How long does kombucha last after opening?
Follow the label, because brands differ. Kombucha keeps changing after bottling: TTB notes it can go on fermenting in the bottle depending on how it is made and stored, which can raise its alcohol. Cold storage slows this down. A 2022 study cites earlier work showing that refrigerating homemade kombucha for over 4 months lowered its polyphenols.
Updated
Key facts
- Label first. Producers set dates and storage instructions for their own process.
- Fermentation continues. Time and temperature affect how much alcohol forms. [1]
- Refrigeration isn't a guarantee. TTB says it does not reliably stop alcohol increase once the product leaves the producer. [1]
Why does opened kombucha change?
TTB says several factors, including time and temperature, influence fermentation, and kombucha bottled under 0.5% alcohol may keep fermenting in the bottle. [1] Once opened, it also loses fizz and keeps souring.
How much alcohol can kombucha contain?
It varies. The 2022 Nutrients study measured 0% to 1.29% ethanol across nine commercial kombuchas. [2] TTB says a kombucha that reaches 0.5% alcohol or more at any point in production must be made on TTB-qualified premises, even if the finished drink is below 0.5%. [1] More: does kombucha have alcohol.
Should it go in the fridge?
Most brands say so: see does kombucha need refrigeration. A 2022 Nutrients study cites earlier work showing that refrigerating homemade kombucha for more than 4 months reduced polyphenols and antioxidant properties. [2]
When should I throw it out?
Past the date on the label, or if it smells or tastes wrong. We don't give food-safety guarantees; when in doubt, discard it.
Related answers: does kombucha need refrigeration · should i shake kombucha before drinking
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We don't give health advice. For questions about your health, talk to a doctor or pharmacist.
Questions
Can I drink kombucha after the expiration date?
We can't say it is safe; brands set dates based on their process. If in doubt, discard it and follow the label.
Sources
- Kombucha Information and Resources — Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB)
- Microbial and Chemical Profiles of Commercial Kombucha Products (Nutrients, 2022) — Yang J. et al. — PubMed Central