Kombucha and kefir are two of the most well-known fermented beverages renowned for their many health benefits, but they’re not the only ones. Today we’ll take a look at the benefits of fermented beverages and give you a few suggestions on what to try.
Fermented beverages have long been enjoyed by many cultures all over the world. In addition to kombucha and kefir, other such beverages include boza, mead, kvass, cider, and even ginger ale. Many of these have been derived from ancient rituals that have been passed down for generations.
A Look at Fermented Beverages
What is fermentation exactly? This is the process of chemically breaking down organic matter, spurred on by bacteria, mold, or yeast. These organisms break down sugar and then convert it into a new form, such as alcohol or gasses.
Fermented beverages require three base ingredients:
- Base liquid
- Sugar source
- Yeast (or something similar) to break down the sugar
This mixture will ferment for a few days to a month. All of them produce at least a little bit of alcohol as a byproduct, but it doesn’t always mean there’s enough to require an ID for purchase. Shorter fermentation times produce less byproduct, as in the case of non-alcoholic drinks. For alcoholic beverages, fermentation times are longer.
Why Fermented Beverages Are So Popular
As more and more people have become more health-conscious and seek out foods that offer specific health benefits beyond basic nutrition, the rise of kombucha, kefir, and others has started to climb drastically. Especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, the focus on functional foods became even more prevalent. In 2019, the global market for kombucha and kefir were valued at 1.84 and 1.23 billion respectively, and are expected to grow to 10.45 and 1.84 billion by 2027, says the NIH.
Kefir is a fermented drink made with water or milk and kefir grains, with a flavor and consistency similar to yogurt drinks. Kombucha is a fermented, fizzy drink made with green or black tea.
Their popularity, and others, are growing with the increased awareness globally of less sugar consumption, as consumers are forgoing overly sweet formulations and instead are reaching out for sour and bitter flavor notes. Fermented beverages like kombucha and kefir have more unique and distinct taste sensations, thus appealing to people with varying taste preferences. Kombucha is tangy and slightly sour with a hint of sweetness with a crisp, sparkling, refreshing taste, while kefir has a smooth, creamy, thick texture with a slightly sour taste.
Kombucha is credited with health benefits thanks to bacteria and B vitamins, with possible benefits for obesity, cardiovascular disease, cancer and diabetes. Kefir has been known to boost the immune system, aid in digestive problems, and improve bone health.
Browse Beverage Universe Today
We have all the fermented and related beverages you need to stock your cabinets, from ginger ale to non-alcoholic wines and beers. Contact us today at 888-738-3003 or email us at orders@beverageuniverse.com for more information.