Do I need to worry about mold?

Mold is possible but not common when you brew with proper starter and conditions. Many spots that worry beginners are actually normal yeast or SCOBY growth. The mold gallery on this page helps you compare what is normal and what is not.

How long does fermentation take?

First fermentation usually takes about 7–21 days depending on temperature, starter strength, and your taste preference. Second fermentation for flavor and fizz often takes 24–72 hours. The main kombucha recipe guide on the site explains timing in more detail.

What if it smells weird?

Healthy kombucha can smell tangy, yeasty, or vinegary and should still seem appealing. If the odor is truly off-putting or rotten, that is a sign to investigate further and compare with the safety and troubleshooting guides linked on the page.

Can kids drink kombucha?

Kombucha can be enjoyed by most ages when introduced slowly and thoughtfully. It can also be a fun way to teach kids about fermentation. The site includes kid-friendly projects like kombucha vinegar dyed Easter eggs to support that conversation.

How much kombucha should I drink?

When you are new to fermented foods, it helps to start with small servings and increase gradually. Many Western diets are low in ferments, so the gut may need time to adapt. The kombucha side effects guide on the site explains what to watch for as you increase.

Is that mold on my kombucha the ultimate guide to safe brewing

Is That Mold on My Kombucha? The Ultimate Guide to Safe Brewing.

Worried that fuzzy growth on your brew might be mold? You’re not alone.

Mold is one of the most commonly searched Kombucha topics – and for good reason. At Kombucha Kamp, we’ve been brewing and troubleshooting Kombucha for over 20 years, and we have the most extensive library of moldy brew photos on the internet.

In this post, we’ll help you confidently identify mold, understand what causes it, and most importantly, prevent it. And if you want to dive even deeper, members of our KombuchaKamp+ Bubbles Program get access to our full Kombucha Mold Gallery – the largest in existence – so you can be 100% sure that your brew is safe.

What Kombucha Mold Looks Like (vs. Yeast)

Not all strange things floating in your brew are mold! Many new brewers confuse healthy yeast strands or SCOBY formations with mold. Here’s how to tell the difference: