For anyone watching their sugar intake, the low-calorie and zero-sugar claims of Remedy Kombucha are appealing. However, the use of sweeteners raises questions for health-conscious consumers. Contrary to concerns about artificial additives, Remedy uses two naturally derived sweeteners, erythritol and stevia, to achieve its signature sweet and tangy flavor profile. The company achieves this by adding these sweeteners only after a traditional, 30-day fermentation process that removes all sugar from the brew.
The Zero-Sugar Brewing Process
Remedy's kombucha is crafted using a long-aged, 30-day fermentation process, which is central to its zero-sugar status.
- The SCOBY's Role: A SCOBY (Symbiotic Culture of Bacteria and Yeast) is the live culture responsible for fermenting the sweet tea base.
- Consuming the Sugar: During this long fermentation, the bacteria and yeast in the SCOBY consume all the sugar that was initially added to the tea.
- Creating Organic Acids: This process converts the sugar into healthy organic acids, which give kombucha its characteristic tangy taste and potential gut-health benefits.
- The Finished Brew: After fermentation is complete, the resulting liquid is sugar-free but can be quite sour. This is where the post-fermentation sweetening step comes in.
The Role of Natural Sweeteners
To make the kombucha palatable and delicious, Remedy back-sweetens the zero-sugar brew with two natural sweeteners: erythritol and stevia extract.
Erythritol: A Natural Sugar Alcohol
Erythritol is a sugar alcohol (polyol) that provides sweetness with virtually no calories.
- Origin: It occurs naturally in some fruits like grapes, pears, and watermelon, as well as fermented foods like wine. Commercially, it's produced by fermenting glucose from corn or wheat.
- Properties: It is about 70% as sweet as table sugar, has a clean taste, and is well-tolerated by most people.
- Diabetic-Friendly: It is non-glycemic, meaning it does not raise blood sugar or insulin levels, making it suitable for people with diabetes or those on low-carb diets.
Stevia: A Plant-Based Sweetener
Stevia is a zero-calorie, plant-based sweetener derived from the leaves of the Stevia rebaudiana plant, native to Paraguay and Brazil.
- Potency: It is significantly sweeter than sugar—around 200 to 400 times sweeter, depending on the extract.
- The Aftertaste: While highly sweet, some people detect a slight aftertaste, which is often masked by combining it with other ingredients like erythritol.
- Metabolism: High-purity steviol glycosides are not metabolized by the body and provide zero calories.
The 'Natural' Versus 'Artificial' Label
Remedy emphasizes that its sweeteners are 100% natural and certified organic. However, some debate exists regarding this labeling due to processing.
- Natural Origin: Both stevia and erythritol originate from natural sources.
- Commercial Processing: Commercial production involves extraction and purification processes, which some purists argue moves them away from a 'whole food' state.
- Regulatory Status: The FDA classifies high-purity stevia leaf extract as "Generally Recognized as Safe" (GRAS), but not the crude leaf itself. Erythritol is also recognized as safe.
Ultimately, the 'natural' label is based on the source, not the level of processing. For consumers concerned about the effects of artificial chemical compounds (like aspartame or sucralose), Remedy's sweeteners are derived from natural origins, which is a key distinction.
Comparison: Remedy Kombucha vs. Other Drinks
To illustrate the difference, here's a comparison of Remedy's sweetener profile with other common beverages.
| Feature | Remedy Kombucha | Traditional Kombucha | Diet Soda (e.g., Diet Coke) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sweeteners | Erythritol & Stevia | Residual Sugar | Artificial (e.g., Aspartame) |
| Sugar Content | Zero grams (long-aged fermentation) | Varies (some residual sugar) | Zero grams |
| Calorie Count | Very low (around 10 calories/can) | Varies (depending on sugar) | Zero |
| Live Cultures | Yes (live, raw, and unpasteurized) | Yes (often, but check label) | No |
| Other Benefits | Organic Acids, Antioxidants | Organic Acids, Antioxidants | None |
Beyond Sweetness: Gut Health and Antioxidants
Remedy's focus on natural sweeteners isn't the only health-oriented aspect of their kombucha. The brewing process also produces beneficial compounds.
- Live Cultures: As a raw, unpasteurized kombucha, Remedy contains live cultures that can support a healthy gut microbiome.
- Organic Acids: The fermentation process creates organic acids that may help regulate appetite and support blood sugar levels.
- Tea Polyphenols: Brewed with green and black tea, Remedy kombucha contains antioxidants that help fight against cellular damage.
Conclusion: Making an Informed Choice
For those wondering what is the artificial sweetener in Remedy Kombucha, the answer is that there isn't one. The company uses naturally derived sweeteners, erythritol and stevia, to create a zero-sugar beverage. While these ingredients are commercially processed, they stem from natural sources, setting them apart from purely artificial chemicals. By understanding the brewing process and the role of these sweeteners, consumers can confidently choose Remedy as a low-sugar, naturally sweetened alternative to traditional sodas or kombuchas with residual sugar. Ultimately, the best choice depends on your individual health goals and preferences, but knowing the facts is the first step toward an informed decision. For more information on the safety of stevia, the National Institutes of Health provides an extensive overview on its metabolism and uses in food.
