The Science Behind Nectr's 8-Month Shelf Life

One of the most common questions we get about Nectr Kombucha is how it can stay fresh for up to 8 months when kept refrigerated. The short answer? Kombucha is alive—and that’s exactly what makes it so stable.

Kombucha Is a Living Beverage

Unlike many bottled drinks, kombucha isn’t pasteurized. That means the beneficial bacteria and yeast remain active long after bottling. These microbes come from the SCOBY (Symbiotic Culture of Bacteria and Yeast), which continues to gently ferment the kombucha over time.

As long as the bottle stays cold, this fermentation happens very slowly and predictably, allowing the kombucha to remain safe, stable, and enjoyable for months.

The SCOBY Keeps Working

When we bottle Nectr Kombucha, there is still a small amount of natural sugar present. Over time, the SCOBY slowly consumes that sugar and converts it into organic acids, enzymes, and other fermentation by-products.

This gradual process is why kombucha doesn’t “spoil” in the traditional sense. Instead, it evolves.

SCOBY - Symbiotic Culture of Bacteria and Yeast

What Changes Over Time?

    •    Sugar content continues to decrease

    •    Acidity slowly increases

    •    Probiotic content continues to develop

Because of this, kombucha that’s been refrigerated for several months is often considered even more mature and functional than when it was first bottled.

Why 8 Months Is the Sweet Spot

At around the 8-month mark, Nectr Kombucha is still perfectly safe to drink and remains full of beneficial compounds. However, as the SCOBY continues to consume sugar, the flavour profile can start to shift.

You may notice:

    •    A sharper, more vinegar-forward taste

    •    Less perceived sweetness

    •    A drier finish

Some people love this bold, tangy profile. Others prefer their kombucha younger and slightly sweeter. Neither is wrong—it simply comes down to taste.

The Takeaway

Nectr Kombucha’s 8-month refrigerated shelf life isn’t about preserving something fragile—it’s about respecting a living process. When kept cold, kombucha remains stable, safe, and active, slowly becoming more fermented over time.

So whether you enjoy it fresh and bright or bold and fully matured, your bottle of Nectr Kombucha is doing exactly what nature intended.

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