Kombucha Beverage Research Articles

Evaluation of some physicochemical, nutritional, and microbiological properties and sensory profiles of green tea and almond milk kombucha beverages

Evaluation of some physicochemical, nutritional, and microbiological properties and sensory profiles of green tea and almond milk kombucha beverages

Employing Aloysia citrodora (lemon verbena) as a substrate to improve toxicological and antioxidative properties of kombucha beverage

AbstractThis study examined the production of kombucha beverages with several combination of black tea and Aloysia citrodora. For this purpose, five types of kombucha drinks were prepared using different ratios of pure black tea and pure A. citrodora (80:0, 50:30, 40:40, 30:50, and 0:80). Total phenolic and flavonoid content, radical-scavenging capacity based on DPPH, ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) in the fermentation period (days 0, 5, 10, and 15), and cytotoxicity on the 15th day have been evaluated. The results showed that phenolic and flavonoid contents and antioxidant properties increased during fermentation (P < 0.01). Using A. citrodora as a substrate enhanced the phenolic and antioxidant properties. The maximum amounts of polyphenols and flavonoids were 240.24 mg GAE/mL and 49.65 μg QE/mL, respectively, and the DPPH value was 92.81% for the samples with an equal ratio of black tea and A. citrodora on the 15th day. In addition, this sample had the highest rate (66%) of destroying PC3 prostate cancer cells at a 600 μg dL−1 concentration. Using A. citrodora in kombucha drink not only improved the health indices but also caused better acceptance by the sensory evaluators compared to the sample of kombucha beverage produced with pure black tea.

Biotransformation of Tropical Fruit By-Products for the Development of Kombucha Analogues with Antioxidant Potential.

In a country where millions of people have nutritional needs, innovative ways of producing food from commonly wasted agro-industrial by-products, can be an important alternative for the production of fermented beverages. In light of this, the aim of this study is to evaluate the potential of fruit by-products from acerola, guava and tamarind for the production of fermented beverages. Physicochemical and microbiological parameters, total antioxidant capacity and fermentation kinetics were investigated during the first (at 0, 48, 72, 96 and 168 h) and second fermentation (at 0 and 24 h). The acid profile of fermented beverages was determined by chromatography, and the sensory profile was determined by consumer acceptance test. Physicochemical parameters of all formulations complied with current legislation and were of satisfactory microbiological quality. The reslts of fermentation kinetics showed that both pH and soluble solids content decreased - with an average final pH of 3.12, 2.85 and 2.78 for the acerola, guava and tamarind formulations, respectively - while acidity increased with final values of 0.94, 0.75 and 1 % for the same formulations. Of all formulations, tamarind had the highest total soluble solids content (8.17 g/100 g), and acerola had the highest antioxidant potential determined as Trolox equivalents ((20.0±0.8) μM/g). Organic acids were found in all samples, with mainly glucuronic acid detected in the kombucha beverages. All formulations showed satisfactory sensory acceptability, although the results were better for guava. The fruit by-products can be used as raw materials for the development of alternative kombucha beverages. As consumers are increasingly selective in their food choices, the development of food products with high nutritional value has increased significantly in recent years. New types of fermentable beverages such as kombucha - using tropical fruit by-products to enhance their chemical composition, sensory properties and nutritional value - have created new opportunities for beverage consumption and offer greater health benefits than the traditional version, where only Camellia sinensis is used. The promotion of these co-products and their respective beverages is an excellent opportunity for sustainability and their commercialisation.

Cascara Pulp: A Novel Ingredient for Healthy Kombucha by Using Honey and Brown Sugar

