The Traditional Brew: The Secret to Live Cultures
Remedy Kombucha is made using a traditional, small-batch, long-aged brewing process. Unlike some other brands that might pasteurize and then add probiotic supplements, Remedy ferments sweet tea with a symbiotic culture of bacteria and yeast (SCOBY) over a period of 30 days. This lengthy process allows the live cultures to naturally thrive and multiply, consuming the sugar and creating beneficial organic acids. Every batch uses a descendant of the company’s original 'mother' culture, ensuring a consistently strong and healthy brew. The fact that it is raw and unpasteurized means these naturally occurring cultures remain alive and active when the kombucha is bottled.
The Role of the SCOBY
The SCOBY, a thick, gelatinous disc, is the heart of the kombucha brewing process. In Remedy's case, this 'mother' culture is comprised of specific strains of yeast and bacteria, including Saccharomyces, Acetobacter, and Gluconobacter species. During fermentation, the yeast converts sugar into alcohol, which the bacteria then use to create organic acids like acetic and gluconic acid. This metabolic activity is what gives kombucha its characteristic tangy flavor and creates the live cultures essential for gut health. The integrity of Remedy’s long-aged brew ensures this process is completed properly, resulting in a naturally potent product.
What are the Live Cultures in Remedy Kombucha?
Remedy's live cultures are the product of its natural fermentation. They are not added as an isolated ingredient but are an inherent part of the finished beverage. The company confirms that its live culture count sits at a minimum of 100 million per 100ml. The viability of these cultures is maintained throughout the drink's shelf life, and they do not require refrigeration to stay alive, a testament to the health and stability of the culture itself. A strong and healthy culture means no risk of refermentation, which is why Remedy can be found both in and out of the fridge.
Potential Gut Health Benefits
Fermented foods and beverages, like Remedy Kombucha, are known to contain beneficial microorganisms. The live cultures found in Remedy may offer several potential benefits for gut health:
- Increased Gut Flora Diversity: By introducing beneficial bacteria, live cultures can help increase the variety of microorganisms in your gut, which is a key indicator of a healthy microbiome.
- Competitive Inhibition: Healthy cultures can help prevent the overgrowth of bad bacteria in the gut, helping maintain balance.
- Nutrient Synthesis: The microorganisms and organic acids supply nutrients that support the gut’s metabolic processes, aiding in digestion and nutrient absorption.
- Antioxidant Effects: Beyond the live cultures, Remedy Kombucha also contains tea polyphenols, which are natural antioxidants that can support overall health.
Remedy vs. Other Kombucha: A Comparison
Not all kombucha on the market is created equal, and the presence and viability of live cultures are key differentiators. The pasteurization process, often used to extend shelf life, is a primary factor that can kill these beneficial microbes.
| Feature | Remedy Kombucha | Pasteurized Kombucha | Kombucha with Added Probiotics |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brewing Method | Small-batch, long-aged (30 days) | Often mass-produced, shorter fermentation | Varies, sometimes quicker fermentation |
| Pasteurization | No, it is raw and unpasteurized | Yes, heated to kill microbes | Varies; some are pasteurized to create a stable base |
| Live Cultures | Naturally occurring from fermentation | Killed during pasteurization | Added back after pasteurization as isolated strains |
| Culture Count | Minimum 100 million per 100ml | None or low count from post-pasteurization strains | Variable, depends on added strains and process |
| Sugar Content | Sugar is brewed out, resulting in a naturally sugar-free drink | Often contains residual sugar or added sweeteners | Can contain residual sugar depending on process |
| Storage | Shelf-stable (in or out of fridge) | Often shelf-stable, no live cultures | Often requires refrigeration to maintain viability |
Remedy's dedication to its traditional, unpasteurized method, and the strength of its inherited SCOBY, sets it apart. This process results in a genuinely live and active product, without the need for post-brewing intervention. For further reading on their methods, check out the Remedy blog.
Conclusion: The Final Verdict
Yes, Remedy Kombucha unquestionably contains live cultures. Its commitment to the traditional brewing method—small-batch, unpasteurized, and long-aged—ensures that the beneficial bacteria and yeast produced during fermentation are retained in the final product. The presence of floaty bits, or strands of the SCOBY, in the bottle is a visual confirmation of this natural, unfiltered process. With a guaranteed minimum of 100 million live cultures per 100ml, Remedy provides a robust dose of natural probiotics to support your gut health, all while being naturally free of sugar.
