Fermented Sweetness: The Science Behind Kombucha’s 'Good Sugar'

We sometimes get asked why Nectr Kombucha has around 14 grams of sugar per bottle — and it’s a fair question! At first glance, that number might sound high if you’re comparing it to a “zero sugar” pop or some flavoured waters. But here’s the truth: not all sugar is created equal, and the sugar in our kombucha is very different from the kind found in typical junk foods.

1. Sugar with a Purpose

When we brew kombucha, we start with organic cane sugar — but it isn’t added solely for sweetness. That sugar is actually food for the live cultures (the healthy bacteria and yeast) that make kombucha what it is. During fermentation, most of that sugar is consumed and converted into organic acids, enzymes, and beneficial probiotics.

So, the sugar that remains in your bottle of Nectr isn’t just empty calories — it’s part of a living, balanced drink that supports your gut and overall well-being.

2. A Different Kind of Sweetness

Compare our 14 grams of sugar to what’s in other common drinks or snacks:

    •    A can of pop: 39 grams of refined sugar

    •    A typical fruit juice: 25–30 grams

    •    A chocolate bar: 25+ grams

    •    A flavoured iced coffee: 35–45 grams

Unlike those options, kombucha’s sugar is naturally fermented, and paired with probiotics and organic acids that help your body digest and metabolize it more efficiently. It doesn’t spike your blood sugar in the same way processed sweets do, and it’s free of high-fructose corn syrup, artificial flavours, or preservatives.

3. Balanced Energy, Not a Crash

Because kombucha contains trace amounts of natural caffeine (from tea) and beneficial acids, it delivers a gentle, sustained energy boost rather than the quick high and crash associated with sugary pops or energy drinks. It’s a refreshment your body can actually use — not something it has to recover from.

4. Real Ingredients. Real Benefits.

Every bottle of Nectr Kombucha is brewed with whole ingredients, real fruit, and carefully balanced fermentation. You’re not just drinking something sweet — you’re drinking something alive, with nutrients and probiotics that help your body work the way it should.

So yes, there’s sugar in kombucha — but it’s good sugar. The kind that has a job to do, gets properly used by your body, and leaves you feeling good afterward.

In short, it's sugar that serves a purpose, not just your sweet tooth.