The general recommendation is to avoid kombucha during pregnancy and breastfeeding. It is an unpasteurised fermented drink, with live bacteria and a small residual alcohol content. During these two stages, specialists usually recommend not consuming unpasteurised products and limiting alcohol as much as possible. Here we explain the 5 factors to consider and the most frequently asked questions.
Can I drink kombucha if I am pregnant?
Kombucha has 3 characteristic properties relevant to this question: it is probiotic (contains live microorganisms), it is digestive (thanks to these probiotics and enzymes), and it is associated with cleansing properties due to its organic acids.
Due to the combination of these properties —especially the fact that it is unpasteurised and contains a small percentage of residual alcohol— the general recommendation during pregnancy is to avoid it or, in any case, consult your healthcare professional before incorporating it.
The 5 points to consider before deciding
If you want to have all the information on the table, these are the 5 factors to consider:
1. Theine
Kombucha is made by fermenting tea. Tea contains theine, but the final product, after fermentation, contains very little. It is practically residual: to consume the same amount of theine as in an espresso coffee, you would need about 100 litres of kombucha. Therefore, consumption is not problematic from this point of view.
2. Unpasteurised
Authentic kombucha, to preserve its properties, is unpasteurised. Healthcare professionals usually recommend avoiding unpasteurised products during gestation and breastfeeding due to the risk of unwanted microorganisms. Kombucha made without strictly following safety and hygiene standards should not be consumed during these stages. Mūn Kombucha rigorously complies with current regulations and holds IFS Food certification, but the "unpasteurised" factor is the main reason for the general recommendation to avoid it.
3. Residual alcohol
During fermentation, a small amount of residual alcohol is produced. Not all kombuchas have the same percentage. In the case of Mūn Kombucha, all varieties remain below 1.2%, placing it in the legal category of non-alcoholic beverages. Even so, during pregnancy and breastfeeding, the medical consensus is to avoid even this minimal amount of alcohol.
4. Sugar and ingredients
A natural, pesticide-free diet is especially important during these stages. Few known ingredients, all natural, the minimum possible amount of sugar. Mūn Kombucha meets these requirements: organic ingredients, no additives, with between 0.1 and 1.8 g of sugar per 100 ml depending on the variety.
5. Effect on the body
The organic acids in kombucha can contribute to the mobilisation of toxins in the body. An expectant mother or a breastfeeding mother must bear in mind that these substances can pass into the bloodstream and, therefore, indirectly to the foetus or breast milk. This is another reason to prefer waiting until after pregnancy and breastfeeding.
The final decision, once all the information has been presented, depends on each individual and their healthcare professional. If you are going to consume it, do so in very small quantities and consult your doctor first.
And during breastfeeding?
The same considerations apply to breastfeeding. If you already consumed kombucha before pregnancy and breastfeeding, and your body is accustomed to it, consult your healthcare professional before reintroducing it. If you have never consumed it, it is better to wait until the end of the breastfeeding period to introduce it.
Kombucha as an alternative to soft drinks (afterwards)
Once pregnancy and breastfeeding are over, kombucha can be a good alternative to sugary soft drinks. It provides probiotics and organic acids with little added sugar. We leave you the guidelines on how and when to drink kombucha and how much to drink per day.
Frequently asked questions
Can I drink kombucha while pregnant?
The general recommendation is not to consume it during pregnancy for two main reasons: it is an unpasteurised drink (with live bacteria) and contains a small percentage of residual alcohol. If you still wish to drink it, consult your healthcare professional first.
And during breastfeeding?
Same recommendation as during pregnancy: it is better to avoid it. If you were a regular consumer before and wish to reintroduce it, consult your doctor first.
How much alcohol does kombucha contain?
Below 1.2% by volume, which legally classifies it as a non-alcoholic beverage. In Mūn Kombucha, the content remains below 1%. Even so, during pregnancy and breastfeeding, it is recommended to avoid even this minimal amount.
How much theine does kombucha contain?
Very little: to consume the theine of an espresso coffee, you would need about 100 litres of kombucha. From this point of view, there is no significant risk.
If I drink kombucha during breastfeeding, will anything reach the baby?
Yes, everything the mother consumes can pass into the milk to a greater or lesser extent. That is why it is recommended to avoid unpasteurised products and alcohol during this period.
Is Mūn Kombucha pasteurised?
No, it is not pasteurised. Pasteurising it would destroy the probiotics and the properties of authentic kombucha. We produce it following the traditional method and complying with IFS Food safety regulations.
Is there any Mūn variety safe for pregnant women?
No. Due to the "unpasteurised" factor and the small residual alcohol content, no variety is recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding women. Once pregnancy and breastfeeding are over, you can consult our general contraindications.
Can I resume kombucha after childbirth?
Yes, once breastfeeding has also finished, you can start progressively with small quantities (100-150 ml daily). Consult our guide on how much to drink per day.
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For after pregnancy and breastfeeding
Mūn Kombucha: organic ingredients, one-month fermentation, maximum 1.8 g of sugar per 100 ml. Since 2015.
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