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Is Kombucha safe in pregnancy?
Best avoided
Best avoided — raw, unpasteurised, low alcohol content.
What the evidence says
Kombucha is generally not recommended in pregnancy. It is fermented and unpasteurised, carries a small amount of alcohol (typically 0.5–3%), and can harbour unwanted bacteria or yeast. Commercial pasteurised kombucha is lower risk but still contains trace alcohol. The safest approach is to avoid it during pregnancy.
Why this matters
Combination of alcohol content, unpasteurised status, and potential bacterial contamination makes kombucha a better "save for after pregnancy" drink.
Source:UK and European pregnancy guidance
Last reviewed:April 2026
Please note — This is general guidance based on NHS advice as of April 2026. It is not medical advice. For advice on your specific pregnancy, please speak to your midwife or GP.
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