Does Boochcraft Have Added Sugar? A Deep Dive into Their Brewing Process

December 18, 2025 •

3 min read

Boochcraft, like all kombuchas, uses organic cane sugar as a necessary fuel for fermentation. This means that while they might not add sugar after brewing, the final product does contain added sugars, a distinction revealed on nutritional labels.

Quick Summary

Boochcraft uses cane sugar for fermentation, resulting in varying amounts of residual added sugar per flavor, as confirmed by nutritional labeling, alongside fresh-pressed fruit juice for natural sweetness.

Key Points

Organic Cane Sugar is Used: Boochcraft uses organic cane sugar as a food source for the yeast and bacteria during its unique, two-stage fermentation process.
'Added Sugar' Labeling is Mandatory: Under FDA guidelines, any sugar used during fermentation that remains in the final product must be declared as 'added sugar' on the nutrition label.
Sweetness from Fermentation and Fruit: The final sweetness is a combination of residual sugar from the fermentation process and the natural sugars from fresh, cold-pressed organic fruit juices.
Sugar Content Varies by Flavor: The amount of added sugar in a can of Boochcraft is flavor-dependent, with specific nutritional information available on each product's label.
A 'Better-for-you' Alternative: Compared to many sugary cocktails and other alcoholic beverages, hard kombucha like Boochcraft is often a lower-sugar, lower-calorie option.

Understanding Boochcraft's Fermentation Process

To understand the truth about sugar in Boochcraft, one must first grasp the basics of how hard kombucha is made. The process for hard kombucha is more complex than that of its non-alcoholic counterpart. It begins with the traditional method, where a SCOBY (Symbiotic Culture of Bacteria and Yeast) ferments sweetened black tea. This primary fermentation consumes most of the initial sugar. The bacteria converts ethanol into acetic acid, creating the characteristic tangy flavor.

To achieve its 7% alcohol by volume (ABV), Boochcraft employs a secondary fermentation stage. In this step, a different strain of yeast and additional organic cane sugar are introduced. This second yeast is specifically chosen to thrive in the acidic environment created during primary fermentation and further increase the alcohol content. Once this fermentation is complete, fresh, cold-pressed organic fruit juice is added for flavoring, which also contributes to the total sugar content.

The Nuance of “Added Sugar” Labeling

Boochcraft states it doesn't add sugar after fermentation. However, FDA guidelines and a ruling by Kombucha Brewers International require that any sugar remaining in the final product from the fermentation process be listed as 'added sugar' on the nutrition label. The amount of this residual sugar varies by flavor due to the specific fruit juices used, resulting in different total and added sugar amounts for each variety. The final sweetness is a mix of remaining fermented sugars, natural fruit sugars, and potentially other sweeteners like agave or maple syrup in some seasonal options.

Comparison of Boochcraft and Other Drinks

Boochcraft hard kombucha is often seen as a lower-sugar alcoholic option. The sugar content varies by flavor. Here's how it compares to other beverages:


Beverage Type	Average Serving Size	Typical Sugar Content	Notes
Boochcraft Hard Kombucha	12 oz can	1-13g total, 2-6g added	Naturally sweetened with real fruit juice; specific amounts vary by flavor.
Sugary Mixed Drink	12 oz	Up to 30g+	High sugar content from syrups and mixers; offers no nutritional benefits.
Hard Seltzer	12 oz can	2g or less	Very low sugar, but lacks the probiotics and antioxidants of kombucha.
Craft Beer	12 oz bottle	Varies widely (10g+)	Can have similar or higher sugar and carb counts, depending on the style.
Regular Soda	12 oz can	Over 30g	Extremely high in sugar, no nutritional value.

The Role of Natural Sweeteners

In addition to the fermentation sugar, Boochcraft uses natural organic ingredients for flavor, such as fresh, cold-pressed fruit juices from sustainable farms. These fruit juices contribute their natural sugars to the final total sugar count. Some flavors might also include organic agave nectar or maple syrup. Boochcraft's use of real ingredients rather than concentrates is a key part of their process.

The Broader Health Context

Considering the health aspect, kombucha fermentation creates probiotics and antioxidants from tea. Moderate consumption of hard kombucha is often viewed as a 'better-for-you' choice compared to many high-sugar alcoholic drinks. It's also gluten-free, which is an advantage over beer for some. As with all alcohol, moderation and a balanced diet are recommended.

Conclusion: A Clearer Picture of Boochcraft's Sugar

Does Boochcraft contain added sugar? Yes. While no sugar is added after fermentation for sweetness, organic cane sugar is used during the brewing process. A portion of this sugar remains and is labeled as 'added sugar' according to regulations. The final sugar content is a result of residual fermented sugars and natural sugars from fresh fruit juices. The amount is generally lower than many mixed drinks and is detailed on each flavor's nutrition label. For detailed labeling standards, refer to the Kombucha Brewers International guidelines: KBI Official Guidance – Added Sugars & Nutrition Panel Changes.

How Boochcraft Stacks Up Against Alternatives

Boochcraft offers less sugar than sodas, sweet cocktails, and some beers, while also providing probiotics and antioxidants. It's a appealing option for those seeking an alcoholic drink with potentially fewer downsides, provided they check the sugar content for their chosen flavor.

The Takeaway

Boochcraft's sugar, labeled as 'added' by regulation, is integral to its natural brewing and flavoring process. It's necessary for fermentation and complemented by organic ingredients and fresh fruit juices, offering a distinct profile from beverages with processed sugars or artificial flavors.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, some of the sugar remains in the final product. While the SCOBY and yeast consume most of the sugar during fermentation, a portion of the initial organic cane sugar and the natural sugar from the added fruit juice is left behind, contributing to the total and added sugar content.

According to FDA rules, any sugar introduced during the brewing process that remains in the finished beverage must be labeled as 'added sugar.' This is a standard regulatory practice for fermented products.

No, Boochcraft uses organic cane sugar for fermentation and fresh, cold-pressed organic fruit juice for flavor. Some special flavors may include organic agave or maple syrup, but they do not use high-fructose corn syrup or artificial sweeteners.

Compared to many mixed drinks, Boochcraft is a lower-sugar option, though its sugar content varies by flavor, from as low as 1 gram to over 10 grams per can. It's advisable to check the specific nutrition label.

The sweetness comes from two main sources: residual sugar leftover after the fermentation of organic cane sugar and the natural fruit sugars present in the fresh, cold-pressed organic fruit juices used for flavoring.

Boochcraft utilizes a two-stage fermentation process. After the initial kombucha fermentation, a second round of fermentation with a different yeast strain and more sugar is performed to achieve a higher alcohol content.

Many consider hard kombucha a 'better-for-you' alcoholic alternative due to its lower sugar content compared to many cocktails, plus the addition of probiotics and antioxidants. However, it still contains alcohol and should be consumed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.