Medically Reviewed by Dr. Bryon McQuirt
November 4, 2025
Kombucha has become the go-to drink for health-conscious people everywhere: a fizzy, tangy tea touted for its probiotics and gut-healing powers. You can find it on grocery shelves, at yoga studios, and even in bars as a “healthy alternative” to beer or cocktails. But for those in recovery from alcohol addiction, kombucha can raise an important question: is it actually safe to drink?
While kombucha is marketed as non-alcoholic, it’s not entirely free of alcohol.
For people in recovery for alcoholism, understanding what kombucha is, how it’s made, and how it can affect sobriety is essential.
Let’s break down the facts and explore whether kombucha belongs in a sober lifestyle.
Kombucha is a fermented tea made by combining black or green tea, sugar, and something called a SCOBY, short for “symbiotic culture of bacteria and yeast.”
The SCOBY feeds on the sugar, producing beneficial acids, trace amounts of alcohol, and carbonation over time.
The result is a slightly effervescent drink with a tart, vinegar-like flavor and a small amount of caffeine. Many people drink Kombucha for it’s potential health benefits, such as improved digestion, immune support, and better gut health, although scientific evidence is still limited.
But because kombucha is a fermented beverage, it naturally contains some alcohol, even if it’s labeled as “non-alcoholic.” That’s where things get tricky for those in recovery.
During fermentation, yeast converts sugar into alcohol. In most commercial kombucha products, the alcohol level is kept below 0.5% ABV (alcohol by volume) to meet the legal definition of a non-alcoholic beverage in the United States.
However, several factors can cause the alcohol content to rise above that limit:
Even if the alcohol content is low, that doesn’t mean it’s harmless for someone in recovery.
For individuals recovering from alcohol addiction, drinking kombucha can be a slippery slope—not necessarily because it will cause intoxication, but because it can trigger cravings, relapse behavior, or mental associations tied to drinking.
Even small amounts of alcohol may trigger a physical or psychological response in someone with substance use disorder.
For people in early recovery, where the brain and body are still healing from chemical dependence, this can be enough to cause cravings or relapse risk.
Recovery isn’t just about abstaining from alcohol. It’s also about breaking the habits, environments, and rituals that come with drinking.
The experience of cracking open a cold, fizzy bottle at the end of a stressful day can feel eerily similar to having a beer. This resemblance can reignite old habits and emotional triggers, especially if kombucha is consumed in social settings like bars or parties.
Not all kombucha is created equal. Some contain significantly more than 0.5% alcohol, even if they’re not marketed as “hard kombucha.” Without close label reading, a recovering alcoholic could accidentally consume an alcoholic beverage.
Whether or not drinking kombucha counts as a relapse depends on personal boundaries and the recovery philosophy someone follows. In 12-Step programs like Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), the rule is generally clear: total abstinence from anything containing alcohol. That means kombucha would typically be off-limits.
However, not everyone in recovery follows a 12-Step approach. Some individuals use harm reduction or personalized recovery frameworks, where they might assess whether drinking kombucha poses an actual risk to their sobriety.
Still, for anyone unsure, it’s safest to avoid it. There are countless alcohol-free alternatives that don’t carry the same risk or mental associations.
Alcohol buse presents unique challenges, but recovery is absolutely possible with the right treatment approach. At Peachtree Detox, our experienced team understands the complexities of multiple substance dependencies and provides the specialized care necessary for lasting recovery.
Verify your insurance now or call us at the number below.
Many people drink kombucha because they’ve heard it’s good for digestion, immunity, and gut health.
While there is some truth to those claims, it’s not the only (or best) way to get those benefits.
Kombucha’s supposed perks come mainly from probiotics, beneficial bacteria that support gut health. You can find probiotics in plenty of other foods that don’t contain alcohol, such as:
You don’t have to miss out on the social or sensory experience of drinking something fizzy and flavorful. There are many great alternatives to kombucha for people in recovery.
Plain or flavored sparkling water offers the same carbonation and crispness as kombucha without any alcohol content. Brands like LaCroix, Spindrift, and Waterloo come in countless flavors, perfect for sipping during social events. Add a few splashes of fruit juice for an extra kick.
Non-alcoholic mocktails have come a long way. With fresh fruit, herbs, and zero-proof mixers, you can craft something that feels special and sophisticated without compromising your sobriety.
Some brands now offer probiotic beverages designed for sober individuals, like non-fermented prebiotic sodas (e.g., Olipop, Poppi) that promote gut health without any alcohol content.
If you’re looking for flavor and ritual, brewing your own herbal tea or cold-brewed green tea can be just as satisfying, and completely safe.
Maybe you didn’t realize your “health drink” contained alcohol until after you’d finished it.
Mistakes happen, but it’s important to take action quickly. Addiction is an insidious disease, and it’s not uncommon for someone to make a mistake, then follow it up with a thought like, “Well, I’ve already consumed alcohol. My sobriety has been compromised; might as well swing by the liquor store.”
If you’re in recovery and accidentally consume kombucha, here’s what to do:
At the end of the day, kombucha isn’t worth the risk if it could jeopardize your hard-earned sobriety. Recovery is about more than just avoiding alcohol. It’s about protecting your mental, emotional, and physical well-being.
Even though kombucha is trendy and often marketed as healthy, it’s okay to say no. Sobriety doesn’t mean missing out; it means building a life that truly supports your healing.
If you ever feel tempted or uncertain, reach out for help. Talking to a therapist, attending a meeting, or connecting with a recovery community can help you navigate those gray areas safely.
We believe that recovery should feel empowering, not restrictive. You deserve a lifestyle that nourishes your body, strengthens your mind, and restores your sense of freedom, without relying on substances like alcohol (or kombucha).
If you or someone you love is struggling with alcohol addiction, you don’t have to do it alone.
Peachtree Detox offers medically supervised detox and ongoing support to help you begin your recovery with safety and confidence. Contact Peachtree Detox today to learn more about our Atlanta detox programs and take the first step toward a healthier, alcohol-free life.
Verify your insurance now or call us at the number below.
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