These live cultures help support a healthy microbiome, which is key to digestion, immune function, and even mood.

The science is catching up too. Studies increasingly show that a diet rich in fermented foods – including Kombucha – can increase the diversity of gut bacteria and reduce inflammation. Of course, Kombucha isn’t a substitute for medical treatment – but it can be a tasty and beneficial addition to your everyday routine. A healthy gut is the foundation of overall wellbeing – and Kombucha is the perfect daily companion.

Which bacteria are found in Kombucha – and what do they do in the gut?

Our Kombucha is created through a natural fermentation process using a SCOBY (symbiotic culture of bacteria and yeast). This develops valuable microorganisms responsible for both the unique taste and the health benefits of the drink. In addition to those naturally formed during fermentation, our Kombucha also contains probiotic cultures of Lactobacillus rhamnosus – a lactic acid bacterium long recognised for its probiotic properties.

The live microorganisms in Kombucha, including our Lactobacillus rhamnosus, can support the balance of the microbiome by acting as “good” bacteria. Meanwhile, the naturally produced acids, enzymes, and B vitamins contribute to healthy digestion and a robust immune system.

Is Kombucha really that healthy?

Yes – thanks to its live microorganisms, natural enzymes, and valuable vitamins, Kombucha can support gut health and digestion while also contributing to general wellbeing. A healthy gut helps regulate stress, reduces inflammation, strengthens immunity, and has a positive effect on mental health.

Many of our customers report feeling more energetic and balanced – all thanks to natural ingredients, free from artificial additives. Our Kombucha contains only as much sugar as is necessary for fermentation, resulting in significantly less sugar and fewer calories than many other brands or soft drinks.

There are few other beverages that taste this good, refresh this effectively, and offer so many health benefits all at once.

Any personal tips for a healthy gut?

A healthy gut is the foundation of wellbeing. That’s why we focus on a mindful lifestyle, with a varied, balanced diet and regular exercise. Conscious relaxation and good sleep are also important for gut health. Fermented foods like Kombucha can naturally help restore and maintain balance in the gut.

We firmly believe that reducing stress and maintaining a healthy lifestyle supports gut health – and that, in turn, strengthens the wellbeing of the whole body.

You’ve tested the myBioma microbiome analysis – what was your experience?

I had the chance to try the myBioma microbiome test myself – and I was impressed from start to finish. You begin with a well-structured questionnaire about your eating habits, symptoms, and other relevant factors, so the test can be tailored to your individual needs.

My personal test results showed above-average gut health and microbial diversity. I found the detailed insights into the different aspects of gut health particularly fascinating – for example, how my microbiome influences my risk of leaky gut, small intestinal bacterial overgrowth, or IBS, and how it affects my immune system, weight management, and inflammation markers.

I was especially pleased to see that my balanced diet and Kombucha consumption appear to have a positive impact on my microbiome. The myBioma platform also provided practical tips and recipes to help reduce symptoms and continue improving gut health. Thanks for that!

Kombucha for your microbiome

We at the myBioma team tested KOMBUCHERY’s Kombucha ourselves – and we’re now total fans. Not just because it’s so good for our gut, but because it’s incredibly delicious too! Thank you for the brilliant interview – and of course, we have a special surprise for our readers.

For your wellbeing, we’ve joined forces to bring you the perfect Microbiome Boost Bundle: choose between myBioma Balance (a premium prebiotic to feed your gut bacteria) or myBioma Comfort (a probiotic with the most researched strain: Lactobacillus plantarum 299v), and enjoy it with refreshing Kombucha from KOMBUCHERY.

You can have your powerful duo delivered straight to your home or office here:

Microbiome Boost Bundle: myBioma Balance x Kombuchery

Probiotic Power Duo: myBioma Comfort x Kombuchery

For a healthy, happy gut!