Fizzy, fermented, and slightly sweet, Kombucha can be a welcome addition to your diet. But can you drink expired kombucha? There are many opinions on this question but one thing is for sure: whether it’s safe or not will depend on the type of bacteria that has grown in the bottle.
Two types of bacteria can grow in any fermenting liquid – lactobacillus and yeast. Lactobacillus typically ferments foods such as yogurt or sour cream with good effects. Yeast can cause bread to rise when mixed with flour during baking but it also causes spoilage in other foods like alcohol or vinegar. So, can you drink expired kombucha? It depends on which type of bacteria has grown in it.
If your kombucha contains lactobacillus, it will be safe to drink even if it’s past the expiration date. This is because this type of bacteria produces lactic acid, which acts as a preservative and will prevent other harmful bacteria from growing. However, if your kombucha contains yeast, it’s best to err on the side of caution and throw it out if it’s past the expiration date. This is because yeast can produce toxins that can make you sick, especially if your immune system is already compromised.
It can be hard to know when kombucha is no longer safe to drink. Kombucha is a fermented tea that contains live bacteria and yeast. When brewed and stored properly, it can be enjoyed for up to two weeks after the expiration date on the bottle. However, if not stored correctly, kombucha can become harmful to consume after just a few days. In this article, we will explore some of the signs that indicate your kombucha has gone bad and what you can do to prevent this from happening.
Signs That Kombucha Is Unsafe
- One of the most important things to look for when determining if kombucha is still safe to drink is the presence of mold. Mold can grow on the surface of kombucha and can make it unsafe to consume. If you see any mold on your kombucha, it is best to throw it out.
- Another sign that kombucha has gone bad is a change in color or taste. It is best to discard it if your kombucha no longer tastes fresh or has a strange color.
Whenever you are unsure whether or not your kombucha is still safe to drink, it is always best to err on the side of caution and throw it out as kombucha that has gone bad can cause nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. If you experience any of these symptoms after drinking kombucha, it is best to seek medical attention.
How To Prevent Kombucha From Going Bad
To prevent your kombucha from going bad, it is important to store it properly.
- Kombucha should be stored in a cool, dark place.
- It can also be stored in the refrigerator, but this will cause the kombucha to lose some of its probiotic benefits.
- Kombucha should also be covered tightly to prevent oxygen from getting in and harming the live bacteria and yeast.
- Finally, make sure to consume your kombucha within two weeks of opening the bottle to ensure that it is still fresh and safe to drink.
How is Kombucha Made?
Kombucha is made by fermenting black tea and sugar with a Symbiotic Colony of Bacteria and Yeasts or SCOBY. The bacteria and yeast transform the tea and sugar into kombucha, a sparkling probiotic drink. During fermentation, carbon dioxide is produced which makes the drink fizzy. Kombucha can also be flavored with fruits, herbs, or spices.
How Long Does Kombucha Last?
Since kombucha is a fermented drink, it will continue to ferment and change over time, even after bottling. For this reason, kombucha does not have an indefinite shelf life like most other beverages. However, if stored properly, kombucha can last for several months.
When kombucha is first bottled, it will be slightly sweet with a mild vinegar taste. As time goes on, the kombucha will become more vinegary and less sweet. Eventually, the kombucha will become sour and unpalatable. While technically still safe to drink at this point, most people prefer to drink kombucha before it reaches this stage.
How Can You Tell If Kombucha Has Gone Bad?
- The easiest way to tell if kombucha has gone bad is by the taste. If the kombucha is sour and vinegary, it has most likely gone bad and should be discarded.
- You can also check for mold growth on the surface of the kombucha. If you see any mold, do not drink the kombucha.
Related: Can Herbal Tea Go Bad?
Kombucha is a fermented drink made from black tea and sugar. It can last for several months if stored properly but will continue to change in taste over time. Expired kombucha is safe to drink, but may not taste very good. If you don’t mind a sour and vinegary beverage, then go ahead and give it a try! Otherwise, it’s probably best to just get a new bottle.
All About Kombucha Expiry Dates
When it comes to kombucha, it’s important to know about the expiration date. But what does that mean? And can you drink expired kombucha?
The expiration date is the date after which the kombucha is no longer safe to drink. This is because the bacteria in the kombucha can start to grow and form toxins. These toxins can make you sick, so it’s important not to drink kombucha after the expiration date.
Related: Can Black Tea Cause Heartburn?
However, there are a couple of things to keep in mind.
- First of all, kombucha can last for a while after the expiration date. It may still be safe to drink months or even years after the expiration date.
- It’s also important to remember that kombucha can vary in taste and quality after the expiration date. So, if you do decide to drink expired kombucha, be sure to check it for spoilage first. To do this, simply smell the kombucha. If it smells sour or vinegary, then it’s probably fine to drink. However, if it smells moldy or rotten, then it’s best to throw it out.
Of course, the best way to avoid drinking expired kombucha is to simply buy fresh kombucha. But if you do find yourself with a bottle of expired kombucha, then it’s not necessarily bad for you. Just be sure to check it for spoilage before you drink it!
Related: How Do You Know When Tea Has Gone Bad?
Best Before Vs Use By Date
There can be a big difference between the “best before” and “use by” date on food labels. “Best before” is a guideline for when the food is at its best quality. It’s not a safety issue if the food is eaten after the “best before” date. “Use by” is the last day the food is safe to eat.
Kombucha can last for months, or even years, past its expiration date. However, like all fermented foods, it will gradually lose its flavor and quality over time. So if you do decide to drink expired kombucha, be prepared for it to taste a bit off. But as long as it doesn’t smell bad or taste sour, it should be safe to drink.
Bottom Line
So there you have it! Can you drink expired kombucha? It’s not a black and white answer, but as long as it doesn’t smell bad or taste sour, it should be safe to drink. However, if you’re not sure, it’s always best to err on the side of caution and throw it out. Thanks for reading!