Is Remedy Kombucha Really Sugar Free?

December 24, 2025 •

3 min read

According to Remedy Drinks, their kombucha is 100% sugar free, a claim that often sparks curiosity since sugar is a necessary component for the fermentation process. This article explores how it's possible for Remedy Kombucha to truly have zero sugar, thanks to a specific brewing method that eliminates all sugar during a long fermentation process.

Quick Summary

This article examines Remedy Kombucha's sugar-free claim by detailing its traditional long-aged fermentation process and the role of natural sweeteners. It explains how the initial sugar is consumed by the SCOBY, leaving a zero-sugar final product, and compares it to other popular kombucha brands.

Key Points

Long-Aged Fermentation: Remedy's 30-day process allows the SCOBY to consume all the initial sugar, leaving none in the final product.
Natural Sweeteners: After fermentation, Remedy adds plant-based sweeteners like stevia and erythritol for flavor, without adding sugar.
Rigorous Testing: Every batch is tested to verify its zero-sugar status, ensuring the claim is accurate.
No Refrigeration Required: The lack of residual sugar makes Remedy Kombucha shelf-stable, unlike many other brands that ferment further if left unrefrigerated.
Healthier Option: Provides the benefits of live cultures and organic acids without the negative health impacts associated with high sugar intake.
Keto-Friendly: The zero-sugar formulation makes it a suitable beverage for those following a ketogenic diet.

How Does Remedy Kombucha Brew Out the Sugar?

It seems like a paradox: kombucha requires sugar to ferment, yet Remedy Kombucha claims to be entirely sugar-free. The secret lies in their traditional, long-aged brewing process. While kombucha's essential ingredient, the SCOBY (Symbiotic Culture of Bacteria and Yeast), needs sugar for fuel, Remedy allows this process to go on for an extended period—30 days—until all the sugar has been consumed.

The Fermentation Process Explained

Sweet Tea Preparation: The process begins by brewing organic green and black tea and adding a specific amount of raw organic sugar.
SCOBY Introduction: The SCOBY is introduced to the sweetened tea, starting the fermentation.
Long-Aged Fermentation: For 30 days, the SCOBY works tirelessly, converting the sugar into a variety of healthy organic acids and live cultures. This extended fermentation period is the key to ensuring that no sugar remains in the final product.
Batch Testing: After fermentation, Remedy rigorously tests every batch to guarantee that the sugar content is truly zero.
Adding Natural Sweeteners: To balance the naturally tart flavor, Remedy adds natural, plant-based sweeteners, like erythritol and steviol glycosides, after the fermentation is complete.

The Role of Natural Sweeteners

Since all the sugar is consumed during fermentation, Remedy uses natural, zero-calorie sweeteners to achieve a balanced, palatable taste. Erythritol, a sugar alcohol found in fruits like pears and grapes, and steviol glycosides, a natural compound derived from the stevia plant, are used to provide sweetness without impacting the final sugar count. This provides a sweet flavor without the glycemic impact of traditional sugar, making it a popular choice for those on low-sugar or ketogenic diets.

Comparison Table: Remedy vs. Other Kombucha Brands


Feature	Remedy Kombucha	Traditional Kombucha	Low-Sugar Alternatives
Sugar Content	0g (after long fermentation)	Varies, often 6g+ per serving	Varies, can contain some sugar
Sweeteners	Natural (Erythritol, Stevia)	Often uses high amounts of sugar	Stevia, monk fruit, fruit juice concentrates
Fermentation Time	30-day long-aged process	Shorter, typically 7-14 days	Shorter, but sugar content depends on flavoring
Probiotics	Packed with live cultures	Live cultures	Varies by brand
Shelf Stability	Shelf-stable due to no residual sugar	Requires refrigeration to prevent refermentation	Varies by brand; check packaging

Why is Sugar a Misconception with Kombucha?

Many consumers are skeptical about kombucha being sugar-free because they know it is made with sugar. The confusion stems from the two distinct stages of kombucha production. In the initial stage, sugar is a vital food source for the SCOBY to thrive and begin the fermentation process. However, in a longer, more complete fermentation, like the one Remedy uses, the bacteria and yeast consume all the initial sugar. Shorter fermentation periods may leave residual sugar, leading to varying sugar levels in different brands. This is why comparing labels is essential for anyone monitoring their sugar intake.

The Health Benefits of a Truly Sugar-Free Kombucha

A kombucha with genuinely no sugar, like Remedy, offers potential health benefits without the downside of high sugar consumption. A high intake of sugar is linked to various health issues, including weight gain and inflammation. By drinking a sugar-free alternative, you can enjoy the live cultures and organic acids, which are beneficial for gut health, without the caloric and glycemic impact of sugar. The organic acids, for example, can aid in digestion and provide an energy source for beneficial gut bacteria.

Conclusion: The Truth Behind Remedy's Sugar-Free Claim

So, is Remedy Kombucha really sugar free? Yes, based on its long-aged brewing process and extensive testing, Remedy delivers a truly zero-sugar beverage. They use organic sugar at the start of fermentation, but the SCOBY consumes it completely over 30 days, leaving behind beneficial organic acids and live cultures. Natural sweeteners like stevia and erythritol are then added for taste. This careful method allows them to provide a flavorful, healthy, and genuinely sugar-free kombucha, setting them apart from many competitors who may have residual sugar left from a shorter fermentation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Kombucha cannot be made without sugar, as it is the necessary food source for the SCOBY (bacteria and yeast) during fermentation. However, the brewing time can be extended so that the SCOBY consumes all the sugar, resulting in a zero-sugar final product, as is the case with Remedy Kombucha.

Yes, because Remedy Kombucha is sugar-free, it is a suitable option for many individuals managing their sugar intake, including diabetics. The natural sweeteners used have a low glycemic impact. However, it is always recommended to consult a healthcare professional before making changes to your diet.

The main difference lies in the fermentation process and sugar content. Remedy uses a long-aged fermentation to consume all the sugar and adds natural sweeteners afterward, resulting in a zero-sugar beverage. Many other brands have shorter fermentation times, leaving residual sugar and higher calorie counts.

Remedy Kombucha uses natural, plant-based sweeteners to achieve its flavor. These include erythritol (a sugar alcohol) and steviol glycosides (derived from the stevia plant).

As a fermented product, kombucha can contain trace amounts of alcohol. Remedy thoroughly tests each batch to ensure it stays below the non-alcoholic limit of 0.5%.

Most kombucha requires refrigeration to prevent further fermentation, which would increase carbonation and potentially the alcohol content, especially if residual sugar is present. Since Remedy's kombucha is truly sugar-free, it is shelf-stable and does not require refrigeration to prevent this.

The 'floaties' or strands in kombucha are harmless pieces of the live SCOBY, or 'mother,' culture. Their presence indicates a healthy, raw, and unpasteurized kombucha.

Yes, because it is sugar-free, Remedy Kombucha is very low in calories, typically only 5 calories per can.

Yes, Remedy Kombucha contains live cultures and organic acids, which can support gut health by aiding in digestion and promoting a diverse gut flora.