ABSTRACT This study investigates the effects of brown sugar and honey on microbial counts, antibacterial activity, chemical compositions, and biological activities of cascara kombucha beverages after 12 days of fermentation. Concentrations of 5, 10, and 15 g of brown sugar or equivalent volumes of honey were used per 100 mL of cascara kombucha to evaluate changes in parameters such as pH, acetic acid, sugar, alcohol content, total phenolic content, and antioxidant activity. The results indicated that the microbial composition and pH of the products remained consistent at all concentrations of honey (H) and brown sugar (BS). Cascara kombucha with 15% brown sugar had significantly lower acetic acid content and higher brix as compared with 5% and 10% honey. The alcohol concentration in cascara kombucha with 15% brown sugar was comparable to that with the same levels of honey. Increasing the amounts of brown sugar or honey significantly increased the total phenolic compounds but decreased the antioxidant capacity of cascara kombucha. Additionally, kombucha samples with honey demonstrated better inhibiting the growth of E. coli than brown sugar. Thus, the use of cascara pulp as a novel ingredient in health-promoting kombucha highlights the significant impact of honey and brown sugar on its chemical composition and biological activities.

As next-generation probiotics: acetic acid bacteria isolated from Kombucha beverages produced with Anatolian hawthorn leaves.

This research examined acetic acid bacteria (AAB) isolated from Kombucha beverages produced with Anatolian hawthorn (Crataegus orientalis) as next-generation probiotics. Eighty-six AAB were isolated from the samples and investigated in terms of biosafety, viability in vitro gastrointestinal conditions, technological and bioactive properties, and also in vitro adhesion abilities. Seventy-six isolates demonstrating γ-hemolysis exhibited resistance to erythromycin and ampicillin. Besides, these isolates survived at low pH and in the presence of bile salts. However, the majority of AAB isolates showed tolerance to phenol, pepsin, and pancreatin. Also, twenty-one isolates showed protease enzyme activity, while eight isolates had amylase enzyme activity. Despite most of the isolates showed viability at 1.5% salt, only 19 isolates survived at 10% salt. Most AAB isolates exhibited inhibition zones ranging from 8 to 26mm against test bacteria, their antioxidant activities were above 80%. Additionally, some isolates exhibited auto-aggregation ability ranging from 0.66 to 23.62% and co-aggregation ability ranging from 1.18 to 71.32%, while hydrophobicity ranged from 1.32 to 69.87% toward xylene. Finally, the indigenous 76 AAB isolates that had remarkable probiotic properties were characterized based on 16S rRNA gene sequencing, and the isolates belonged to Komagateibacter sp. (64.47%), Komagateibacter saccharivorans (15.79%), K. rhaeticus (11.84%), and Gluconobacter sp. (7.90%). As a result, the isolates identified as Gluconobacter sp. A21, Komagataeibacter sp. A139, Gluconobacter sp. A141, and Komagataeibacter sp. A146, which showed high viability under gastrointestinal conditions, safe and acceptable in terms of technological, bioactive, and adhesion properties and could be evaluated as next-generation probiotics.

Effects of Fermentation with Kombucha Symbiotic Culture of Bacteria and Yeasts on Antioxidant Activities, Bioactive Compounds and Sensory Indicators of Rhodiola rosea and Salvia miltiorrhiza Beverages.

Kombucha is a well-known fermented beverage traditionally made from black tea infusion. Recent studies have focused on finding alternative materials to create novel kombucha beverages with various health benefits. In this study, we prepared and evaluated two novel kombucha beverages using Rhodiola rosea and Salvia miltiorrhiza as materials. The effects of fermentation with the residue of these plants on the kombucha were also investigated. The antioxidant activities, total phenolic contents, and concentrations of the bioactive compounds of the kombucha beverages were determined by the Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity test, ferric-reducing antioxidant power test, Folin-Ciocalteu method, and high-performance liquid chromatography, respectively. The results revealed that the kombucha beverages made with Rhodiola rosea and Salvia miltiorrhiza had strong antioxidant capacities and abundant phenolic contents. Additionally, the kombucha fermented with Rhodiola rosea residue had higher FRAP, TEAC and TPC values than that fermented without residue. On the other hand, the Salvia miltiorrhiza kombucha fermented with residue had similar FRAP and TEAC values but lower TPC values compared to that fermented without residue. The correlation analysis showed that gallic acid, salidroside, and tyrosol were responsible for the antioxidant abilities and total phenolic contents of the Rhodiola rosea kombucha, and salvianolic acid A and salvianolic acid B contributed to the antioxidant abilities of the Salvia miltiorrhiza kombucha. Furthermore, the kombucha fermented with Rhodiola rosea residue had the highest sensory scores among the kombucha beverages studied. These findings suggest that Rhodiola rosea and Salvia miltiorrhiza are suitable for making novel kombucha beverages with strong antioxidant abilities and abundant phenolic contents, which can be used in preventing and managing oxidative stress-related diseases.

