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Kombucha Brewers International (KBI) has unveiled the KBI Verified Seal, the first official certification for retail kombucha products.

This initiative aims to safeguard the authenticity of fermented kombucha, reduce consumer confusion and provide brewers with a credible means of differentiation in a rapidly expanding market.

The introduction of the Verified Seal comes after more than a decade of advocacy and collaboration among brewers, scientists and regulatory partners.

As the popularity of kombucha has surged, so has the prevalence of products marketed as kombucha that do not meet fermentation standards. This has led to consumer misunderstandings regarding what constitutes genuine kombucha, prompting KBI to establish clear industry standards.

The KBI Verified Seal is designed to ensure that products bearing the seal are brewed according to traditional fermentation methods, confirming the presence of live, active cultures and appropriate organic acid profiles – key characteristics of authentic kombucha.

To qualify for the new seal, brands must undergo a verification process that validates their adherence to these criteria.

The program categorises kombucha products into three distinct types:

• Raw (not from concentrate): Freshly fermented kombucha that has never been concentrated, representing the traditional form of the beverage.

  
  

• Concentrate: Brewed kombucha that is concentrated and then reconstituted for shelf stability while maintaining essential fermentation qualities.

  
  

• Pasteurised: Heat-treated kombucha that offers a different taste and consistency profile, though it typically lacks live cultures.

The first brand to receive the Verified Seal is GT’s Living Foods, a pioneer in the kombucha category, which celebrated this milestone during its 30th anniversary at Natural Products Expo West 2025.

“This seal is the culmination of countless hours from passionate brewers across the globe,” commented GT Dave, founder of GT’s Living Foods. “I’m honoured to be the first to carry it, not just for my brand but for the future of kombucha. It’s an opportunity to help consumers better understand what real fermentation looks like and why it matters.”

KBI has previously established the Kombucha Code of Practice in 2020, which set forth definitions, labeling requirements and quality benchmarks for kombucha products.

The introduction of the Verified Seal builds upon these foundational efforts, reinforcing KBI’s commitment to product integrity and consumer education.