Is Kombucha Vegan, Gluten-Free, and Organic? Here’s What You Should Know
Key Takeaways
Most kombucha is vegan and gluten-free, but not all.
Added ingredients (like honey or flavorings) can compromise vegan/gluten-free status.
KOKÉ Kombucha is 100% vegan, gluten-free, and made from certified organic ingredients.
Always read the label and choose brands that clearly state their standards.
Kombucha and Clean Living: Let’s Set the Record Straight
If you’re careful about what goes into your body, whether for health, allergy, or ethical reasons, you’ve likely asked:
Is kombucha really vegan? Gluten-free? Organic?
In short: it depends on how it's made. Let’s unpack what goes into kombucha and how KOKÉ Kombucha is crafted to meet clean-label standards.
1. Is Kombucha Vegan?
Yes, most of the time.
Kombucha is made from four main ingredients:
Tea
Sugar
Water
SCOBY (Symbiotic Culture of Bacteria and Yeast)
None of these are animal-derived. However, some kombucha brands add honey, collagen, or dairy-based probiotics after fermentation, making them unsuitable for vegans.
KOKÉ Kombucha is 100% vegan. No honey, dairy, or animal-derived additives — ever.
2. Is Kombucha Gluten-Free?
Naturally, yes. But watch for cross-contamination.
Traditional kombucha contains no wheat, barley, or rye, making it gluten-free by nature. However, gluten can enter the picture through:
Flavored additives (like malt or barley extract)
Shared brewing or bottling facilities
Beer-style "hard" kombucha blends
KOKÉ is brewed and bottled in a gluten-free certified facility. We keep our fermentation equipment separate from any gluten exposure.
3. Is Kombucha Organic?
Not always, unless it’s certified.
Many kombucha brands use organic ingredients, but that doesn’t make the final product certified organic. For full organic status, every part of the process from tea to fermentation to bottling must meet USDA or equivalent standards.
KOKÉ Kombucha is crafted with 100% organic ingredients. From tea leaves to botanicals, we trace every source for purity and integrity.
4. How Do You Know If Your Kombucha Is Clean?
To meet the expectations of health-conscious consumers, clean kombucha should be:
Certified organic
Non-GMO
No artificial sweeteners or preservatives
Transparent about ingredients and process
Free of hidden allergens or animal products
At KOKÉ, we believe transparency is the new luxury. Our labels are simple, our process is honest, and our ingredients speak for themselves.
Key Takeaways
Most kombucha is vegan and gluten-free, but not all.
Added ingredients (like honey or flavorings) can compromise vegan/gluten-free status.
KOKÉ Kombucha is 100% vegan, gluten-free, and made from certified organic ingredients.
Always read the label and choose brands that clearly state their standards.
Sources
Mayo Clinic. “Is kombucha tea good for you?”
https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/nutrition-and-healthy-eating/expert-answers/kombucha/faq-20058126FDA. “Food Labeling: Gluten-Free Labeling of Foods.”
https://www.fda.gov/food/food-labeling-nutrition/gluten-free-labeling-foodsUSDA Organic Certification Guidelines.
https://www.ams.usda.gov/services/organic-certification
Final Thoughts
If you're looking for a clean, ethical, allergen-conscious drink, kombucha can be a great choice but only when the brand is transparent.
At KOKÉ, we make kombucha that aligns with your values. No hidden ingredients. No compromise. Just real, raw, unfiltered goodness brewed the way nature intended.