Innovative Analogs of Unpasteurized Kombucha Beverages: Comparative Analysis of Mint/Nettle Kombuchas, Considering Their Health-Promoting Effect, Polyphenolic Compounds and Chemical Composition.

Increasing demand for functional beverages is attracting consumers' attention and driving research to expand our knowledge of fermentation using symbiotic culture of bacteria and yeast (SCOBY) and demonstrate the health effects of consuming kombucha. The objective of this study was to develop innovative recipes for unpasteurized mint/nettle kombucha analogs, and to compare the products obtained under varying conditions in terms of chemical composition, bioactive polyphenols and health-promoting activity. Four variants of kombucha beverages (K1-K4), differing in the addition of sucrose and fermentation temperature, were formulated. The fermentation process provided data indicating the increase of antidiabetic, anti-inflammatory and anticholinergic properties, while a decrease in antioxidant capacity was observed. The content of polyphenolics was the highest on the seventh day of fermentation. A higher fermentation temperature and a larger amount of sucrose accelerated the fermentation process, which may be crucial for shortening the production time of kombucha drinks.

Elaboration and Characterization of Novel Kombucha Drinks Based on Truffles (Tuber melanosporum and Tuber aestivum) with Interesting Aromatic and Compositional Profiles.

The organoleptic and bioactive properties of truffles place these fungi as interesting materials for use in the of design functional foods based on fruiting bodies outside commercial standards. Moreover, kombucha beverages have become more popular in the Western world, leading to novel drinks using alternative substrates instead of tea leaves. In this work, two truffle species (Tuber melanosporum, TMEL; Tuber aestivum, TAES) and three different symbiotic consortia of bacteria and yeasts (SCOBYs: SC1, SC2, and SC3) were tested. Fermentation (21 days) was monitored in terms of physicochemical (pH, viscosity), biochemical (total carbohydrates, alcohol, soluble proteins, phenolic compounds), and sensory attributes (volatile organic compounds, VOCs). The obtained pH ranges were adequate, alcohol levels were undetectable or very low, and sugar content was lower than in traditional kombuchas or other beverages. In most cases, the usual bottling time could be applied (7-10 days), although longer fermentations are recommended (14 days) to reach higher protein and phenolic compounds contents. Truffle kombuchas produced up to 51 volatile organic compounds (alcohols, acids, esters, ketones, and aldehydes, among others), with TMEL showing a more complex profile than TAES. During the first week, acidic compound production was observed, especially acetic acid. Similar behavior in the VOC profile was reported with different SCOBYs.

Definition of halal analysis of formulation of kombucha drink from simplicia of malay apple fruit (Syzygium malaccense)

The wealth of biodiversity and the abundance of native Indonesian germplasm resources have not been optimally utilized domestically. Malay apple, which belongs to the myrtaceae family, has various health benefits. However, its utilization is still limited, thus requiring ideas to increase public interest in this fruit. Therefore, innovation is carried out by transforming malay apple into kombucha fermentation beverages as a step to optimize its utilization. The research aimed to measure the total alcohol content, total acid, and total sugar in the formulation of kombucha beverages derived from malay apple fruit juice, with the goal of developing it into a functional beverage. The research process involved testing alcohol content using gas chromatography, measuring total acid by alkalimetric titration method, and measuring total sugar content by anthrone method. The research results showed that the malay apple kombucha sample the level of alcohol content was 0.0213%, the total acid was 1.38% (<2 g/L), and the total sugar was 0.807 µg. The kombucha malay apple which category halal kombucha.

