Drinking Kombucha and Driving: Is it Safe?

Has the distinct taste, effervescent charm, and probiotic perks of kombucha driven your love for this drink? What happens when you enjoy a glass of kombucha and then get behind the wheel?

Most of you might ignore the potential alcohol content in kombucha and hop into your car, thinking it's safe to drive. But can you drink kombucha and drive? The truth is that you might get into legal trouble if you're not mindful of your kombucha consumption.

This blog will explore kombucha's alcohol content, the potential risks of driving under the influence, and practical tips for drinking it safely. So, let's ensure your love for kombucha stays hassle-free, even on the road!

Understanding kombucha

Kombucha is more than just a trendy drink; it's a fermented tea beverage with roots tracing back to thousands of years. At the core of its creation is the SCOBY, which stands for Symbiotic Culture of Bacteria and Yeast. This gelatinous disk transforms sweet tea into kombucha by hosting a harmonious colony of microorganisms.

The SCOBY may look odd, reminiscent of a mushroom cap or a jelly-like pancake, but don't judge it by its appearance. It's the reason kombucha undergoes its magical transformation:

• The brewing process begins with sweetened tea, usually black or green, which is then combined with the SCOBY.

• From here, the fermentation starts, and the SCOBY's yeast converts the sugars in the tea into alcohol and carbon dioxide. This gives kombucha its fizz while producing some nutrients, like B vitamins and vitamin C.

• The bacteria take over the second fermentation phase. They convert most of the alcohol into various organic acids, such as acetic and lactic acids. This phase adds to kombucha's tangy flavour and further enriches its health profile.

The entire fermentation process typically takes 7 to 12 days. Factors like temperature and pH play critical roles in ensuring a successful transformation. Once ready, you can bottle the unflavoured kombucha with added flavours for a second fermentation. It ferments further for additional fizziness and delightful tastes.

The fermentation process produces alcohol as a byproduct. But is the alcohol level in kombucha high enough to make it an alcoholic beverage?

Also read: Is Kombucha Suitable for Vegans?

Alcohol content in kombucha

Kombucha is generally not considered an alcoholic beverage in India. You'll typically find it in supermarkets, health food stores, or local markets, but not liquor stores. This is because beverages with an alcohol content below 0.5% Alcohol By Volume (ABV) are generally not considered alcoholic. Let's see how kombucha fits this label:

• Store-bought kombucha: Commercially available kombucha is regulated to have an alcohol content of less than 0.5% ABV. This threshold ensures that kombucha, which naturally produces small amounts of alcohol during fermentation, is not subject to the same regulations as alcoholic beverages.

To put this into perspective, a typical beer has an alcohol content of around 5% ABV. This means you would have to consume a significant amount of kombucha—likely 10 servings or more—to equal the alcohol content of a single beer.

• Homemade kombucha: The alcohol content of homemade kombucha can vary considerably. Depending on the conditions under which it's made—such as how long it ferments, the sugar content, and the temperature—the alcohol level can range from less than 0.5% to as high as 3% ABV. This lack of regulation means one can unintentionally create a beverage with a higher alcohol content than expected.

• Hard kombucha: In addition to regular kombucha, hard kombucha is intentionally brewed to have a higher alcohol content, similar to beer or wine. The ABV is typically 4% to 7%. As a result, hard kombucha is classified as an alcoholic beverage and is subject to the same regulations as other alcoholic drinks.

Kombucha is primarily a non-alcoholic beverage, but fermentation can make each batch unique, especially when homemade. Knowing the distinctions between commercial, homemade, and hard kombucha can help you choose the right option.

Drinking alcohol may seem enjoyable occasionally, but listen to this video to understand how regular alcohol consumption can negatively impact your gut health.

Can you drink kombucha and drive?

The question of whether it's safe or legal to drive after enjoying a bottle of kombucha is more complex than it may first appear. Kombucha has negligible alcohol content, so drinking a glass or taking a few sips before you take the wheels might not be dangerous.

However, if you consume large amounts of kombucha before driving, especially homemade or hard kombucha, it is possible that you could be charged with driving under the influence (DUI). Consuming even small amounts of alcohol can impair judgment and reaction time, significantly increasing the risk of accidents.

Hence, a precautionary approach is often recommended. It's wise to avoid driving after consuming kombucha, regardless of how minimal the alcohol content is, to prevent any unexpected legal complications.

Let's understand when the law tightens its grip when it comes to drinking kombucha and driving!

Also read: Understanding Kombucha and Alcohol: Can People Under 21 Drink it?

Potential DUI risks from kombucha

While the alcohol content in most commercially available kombucha is typically too low to cause intoxication, the risk of a DUI is not entirely non-existent. The problem arises when you're unaware of which kombucha you pick.

