Kombucha

Barcode 9350271002656

Scanned 14 times by Nomi users

Yes — Kombucha is ultra-processed.

The product contains several ultra-processed ingredients/additives according to NOVA: erythritol (a polyol sweetener produced by industrial fermentation and purification), multiple “natural ... flavouring” ingredients (industrial flavoring agents), and steviol glycosides (an extracted, purified high-intensity sweetener). The presence of any of these additives makes the overall product ultra-processed, even though the base kombucha itself is a traditionally fermented beverage.

Ingredients

2 ultra-processed markers

OK

raw kombucha

A fermented, fizzy tea beverage made from carbonated water, sugar, black tea leaves, green tea leaves, and a traditional kombucha culture (SCOBY).
UPF

erythritol (flavour enhancer)

Sugar alcohol used as a sweetener and flavor modifier; a food additive often included to reduce calories.
OK

natural mango flavouring
OK

natural passion fruit flavouring
OK

natural lemongrass flavouring
OK

lemon juice

The clear, acidic juice extracted from lemons, used for brightness and acidity in foods and drinks.
UPF

steviol glycosides (stevia)

A high-intensity non-nutritive sweetener extracted from the Stevia rebaudiana plant, used to sweeten products.

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Common questions about Kombucha

Is Kombucha ultra-processed?

Yes — Kombucha is ultra-processed, so it counts as a UPF (ultra-processed food). The product contains several ultra-processed ingredients/additives according to NOVA: erythritol (a polyol sweetener produced by industrial fermentation and purification), multiple “natural ... flavouring” ingredients (industrial flavoring agents), and steviol glycosides (an extracted, purified high-intensity sweetener). The presence of any of these additives makes the overall product ultra-processed, even though the base kombucha itself is a traditionally fermented beverage.

Which ingredients in Kombucha are ultra-processed?

Nomi flags 2 ingredients in Kombucha as ultra-processed markers: erythritol (flavour enhancer), steviol glycosides (stevia). See the full ingredient breakdown above for what each one is.

What does "ultra-processed" (UPF) mean?

Ultra-processed foods (UPFs) are industrial formulations made with ingredients and additives you wouldn't find in a home kitchen — such as emulsifiers, artificial flavourings, colourings and modified starches. The classification is based on the NOVA system used by researchers and dietitians worldwide.

How can I check whether other foods are ultra-processed?

Scan any barcode — or photograph the ingredients label — with the free Nomi app for iOS and Android. You'll get an instant ultra-processed verdict with every ingredient explained in plain English.

Product information comes from public databases and Nomi's own analysis, and may contain errors. Always check the packaging. Ultra-processed classification is based on the NOVA food processing system.