Jiva kombucha review
Here we will give a hands-on, taste-tested review of Jiva kombucha. We’ll look into the benefits, ingredients, nutrition and flavour of this organic kombucha.
For this review we have taste-tested the pomegranate version.
Jiva kombucha is available in Woolworths and some health food stores in Australia.
Ingredients of Jiva kombucha
Jiva kombucha is what I refer to as a ‘real ingredient’ kombucha. This means that the flavour of the kombucha comes from real ingredients like juice, concentrate or puree. This is in contrast to a lot of widely available kombuchas in Australia which largely rely on natural flavourings and sweeteners for taste (eg Remedy or Lo Bros).
This is an organic kombucha and the specific ingredients are:
96% kombucha (pure water, green tea, white tea, raw sugar, live cultures)
Pomegranate juice (4%)
This is a simple, traditional kombucha with nothing questionable added.
However, it does have more calories than other real-ingredient kombucha. It has 20 calories per 100ml, whereas Buchi has 13 calories and Good Brew has only 6.5 calories.
Benefits of Jiva kombucha
This kombucha comes with various health benefits.
Green tea
Green tea contains polyphenols which are strong antioxidants.
Studies have shown green tea may also:
increase the amount of calories you burn
improve cholesterol levels
help control blood sugar levels
Read more about the evidence-based benefits of green tea and kombucha.
Pomegranate
Pomegranate has a surprising number of health benefits including:
Antioxidants: Pomegranate contains polyphenols, particularly punicalagins and anthocyanins, which help neutralise harmful free radicals and reduce oxidative stress. These antioxidants can also help reduce chronic inflammation.
Vitamins and minerals: Pomegranate contains vitamin C, folate, magnesium, phosphorous and potassium which collectively support immune function, energy production, bone and muscle health, nerve function, and overall cellular repair and maintenance.
Read more about the evidence-based benefits of pomegranate.
Live cultures
While this is a living drink containing live cultures, there’s no indication of which strains are included and whether they are probiotic (ie beneficial to our health).
There’s also no information on the actual amount of bacteria present ie colony forming units.
Learn more about the benefits of probiotics.
Postbiotics
In very simple terms, postbiotics are essentially beneficial things microorganisms produce during fermentation. These include healthy short-chain fatty acids which nourish our gut lining and may help reduce symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome.
Flavour
The aroma is mainly like an unflavoured kombucha - with citrus, white wine, vinegar and slight funky notes - but also with some slight pomegranate characteristics.
The taste is a bit lacking to be honest. It’s quite thin with not much pomegranate coming through. The taste is so weak that it almost seems like a flavoured mineral water.
The acidity is very low - too low in my opinion. It lacks the refreshing tang a kombucha should have.
The carbonation is good - fairly low and fine bubbled. Which means you aren’t burping after each sip like some other brands.
In summary, the flavour is underwhelming and much too subtle. This is not to say the flavour is bad though.
Cost of Jiva kombucha
You can buy a 300ml bottle for $4.40 in Woolworths.
Summary
3.75 stars out of 5.
An organic, real-ingredient kombucha which unfortunately doesn’t have the flavour to match these attributes.
Pros
organic
uses real ingredients with no flavourings or sweeteners
health benefits of green tea and pomegranate juice
Cons
weak taste
higher in calories compared to other real ingredient kombucha (however still half that of many soft drinks)
no information on cultures included
Your reviewer
This article was reviewed by Travis, the founder of this website, long-time gut enthusiast and passionate kombucha maker!
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