Kombucha is a type of fermented sweet tea that has been infused with bacteria and yeast culture. Whilst many have thought that you can’t freeze kombucha because it would kill these probiotics, is this actually a myth?
Can You Freeze Kombucha?
Yes, you can freeze kombucha for up to 3 months. Contrary to popular belief, you can freeze kombucha provided that you use the fast-freezing method to preserve the good bacteria.
Do Does Kombucha freeze well? Yes
Can you refreeze Kombucha? No
How to Freeze Kombucha
As mentioned before, freezing kombucha won’t kill the bacteria and yeast cultures, the cold temperature will only cause them to stay dormant. Still, there are many things to consider before freezing the drink.
For one thing, the cell membranes of yeast and beneficial bacteria could rupture as they expand from being kept in the freezer for too long. In addition, the ice crystals that form during freezing could be harmful to the bacteria.
As such, it’s not recommended to freeze kombucha for weeks at a time. You need to consume kombucha as soon as possible if you want to enjoy its health benefits.
If you are certain you want to preserve your kombucha in the freezer, simply follow the instructions below. It is important to note that freezing kombucha will not guarantee that the probiotics will survive post-freezing.
- Prepare Kombucha
Follow your favourite kombucha recipe. - Pour Into a Plastic Container
Pour the prepared kombucha into a heavy-duty plastic or glass container or in heavy-duty freezer safe bags. Do not shake the kombucha. - Fill a Bowl
Grab a large plastic bowl and fill it with ice. Place the plastic container of kombucha into the bowl of ice. - Add Salt
Pour in about ¼ cup of table salt into the ice (not the drink!). This will react with the ice and cause it to turn extremely cold, freezing the drink almost instantly. Be careful not to touch this ice at this point to avoid burning yourself. - Place Into the Freezer
Once the drink has chilled, place the containers or bags into the freezer. - Label and Store
Label and date the bags and then place in the freezer for up to 2 months.
3 Tips for Freezing Kombucha
Now you know how to freeze it, we’ve got our 3 top tips which we strongly recommend following when freezing kombucha to have the best results:
Pick the Right Container
If you are freezing a store-bought or commercial kombucha, you can freeze it in its original packaging or bottle. If you are freezing your own homemade kombucha, a glass container is best.
Be Sure to Date
Kombucha only lasts around 3 months in the freezer before the probiotics, cultures and good bacteria start to die off. Knowing when you froze your kombucha will help you ensure you consume it during a period when you can still benefit from all its healthy goodness.
Try Unique Recipes
When you come to freeze your kombucha, why not try kombucha popsicles or use cubes of frozen kombucha to make slushies.
How Long Can You Freeze Kombucha?
Kombucha can be a tricky item to freeze given that it is fermented and requires a special freezing procedure to ensure the good bacteria survive the cold temperatures.
However, when done correctly, kombucha will last for about 3 months in the freezer.
You Can Freeze Kombucha for up to 3 Months
How Do You Defrost Kombucha?
Compared to the freezing process, thawing or defrosting kombucha is relatively simple. When you are ready to consume the kombucha, simply remove the container from the freezer and place it into the fridge.
Allow the kombucha to thaw in the fridge and then drink on the same day.
Can You Refreeze Kombucha?
Refreezing kombucha is not something we recommend you do. Make sure to drink the kombucha as soon as it is defrosted and don’t store defrosted kombucha at room temperature.
Does Kombucha Freeze Well?
Whilst the process of freezing kombucha is somewhat complicated, the kombucha will actually freeze very well due to it being a liquid.
While there is no guarantee that flash freezing will ensure the survival of the probiotics once the drink has been defrosted, it’s worth a try if you need to store large quantities of the drink in the freezer.
Our advice is to freeze the drink in small batches to avoid waste.
Related FAQs
If you’ve still got questions about freezing kombucha or kombucha in general, then these may help:
No, you should not freeze a kombucha SCOBY. It can have a hugely negative impact on the living culture within the SCOBY.
Whether it’s raspberry, elderflower or ginger; kombucha can be flavoured with a range of ingredients. The good news is that both plain and flavoured kombucha can be frozen.
