Is Craft Brewed Kombucha, Blueberry Gluten Free?

The Ingredient Breakdown

To understand why this specific kombucha is safe for a gluten-free lifestyle, we need to look at the fermentation process and the flavoring agents. The product is defined by two main components: the fermented tea base and the fruit juice addition.

The foundation of this drink is pure organic kombucha. This is created by fermenting purified water, a kombucha culture, fair trade organic tea, and fair trade evaporated organic cane juice. None of these ingredients naturally contain gluten. The primary concern for gluten in kombucha usually stems from the tea leaves if they have been processed in a facility that also handles wheat products, or if barley is used in a secondary fermentation. However, the use of organic tea and cane sugar suggests a clean sourcing process that avoids grain-based additives.

The flavor profile comes from 7% organic juices (blueberry and apple). Fruit juices are inherently gluten free. The only potential risk with fruit flavorings is if they contain maltodextrin (which can be wheat-derived) or natural flavors processed with gluten, but the certification as organic and the simplicity of this ingredient list make that risk negligible. There are no thickeners, wheat-derived stabilizers, or grain-based fillers listed.

Nutritional Value

While this kombucha is safe for gluten-free diets, it is important to view it through a nutritional lens. The sweetness in this drink comes from the evaporated organic cane juice used during fermentation and the apple and blueberry juices. While fermentation consumes some of the sugar, a significant amount remains as residual sugar to balance the natural acidity of the vinegar-like culture.

For those tracking macronutrients, this beverage likely falls into the moderate carbohydrate range. It is generally low in fat and provides a modest amount of calories, usually derived from the sugar content. If you are strictly monitoring your sugar intake (for example, on a Keto or low-carb diet), this beverage might fit only in small quantities. However, for the average consumer, it serves as a much healthier alternative to high-fructose corn syrup sodas, offering the added benefit of probiotics for gut health.