How much caffeine is in Dr Brew kombucha?

December 14, 2025 •

4 min read

Most standard Brew Dr. kombucha flavors contain less than 15 mg of caffeine per 14 fl oz bottle, making it a low-caffeine alternative to coffee. Understanding how much caffeine is in Dr Brew kombucha is key for those who are mindful of their stimulant intake throughout the day.

Quick Summary

Standard Brew Dr. kombucha contains less than 15mg of caffeine per 14oz bottle, a level comparable to decaf coffee. The caffeinated Uplift line, conversely, contains up to 150mg.

Key Points

Low Caffeine in Standard Brews: Most standard 14 fl oz bottles of Brew Dr. kombucha contain less than 15 mg of caffeine.
High Caffeine in Uplift: The Brew Dr. Uplift line is a special caffeinated product containing 130-150 mg of caffeine per can.
Fermentation Reduces Caffeine: The SCOBY culture in kombucha naturally consumes and reduces the caffeine from the base tea during the fermentation process.
Less than Coffee: The caffeine content in a standard Brew Dr. kombucha is significantly lower than a typical cup of coffee, and is more comparable to a decaf brew.
Ingredients Determine Strength: The caffeine in standard flavors comes from the tea base, while the Uplift line adds extra stimulants like yerba mate and guayusa.
Labeling is Key: Always check the product label to determine the specific caffeine content, especially when choosing between standard and caffeinated varieties.
Probiotic Benefits: In addition to low caffeine, standard Brew Dr. kombucha offers probiotic benefits for gut health.

Understanding Caffeine in Dr Brew Kombucha

Unlike an energy drink or a strong cup of coffee, the caffeine content in a standard bottle of Brew Dr. kombucha is quite low. This is due to a combination of the natural fermentation process and the base teas used. However, the company also offers a specific high-caffeine product line, so it is crucial to know the difference before you buy.

Caffeine in Standard Dr Brew Flavors

For most of Brew Dr.'s popular flavors, like Clear Mind or Ginger Lemon, the caffeine levels are minimal. The company clearly states that its classic kombuchas have less than 15mg of caffeine per 14 fl oz bottle. To put this in perspective, a typical 8 fl oz cup of brewed coffee contains around 95 mg of caffeine, and an 8 fl oz cup of green tea has approximately 25 mg. This means a standard Brew Dr. kombucha offers a gentle, subtle boost without the intense jitters associated with higher-caffeine beverages. The base of green and black teas contributes the caffeine, which is then significantly reduced during fermentation as the yeast and bacteria in the SCOBY consume it.

The Uplift Caffeinated Kombucha Line

For consumers seeking a more powerful energy boost, Brew Dr. offers its Uplift line, which is specifically formulated with a much higher caffeine content. Instead of just fermented tea, these products include additional caffeinated ingredients. For example, a 16 oz can of Uplift kombucha contains natural caffeine from sources like yerba mate, guayusa, and green tea, resulting in 130mg to 150mg of caffeine per can. This places the Uplift line in the same category as many standard energy drinks and strong coffees in terms of caffeine strength.

The Role of Fermentation

Fermentation is the key process that distinguishes kombucha from regular tea in terms of caffeine content. During fermentation, the SCOBY (Symbiotic Culture of Bacteria and Yeast) metabolizes the sugars and some of the caffeine present in the initial brewed tea. This reduces the total caffeine that remains in the final product. The level of reduction can vary depending on factors such as the brewing temperature and duration, but for commercially produced products like Brew Dr., the results are consistent and tested. This natural reduction is why traditional kombucha has a much milder stimulating effect than its tea base, making it a popular choice for those looking for a healthier, lower-caffeine beverage option. As a result of this process, Brew Dr. kombucha maintains its probiotic benefits while providing a manageable caffeine level.

Choosing the Right Brew Dr. for Your Needs

For those sensitive to caffeine or looking to limit their intake, the standard Brew Dr. kombucha flavors are the way to go. These offer the benefits of probiotics and antioxidants with only trace amounts of caffeine. The Uplift line is a great option for individuals who need a significant energy kick but want it from a more natural, fermented source rather than a heavily processed energy drink. The difference in caffeine levels is a direct result of the ingredients and brewing process, allowing consumers to choose a product that aligns with their specific energy needs.

Dr Brew Kombucha Caffeine Comparison

To better illustrate the differences in caffeine levels, here is a comparison table:


Beverage	Serving Size	Approximate Caffeine (mg)
Brew Dr. Standard Kombucha	14 fl oz bottle	< 15
Brew Dr. Uplift Kombucha	16 fl oz can	130–150
Brewed Coffee	8 fl oz cup	95
Green Tea	8 fl oz cup	25
Decaffeinated Coffee	8 fl oz cup	~2–5

Health Considerations for Low Caffeine Kombucha

Choosing a low-caffeine drink like standard Brew Dr. kombucha has several health advantages. For those with caffeine sensitivity, it prevents jitters, anxiety, and sleep disturbances. It also provides a smoother, more sustainable energy boost due to the combination of low caffeine and theanine, an amino acid found in tea that promotes relaxed alertness. This makes it a great choice for a midday pick-me-up without the crash often associated with high-caffeine drinks.

Conclusion

In summary, the amount of caffeine in Dr Brew kombucha varies significantly depending on the product line. Standard kombucha flavors are very low in caffeine, containing less than 15mg per 14 oz bottle due to the natural fermentation process. In contrast, the Uplift line is a highly caffeinated beverage with 130-150mg per can, sourced from additional stimulants like yerba mate. This distinction is vital for consumers monitoring their caffeine intake. Always check the label to ensure you're getting the energy level you expect from your fermented tea.

List of Standard Flavors with Low Caffeine

Clear Mind: A blend of green tea, rosemary, mint, and sage.
Ginger Lemon: Made with green tea and infused with fresh ginger and lemon.
Love: Features green tea, jasmine, and other botanical ingredients.
Kombucha 220: A simple yet classic brew.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, standard Brew Dr. kombucha is not completely caffeine-free, but it contains a very small amount, typically less than 15mg per 14 fl oz bottle. However, their Uplift line is high in caffeine.

The caffeine in a standard bottle of Brew Dr. kombucha (less than 15mg) is much lower than in an 8 fl oz cup of brewed coffee (around 95mg). A bottle is more comparable to a decaf coffee.

Kombucha contains caffeine because it is fermented from a base of sweetened black or green tea, which naturally contains caffeine. The final amount is lower due to the fermentation process.

No, fermentation reduces the caffeine but does not eliminate it entirely. The SCOBY metabolizes some of the caffeine, but a small amount remains in the finished beverage.

Yes, the Uplift line is specifically designed to be highly caffeinated, containing 130-150mg per can from added ingredients like yerba mate and green tea.

For most people, the minimal caffeine in standard Brew Dr. kombucha is unlikely to cause sleep issues. However, if you are very sensitive to caffeine, you might consider avoiding it before bed.

Yes, some specific flavors have different caffeine levels. For example, the Iced Tea Lemonade and Lemon + Tea Sipjoy flavors have 35mg of caffeine per bottle/can, which is higher than the standard flavors.