Caffeine, often called America’s Favorite Drug, can have negative (and sometimes hilarious) effects on the body and the nervous system. Significant amounts of this pharmacological agent occur naturally in the 2 most popular non-water beverages in the world: tea and coffee. Large doses are added to soft drinks and even bottled water.
Like many good, naturally occurring substances found in nature, commercial production has changed our relationship with caffeine, leaving us addicted or scared or both. For this reason, caffeine content is one of the most common questions people have about Kombucha. Kombucha is made from tea, tea contains caffeine, and everyone’s tolerance and sensitivity are different.
This guide is designed to give you a clear, practical understanding of how caffeine shows up in Kombucha, why levels vary, and what options exist if you’re trying to reduce or manage your intake.
The information contained on this site is intended for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult your doctor before any diet or nutrition change.
👉 Head to our How to Brew Kombucha Page for Step-By-Step Instructions for your First Fermentation
Yes. Kombucha contains caffeine because it is brewed from tea leaves that naturally contain caffeine.
That said, most Kombucha contains significantly less caffeine than coffee, and often less than a typical cup of tea. Exact amounts vary widely depending on ingredients and brewing method.
There is no single, fixed caffeine level for Kombucha.
Caffeine in Kombucha comes entirely from the tea used during brewing.
The fermentation process does not create caffeine, and while fermentation may slightly reduce caffeine levels, it does not reliably remove it.
In other words:
No tea = no caffeine.
Tea-based Kombucha = some caffeine.
An important distinction has been made between caffeine in tea and caffeine in coffee. Tea has been observed to create a calming effect on the drinker, as opposed to coffee which tends to raise anxiety. These contradictions piqued the interest of researchers who have been studying caffeine’s effects on the body for over 100 years.
Studies have found that tea contains an anxiety reducer called l-theanine which acts “antagonistically against the stimulative effects of caffeine,” producing a calming effect 30-40 minutes after ingestion. It does this by stimulating alpha brainwaves, which calms the mind in a way similar to meditation, and by ticking up the body’s production of dopamine and serotonin (yes please), resulting in improved memory and learning ability in addition to relaxation.
Further studies show that when taken together L-theanine and caffeine improved “cognitive performance and mood.” It is also speculated that the polyphenols present in tea not only deliver health benefits but mitigate negative effects that caffeine may have when consumed alone.
Caffeine levels in Kombucha vary too much to give a single number, but general comparisons can be helpful.
On average, Kombucha contains:
Typical relative comparison (approximate, not absolute):
Commercial brands may list caffeine content if tested, but many home-brewed batches are never measured and rely instead on ingredient choice and brewing technique. In any case, unless you are very sensitive to caffeine, it is very unlikely that you will get anything more than a very mild lift from most home brewed Kombucha.
If you are an avid coffee connoisseur, you may be wondering: “Can I use Coffee as a substrate for brewing Kombucha?”
You may be delighted to discover that YES, ground coffee beans make a wonderful, interesting, and creative substrate for Kombucha culture that will allow you to explore new flavors and entirely unique ways of enjoying your favorite gut healthy beverage!
We won’t jump into all of the specifics on this particular page, but if you’re interested in learning more head over to our Kombuffee Page to get started!
There is no standard caffeine level in Kombucha because several variables affect it:
Black tea generally contributes more caffeine than green or white tea.
Longer steep times and higher tea-to-water ratios increase caffeine extraction.
Fermentation may slightly alter caffeine levels, but it does not eliminate caffeine in a predictable way. Check out our Fermentation Time Guide for more info.
Adding water, juice, or flavorings—especially during second fermentation—can reduce caffeine per serving.
Home brewing allows more control over caffeine-related variables than commercial brewing, which must prioritize consistency and compliance. Learn about Continuous vs Batch Brew.
Both home-brewed and commercial Kombucha contain caffeine, but they differ in control and predictability.
