Gaining Attention as a New Generation Super Fermented Drink!

――When many Japanese people hear "Kombucha," they likely think of "Konbu-cha" (kelp tea). What exactly is Kombucha?





Some people might recall "Kōcha Kinoko" (black tea mushroom). Do you remember Kōcha Kinoko, which caused a huge sensation in Japan around 1980? It was called that because the SCOBY resembled a mushroom, and many households cultivated it back then. That Kōcha Kinoko is now regaining attention as Kombucha.

――With over 100 kombucha brands now in the U.S., what inspired you to start "Kombucha Wonder Drink," one of the pioneers?

My great-grandfather was an herbalist, so I've always been interested in tea. A business partner's mother, who lived in Russia, introduced me to kombucha, and that's how it all began. I received half of a SCOBY and cultivated it in my home kitchen. After trying it myself for a while, I decided to turn it into a business and established the company in 2005. When I approached natural food stores with the idea for Kombucha Wonder Drink, they enthusiastically endorsed it as a "new healthy drink that easily provides nutrients," so I began actively pursuing it.


――What sets "Kombucha Wonder Drink" apart from the many other kombucha brands?

I'd say it's the taste (lol). Fundamentally, kombucha can have a distinct flavor that might not appeal to everyone. To ensure that anyone can enjoy it, we've put immense effort into the taste of "Kombucha Wonder Drink." We ferment tea, such as black tea or oolong tea, with a SCOBY (Symbiotic Culture Of Bacteria and Yeast) and sugar, creating a flavor similar to a fruit soda with a pleasant fruity tartness and light carbonation. Being tea-based, it contains less than a quarter of the sugar compared to typical carbonated drinks or juices. It also contains absolutely no artificial sweeteners, which have become a concern in recent years. Being organic and low in calories is another aspect of its popularity.

Furthermore, "Kombucha Wonder Drink" is the only kombucha brand that can be stored at room temperature for extended periods. By carefully pasteurizing the live cultures at low temperatures while preserving their abundant nutrients, we've achieved a shelf-stable canned format, making it available in Japan.

――The four flavors released in Japan are exquisite gourmet recipes personally curated by you, Stephen Lee, a tea master.

In Japan, we offer four flavors: "Traditional" based on oolong tea; "Green Tea & Lemon" with a distinct lemon aroma; "Asian Pear & Ginger," which has a pear aroma with an oolong tea base; and "Niagara Grape" based on jasmine tea. Personally, I favor the most basic "Traditional." It's similar to diluted apple cider vinegar with soda, leaving a lingering oolong tea aroma. It's not too sweet and has a refreshing finish.

――Do you have any recommended ways to enjoy "Kombucha Wonder Drink"?

It's delicious when a few drops of bitters, a liqueur used in cocktails, are added to "Traditional." I also recommend serving it in a chilled champagne flute.

Kombucha's versatility is another appeal; it can be used in cocktails and cooking. Its tartness makes it suitable for cocktails like hot wine or kombucha highballs. It can also be added to green smoothies to boost nutrient intake. You can even make kombucha pickles by soaking your favorite vegetables in it, or tender and delicious kombucha-braised chicken. It's incredibly versatile. Many people use it as a substitute for vinegar due to its acidity. There are even books available with recipes, so please check them out.

――Kombucha is wonderful whether enjoyed on its own or used in cooking. After incorporating it for many years, what do you believe is its most significant benefit?

Kombucha offers unique benefits as a fermented beverage. It's said to work on the internal organs and aid in detoxification, helping to eliminate toxins from the body. As a synergistic effect, it's also beneficial for beauty, which is why many women start drinking it. Additionally, it's rich in polyphenols. Its effectiveness... I believe the fact that kombucha has become so widespread and is consumed by so many people is the best proof.

Retailers in Japan include PLAZA, Natural Lawson, and Seijo Ishii.
Online stores include recocochi and Ange web shop.
Suggested Retail Price: Canned (250ml) ¥370, Bottled (414ml) ¥800.
Starting in April, a new bottled flavor, "Juniper Berry, Spearmint & Lemon Myrtle," will be added.