Families come to Forage Kitchen for nourishing and wholesome meals. But when it comes to drinks, serving a sugary soda would be like hitting a pause on everything we stand for. That’s why we serve healthy, low-sugar beverages that are as mindful and refreshing as the food in your bowls. Combining science and flavor, we created a fermented tea brew, organic kombucha, to refresh you and your taste buds.

One sip in, folks often ask, a bit surprised, “What exactly is in the can?” That’s what today’s blog is about. We’ll explore how our small-batch, organic kombucha brewing process supports health, flavor, and sustainability. Let’s understand why this drink pairs well with our menu and philosophy of locally sourced ingredients, minimal processing, and farm-to-bowl freshness.

What Makes Kombucha Special

Think those tiny bubbles and savory flavor in our kombucha are soda? Not quite. 

Who said great texture and flavor can’t be healthy? Forage Kitchen’s kombucha is an organic, fermented tea made with just three ingredients: tea, sugar, and a SCOBY (a living culture of living bacteria and yeast). The natural fermentation process lets the SCOBY consume sugar in tea and replace it with prebiotics and organic acids that support gut health.

Craving that feel-good energy after a hectic day, but without a caffeine overload? Forage Kombucha keeps your energy steady and is your go-to healthy drink for an immunity boost and digestive wellness. This probiotic drink is slightly tart and refreshing, making it a win-win for your health and taste buds. A drink with minimal ingredients, smart nutrition, and naturally clean flavors pairs perfectly with our healthy bowls and wraps.

Step-by-Step: How We Brew Our Organic Kombucha

Let’s answer the most asked question, “How do we make kombucha?” Our team brews kombucha in small, carefully monitored batches to ensure every sip tastes balanced and refreshing. No shortcuts, no guesswork; our organic kombucha brewing process is simple and crafted with care.

Step 1: Brewing the Tea Base

• Our process begins with high-quality black or green tea full of antioxidants, which forms the foundation of Forage Kombucha.
• We brew with teas from another Wisconsin-based business, Rishi Tea and Botanicals, until the right flavor profile emerges.
• Sugar is added only to feed the fermentation culture and leave a subtle sweetness our taste buds appreciate.

Step 2: Adding the SCOBY & Starting Fermentation

• SCOBY, a living culture, converts sugar to tangy acids and carbonation, bringing kombucha to life.
• The fermentation process takes place in the Forage Kitchen at a controlled temperature between 70°F and 85°F for 9–15 days, depending on the desired flavor.
• Behind every can of organic Forage kombucha, there’s a team prioritizing consistency and safety.

Step 3: Flavoring with Natural Ingredients

• Real flavors and nutrition from fruits like peach, raspberry, grapefruit, and herbs like hibiscus, with no artificial additives or colors.
• Seasonal favorites: enjoy berries and grapefruit in summer, lemon-ginger in winter for cozy warmth.
• The result? Not too sweet, not too tangy. Just a crisp, refreshing balance.

Step 4: Canning for Freshness & Sustainability

• Each can locks in flavor and prebiotics.
• Our sustainable, recyclable cans are lightweight and convenient for on-the-go refreshment while minimizing environmental impact.
• Locally sourced ingredients are a Forage way of giving back to the planet.

Each batch tells a story. Brewed mindfully, canned responsibly, and made to fuel your day.

The Art of Balance: Taste, Health & Sustainability

At Forage Kitchen, we believe every sip of healthy drinks should deliver flavor and nutrition in harmony with no harm to the planet. Our locally brewed organic kombucha is more than just a refreshing drink; it’s a tangy, fizzy addition that pairs with Forage’s fresh bowls, crisp salads, and wholesome wraps. Whether you need a quick energy boost or a light refreshment post-meal, its natural tang and gut-friendly acids leave you feeling great.

Forage Kitchen’s sustainable kombucha has become a go-to for those seeking better-for-you hydration and digestive balance. It’s more than just a drink; it’s part of a holistic, healthy lifestyle. Transparency matters to us, which is why our organic kombucha is made with real ingredients you can trust. 

From kitchen to can, Forage kombucha is winning hearts (and taste buds) in Madison, Middleton, and beyond.

Forage Kombucha Favorites

Searching for soda alternatives or healthy drinks? Our locally made, organic kombucha is available in multiple tea bases, from black and green to white and oolong, to suit different taste preferences. 

Flavors include lemon-ginger, peach, raspberry, jasmine rose, and blackberry, all designed to pair perfectly with our fresh, healthy bowls and wraps.

Tea leaves from Milwaukee’s Rishi Tea and Botanicals, a craft fermentation process, and mindful brewing create crisp, earthy, balanced flavors that make Forage Kombucha stand out.

• No artificial sweeteners or additives
• Low in sugar, high in antioxidants
• Handcrafted in-house in small batches for freshness and consistency 

Whether you grab one with your bowl or take a few cans home, every sip is brewed with care for your body, your community, and the planet.

FAQs: Everything About Forage Kombucha

What’s in Forage Kombucha?

Just a few simple ingredients, including tea base (green, black, white, and oolong), cane sugar, kombucha culture, and real fruits and herbs like peach, grapefruit, berries, and hibiscus.

Is kombucha good for your health?

Yes! Organic kombucha contains antioxidants, probiotics, and organic acids that support gut health, digestion, immunity, and steady energy.

How long does kombucha last in a can?

Once opened, Forage kombucha lasts up to 6-7 days in the refrigerator. It’s because the taste can become more tangy or acidic as fermentation continues.

Does kombucha contain caffeine or alcohol?

Forage Kombucha does contain caffeine. If you’re looking for a decaf option, check out Forage Tepache! Kombucha does have trace amounts of alcohol, but less than 0.5%, which is generally considered non-alcoholic. 

Can I return my cans for recycling?

Our cans are sustainable and come in easy-to-recycle cans.

Real Taste, Real Craft: From Kitchen to Can

At the Forage Kitchen, our mission is simple: serve wholesome foods with healthy, refreshing drinks. We’re all about clean ingredients, tangy yet balanced flavors, and sustainability, everything today’s mindful diners look for.

Locally sourced, brewed in small batches, and canned sustainably, our organic kombucha reflects Forage Kitchen’s philosophy of freshness and balance in every can.

Order your Forage Kitchen kombucha today, crafted locally, brewed naturally, and made to keep you feeling good.