You might opt for a boozy kombucha from a store without realising how strong it can get. Conversely, brewing your kombucha at home can also make your drink alcoholic if the fermentation process is not properly monitored. Let's understand how your choice of kombucha can put you at DUI risk:

• Legal perspective: In India, the blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit is 0.03% (30 mg/100 ml of blood). If fermentation continues for an extended period, the alcohol content in kombucha can increase significantly, potentially exceeding this limit. This might result in a charge of driving under the influence.

Moreover, certain jurisdictions may have zero-tolerance DUI laws and might apply severe penalties if they detect any level of impairment, even from kombucha. Underage drivers also face stringent regulations if any measurable alcohol is detected, reflecting a zero-tolerance approach.

• Individual sensitivity: The effects of alcohol can vary significantly from person to person. Factors such as body weight, metabolism, and individual tolerance can affect how even small quantities of alcohol impact one's ability to drive. Increased awareness and prudent judgment about when and how much kombucha to consume is vital to prevent legal or personal issues.

Therefore, it's crucial to adhere to safe brewing practices when making kombucha at home. Monitor the fermentation process closely and strain the kombucha as soon as the desired level of tartness is reached. This will help minimise alcohol production and reduce the risk of exceeding legal limits.

Next, let's see what surprises kombucha might have in store for those breathalyser tests!

Does kombucha affect breathalyser results?

You might not feel intoxicated after consuming kombucha, but it's important to remember that even small amounts of alcohol can be detected by breathalyser tests. If you are pulled over by law enforcement due to suspicion of driving under the influence, a breathalyser test may show a positive result, even if you don't feel impaired.

The impact of a breathalyser test can vary significantly depending on the following factors:

• Sensitivity of the device: Different breathalysers have varying levels of sensitivity. Some machines are more likely to pick up the low alcohol levels present in kombucha, leading to a higher likelihood of a positive result.

• Amount of kombucha consumed: The more kombucha you drink, especially in a short period, the higher the chance of registering a measurable result on a breathalyser.

• Individual metabolism: How quickly your body processes the alcohol in kombucha can affect the breathalyser reading. People with faster metabolism may clear the alcohol more quickly, reducing the odds of a positive result.

• Timing of consumption: Drinking kombucha right before driving could increase the chance of a false positive reading on a breathalyser. To minimise this risk, it's advisable to allow some time after drinking kombucha before getting behind the wheel.

Did you know that the former NFL player Michael Floyd failed three breathalyser tests while on house arrest for an earlier DUI charge? Interestingly, the failed tests were not because he drank beer or liquor but kombucha.

This case serves as a reminder of the potential risks associated with consuming kombucha before driving. While the specific circumstances of his case are unique, it highlights the importance of exercising caution and being aware of the potential impact of even small amounts of alcohol.

With that eye-opening story in mind, let's cover some essential tips to enjoy your kombucha safely before hitting the road!

Tips for safe kombucha consumption before driving

The safest course of action is to avoid drinking kombucha if you plan to drive soon. Nobody likes to get entangled in the messy web of law, and it's always better to be safe than sorry. However, if you choose to consume kombucha before driving, here are a few safety tips:

• Choose low-alcohol options: Opt for commercially available kombucha brands that clearly state low alcohol content or are labeled non-alcoholic.' Be mindful of the alcohol content, even in store-bought kombucha, as it can vary between brands.

• Avoid homebrewed kombucha before driving: If you brew kombucha at home, it's best to avoid consuming it before driving. Homebrewed kombucha can have higher alcohol content, and it's difficult to determine the alcohol level accurately without laboratory testing.

• Allow ample time: If you consume kombucha, allow ample time for your body to metabolise the alcohol before driving. Even small amounts of alcohol can take time to be processed by your body.

• Prioritise safety: Above all, ensure your safety and that of others on the road. If you have doubts about your ability to drive safely after consuming kombucha, consider delaying your trip or choosing a different mode of transportation.

Have you got the answer to whether you can drink kombucha and drive? Drinking kombucha under typical circumstances is unlikely to impair your driving ability significantly. However, it's crucial to remember that a breathalyser test can detect trace amounts of alcohol. By acting responsibly and moderating your kombucha consumption, you can reap its benefits without compromising road safety.

The Good Bug presents a range of kombucha products for you to enjoy while relaxing at home or partying with friends. They're crafted with exceptional care to maintain quality and taste. Visit our website to discover your personal favourite and take charge of your health. Savour the taste, not the risk!

References

https://www.suttonandjanelle.com/blog/2020/november/drinking-kombucha-and-driving/

https://www.drennanlawfirm1.com/blog/2022/08/can-you-get-a-dui-from-drinking-kombucha/

https://www.rideoutlaw.com/can-i-get-a-dui-from-drinking-kombucha/

https://www.westvirginiaduilawyers.com/can-i-get-a-dui-for-drinking-kombucha-tea/

https://www.spiveylaw.com/blog/can-kombucha-impair-driving-abilities/