Is Kombucha safe during pregnancy?
Best skipped in pregnancy — it contains some alcohol and is often unpasteurized. While breastfeeding, occasional store-bought is unlikely to matter.
What the sources say
MotherToBaby explains kombucha contains alcohol from fermentation (US products under 0.5% ABV don't need a pregnancy warning label, homebrews can reach 3% or more) and unpasteurized kombucha carries a risk of bacteria like Listeria and Salmonella; it suggests not drinking kombucha during pregnancy, and Cleveland Clinic agrees. Caffeine varies roughly 15–130 mg per serving. While breastfeeding, MotherToBaby says the small alcohol in store-bought kombucha is unlikely to affect the baby; waiting a couple of hours before nursing is an option.
Common alternatives
Also listed as
booch, raw kombucha, homemade kombucha, gt's kombucha, health-ade, fermented tea, jun tea
Sources
- MotherToBaby: Kombucha and Pregnancy: Answers to Your Brewing Questions
- MotherToBaby: Food and Beverages to Avoid During Pregnancy
- Cleveland Clinic: Kombucha: What Is It and 7 Benefits
Last reviewed . This is general information, not medical advice. Ask your doctor or midwife about your own situation.