KANSAS CITY — Innovation is brewing in the kombucha category.
Starbucks’ Evolution Fresh cold-pressed juice brand is entering the kombucha segment with the launch of a new line of beverages combining the brand’s cold-pressed juice with fermented tea such as Congou black tea, Yerba Mate, pu’erh, green tea and matcha. The beverages are certified U.S.D.A. organic, non-G.M.O., gluten-free and kosher. Evolution Fresh Organic Kombucha comes in six flavors: Ginger Lemon Honeycrisp, Mango Pineapple, Ginger Greens, Spicy Greens, Pink Grapefruit and Turmeric Pineapple Coconut.
“Evolution Fresh has a long-standing heritage in cold-pressed juice, and we are continuing to deliver on our commitment to expand in the functional beverage category with the launch of Evolution Fresh Organic Kombucha,” said Ryan Ziegelmann, president of Evolution Fresh. “We know our consumers are looking for beverages with functional benefits, and Evolution Fresh Organic Kombucha is just what they are asking for — a delicious and refreshing pick-me-up that also supports digestive wellness.”
Brew Dr. Kombucha, a brand of Townshend’s Tea Co., has released its fall season kombucha flavor, Harvest. The limited-edition organic beverage features apricot, tarragon and green tea flavors.
“With subtle hints of apricot, tarragon and green tea, this sweet and savory kombucha reminds us of a crisp fall day in the Pacific Northwest,” said Matt Thomas, founder and chief executive officer of Brew Dr. Kombucha. “Using organic, raw ingredients is an important part of the process for all of our flavors, and Harvest conveys the inspiration we find each day in the nature surrounding us.”
Full Sail Brewing is introducing Kyla Hard Kombucha, a shelf stable kombucha fermented to 4.5% alcohol by volume. The beverage is brewed from a symbiotic culture of bacteria and yeast, features live cultures and contains 100 calories, 2 grams of sugar and 2 grams of carbs. The non-pasteurized kombucha is available in two flavors: ginger tangerine and hibiscus lime.
