, weight loss, digestion, regularity, and more," Amy Shapiro, MS, RD, CDN, founder of Real Nutrition, told POPSUGAR. She said kombucha also has antibacterial properties, meaning it may help your body fight off bad bacteria.
Hard, or alcoholic, kombucha is essentially made the same way that regular kombucha is with basic ingredients of tea, bacteria, yeast, and sugar, Shapiro explained. Where it differs is in the fermentation process. The length of fermentation is longer, with more sugar and yeasts added at the end to up the alcohol content.Unfortunately, hard kombucha won't benefit gut health in the same way that the nonalcoholic version does.
It's not all bad, though. Hard kombucha still has one important element in common with its nonalcoholic counterpart — they're both made from green and black teas that contain polyphenols and antioxidants. Shapiro stressed that, because it contains alcohol, hard kombucha can't be classified as a healthier choice than any other boozy beverage. However, it is lower in sugar, carbs, and calories per serving than beer, wine, and mixed drinks.
So as long as you aren't expecting any major health benefits from cracking a can of spiked kombucha, feel free to consider switching up your drink order with this fun, fizzy option.