From Kourtney Kardashian to Selena Gomez: Why Celebrities Can’t Get Enough of Kombucha

More than 2,000 years ago, kombucha—a fermented, slightly effervescent, tea beverage—was likely drunk for the very first time in Northeast China, also known as Manchuria. Hailed for its alleged health benefits, it quickly became popular across the Asian continent, before eventually making its way to Europe in the early 20th century. And in the late 2000s and 2010s, it was, of course, picked up by Hollywood.

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Now, kombucha seems to be loved by A-listers and wellness advocates everywhere—it’s a common feature on the pages of Gwyneth Paltrow’s Goop and Kourtney Kardashian’s Poosh. And the reason behind its popularity, it seems, is the same as it was in ancient China: people believe it can transform their health. But how true is that? We’ve got the lowdown below (as well as some of the best celebrity-approved kombucha brands).

What is kombucha?

Kombucha is made by fermenting sweetened tea with a symbiotic culture of bacteria and yeast. The result is a sparkling beverage, which ranges in flavor depending on the amount of time it was left to ferment and the kind of tea used to make it. It can be sweet, tangy, or vinegary, for example, but regardless of which way the flavor leans, it is usually considered to be a refreshing, probiotic-rich drink. 

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What are the benefits of drinking kombucha?

Last year, one study suggested that drinking kombucha could help to improve blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes (a common health condition that causes the levels of sugar, or glucose, in the blood to become too high). The results suggested that regular drink consumption could help decrease baseline glucose levels by nearly 30 percent.

But even for people without diabetes, research suggests that drinking kombucha regularly can have a positive impact. Because it’s probiotic-rich, for example, it can help to promote a healthy balance of gut bacteria, which helps with digestive and immune health. It’s also a source of antioxidants, which can help protect the body from oxidative stress and reduce the risk of chronic diseases like heart disease and cancer.

In fact, some test-tube studies have shown that, potentially because of this antioxidant content, kombucha may help to prevent the growth and spread of cancerous cells, but further study is needed in this area.

Most people can drink kombucha safely as part of a balanced diet, but it’s important to note that individual responses to the fermented drink can vary—some people may experience adverse effects such as digestive discomfort or allergic reactions. If you have any underlying health conditions or concerns, it’s a good idea to consult with a healthcare professional before adding kombucha to your routine.

5 celebrity-approved kombucha brands 

Bambucha

1 Bambucha

Bambucha, a line of chef-crafted kombucha beverages from San Diego, CA, is a favorite of Paltrow. In 2022, she wrote on Goop that she and her daughter Apple had been enjoying the brand’s Hibiscus Rose flavor, in particular. Bambucha’s other flavors include Guava Punch, Blueberry Tart, and Mango Masala. And if you want something a little stronger, it also offers a tasty line of hard kombuchas.
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JuneShine

2 June Shine

If you’re in the mood for something alcoholic but also want the health benefits that come from fermentation, check out June Shine, which specializes in hard kombucha. Tasty options include Desert Cooler (which is loved by country music star Mark Wystrach), Blood Orange Mint, and Grapefruit Tequila Paloma. In 2021, June Shine announced a Series A funding round with several celebrity investors, including Diplo and Whitney Cummings.
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Qula

3 Qula

The Kardashians are big fans of kombucha, but for Kourtney, Qula seems to be a favorite. The New Zealand brand is frequently featured on Poosh, and right now, you can shop the brand’s Electric Berryland, Little Wish, and Shapeshifter flavors from the lifestyle site. You can drink it as-is, but Poosh recommends mixing it into a tasty cocktail or mocktail.
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Health-Ade

4 Health-Ade

Back in 2021, Selena Gomez was photographed with a bottle of Health-Ade’s kombucha. And she’s not the Los Angeles brand’s only celebrity fan. Kardashian has also been spotted with Health-Ade kombucha, and last year, the brand, which offers Kombucha in flavors like Berry Lemonade, Pomegranate, and Pink Lady Apple, announced a multi-year partnership with Ryan Seacrest. “I’ve been a longtime fan of Health-Ade and their mission of inspiring people,” the popular media personality said at the time. “I decided to partner with them to get the word out on how their kombucha can help people to live their version of their happiest and healthiest lives.”
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GT’s Living Foods

5 GT’s Living Foods

Founded by George Thomas Dave (known as GT Dave), GT’s Living Foods was one of the first brands to take kombucha mainstream in the US market in the 1990s. Today, it is still a go-to brand for many, including celebrities like Paltrow, Reese Witherspoon, and Madonna.
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Charlotte is a writer and editor based in sunny Southsea on England’s southern coast.