Store-bought Kombucha:
Home-brewed Kombucha:
Neither approach is inherently “better”—they simply offer different tradeoffs. Once you’ve mastered the art of Kombucha brewing, you will likely achieve a certain level of predictability with your own brews comparable to that inherent in strictly-monitored commercial brews. But this does, of course, take time.
If you’re looking to lower caffeine in your Kombucha, there are several practical options:
It’s important to note that Kombucha made with tea will never be fully caffeine-free, but levels can often be kept quite low with thoughtful choices.
There is a common misconception that herbal or flavored teas cannot be used to make Kombucha. In fact, teas such as Rooibos and Hibiscus make a delicious, flavorful and healthful fermented tea. However, the flavorings in these herbal teas must be natural and not from oils or other synthetics as these will kill the bacteria and therefore your brew.
Also, we never want to mix our herbal SCOBYs with our regular SCOBY Hotel, which should always be maintained so we have back ups, just in case Kombucha mold or any other brewing issues arise.
If making an herbal blend, it is best to add in at least 25% Camellia sinensis for the long term health of the Kombucha culture. Alternatively, you could brew every fourth batch with real tea to reinvigorate the SCOBY.
👉 Check out our selection of premium quality herbal teas, tisanes, and other flavorings to use for brewing and Second Fermentation
Some people are more sensitive to caffeine than others, and sensitivity can change over time.
If you’re caffeine-sensitive:
There’s no universal rule—individual response matters more than numbers alone.
If you plan to incorporate Kombucha into your diet to boost your health and wellbeing, check out our page on the Health Benefits of Kombucha for more details.
You can find more details on potential side effects of Kombucha here.
Understanding where caffeine comes from—and how to influence it—allows you to make informed choices without unnecessary worry.
Like fermentation itself, caffeine in Kombucha is best approached with awareness rather than absolutes.
Yes. Kombucha contains caffeine because it is brewed from tea leaves, which naturally contain caffeine. The exact amount varies depending on the type and strength of tea used.
No. Kombucha generally contains significantly less caffeine than coffee. In many cases, caffeine levels are closer to or lower than those found in tea, though amounts can vary.
Fermentation does not reliably remove caffeine. While minor changes may occur during fermentation, caffeine remains present when tea is used as the base ingredient.
There is no single answer. Caffeine levels depend on tea type, brew strength, fermentation time, and dilution. Commercial brands may test and label caffeine content, while home-brewed Kombucha is usually unmeasured.
Many caffeine-sensitive individuals tolerate Kombucha well, especially in small servings. However, sensitivity varies. Starting with a small amount and paying attention to timing and response is recommended.
Kombucha made with traditional tea is not caffeine-free. Using lower-caffeine teas or reducing steep time can lower caffeine, but fully caffeine-free Kombucha is not achievable with tea-based brewing.
Generally, yes. Green tea typically contains less caffeine than black tea, which can result in lower caffeine levels in the finished Kombucha, depending on brewing method.
Not necessarily. Caffeine levels depend on the recipe and process. Commercial Kombucha often has more consistent caffeine levels, while home-brewed Kombucha varies based on ingredient choices and technique.
If you are caffeine-sensitive, it may be best to enjoy Kombucha earlier in the day. Some people tolerate small servings in the evening, while others prefer to avoid it later.
Testing caffeine content requires laboratory analysis. Not all brands test every batch, and home-brewed Kombucha is rarely tested. When available, labeled values reflect averages rather than exact amounts.
How To Make Kombucha At Home (2026 Complete Guide)
How To Flavor Kombucha: The Complete Second Fermentation Guide
Kombucha Side Effects & The Healing Crisis (Herxheimer Reaction Explained)
The Real Health Benefits of Kombucha: The Updated 2026 Science-Backed Guide (Without the Hype)
What Is In Kombucha? Quick Guide To What Makes ‘Booch Beneficial
family-owned
over 5,000 
100,000+ happy 
exceptional 
only fresh living 
lots of free articles, 