Biological Activity and Phenolic Content of Kombucha Beverages under the Influence of Different Tea Extract Substrates

Biological Activity and Phenolic Content of Kombucha Beverages under the Influence of Different Tea Extract Substrates

Kombucha beverages made from Camellia nitidissima Chi and Camellia sinensis flowers—physicochemical properties, sensory properties and bioactivity

Recently, various plant materials other than tea have been used as substrates for kombucha beverages. To improve the aroma and other qualities of kombucha, Camellia sinensis and Camellia nitidissima Chi flowers were used as raw materials to prepare novel kombucha beverages (marked as TFK and GFTK), which were systematically compared to traditional kombucha made from black tea. The results revealed that the biomass of kombucha made from TFK increased the most among all samples. TFK had the highest content of organic acids, with 9.03 g/L of acetic acid and 5.57 g/L of gluconic acid. Metabolomic analysis revealed that TFK showed the highest concentration of organic nitrogen compounds, whereas GFTK had the highest concentration of flavonoids. There were 183 kinds of volatile components identified in the 3 kombuchas, only 20 of which were common aroma components. Among the three kombucha beverages, TFK had the highest digestive enzyme inhibitory activity and was also second only to GFTK in terms of anti-oxidant properties. In terms of sensory properties, TFK had a higher fruit score compared to GFTK, but there was no significant difference in floral intensity between these two samples. Therefore, the C. sinensis flower is more suitable for preparing kombucha.

Viability and Diversity of the Microbial Cultures Available in Retail Kombucha Beverages in the USA.

Kombucha is a two-stage fermented sweetened tea beverage that uses yeast and lactic acid bacteria (LAB) to convert sugars into ethanol and lactate and acetic acid bacteria (AAB) to oxidize ethanol to acetate. Its popularity as a beverage grew from claims of health benefits derived from this vibrant microbial bioconversion. While recent studies have shed light on the diversity of cultures in Kombucha fermentation, there is limited information on the diversity, and especially viability, of cultures in retail beverages that advertise the presence of Kombucha and probiotic cultures. In this study, 12 Kombucha beverages produced by different manufacturers throughout the US were purchased and microbially characterized. Eight of the beverages contained viable Kombucha cultures, while 3 of the remaining 4 had viable Bacillus cultures as added probiotics. Amplicon profiling revealed that all contained Kombucha yeast and bacteria cells. The dominant yeasts detected were Lachancea cidri (10/12), Brettanomyces (9/12), Malassezia (6/12), and Saccharomyces (5/12). Dominant LAB included Liquorilactobacillus and Oenococcus oeni, and AAB were Komagataeibacter, Gluconobacter, and Acetobacter. One beverage had a significant amount of Zymomonas mobilis, an ethanol-producing bacterium from Agave cactus. While Kombucha beverages differ in the types and viability of cultures, all except one beverage contained detectable viable cells.

3D printed kombucha biomaterial as a tissue scaffold and L929 cell cytotoxicity assay

AbstractTissue engineering includes the construction of tissue‐organ scaffold. The advantage of three‐dimensional scaffolds over two‐dimensional scaffolds is that they provide homeostasis for a longer time. The microbial community in Symbiotic culture of bacteria and yeast (SCOBY) can be a source for kombucha (kombu tea) production. In this study, it was aimed to investigate the usage of SCOBY, which produces bacterial cellulose, as a biomaterial and 3D scaffold material. 3D printable biomaterial was obtained by partial hydrolysis of oolong tea and black tea kombucha biofilms. In order to investigate the usage of 3D kombucha biomaterial as a tissue scaffold, “L929 cell line 3D cell culture” was created and cell viability was tested in the biomaterial. At the end of the 21st day, black tea showed 51% and oolong tea 73% viability. The cytotoxicity of the materials prepared by lyophilizing oolong and black tea kombucha beverages in fibroblast cell culture was determined. Black tea IC50 value: 7.53 mg, oolong tea IC50 value is found as 6.05 mg. Fibroblast viability in 3D biomaterial + lyophilized oolong and black tea kombucha beverages, which were created using the amounts determined to these values, were investigated by cell culture Fibroblasts in lyophilized and 3D biomaterial showed viability of 58% in black tea and 78% in oolong tea at the end of the 7th day. In SEM analysis, it was concluded that fibroblast cells created adhesion to the biomaterial. 3D biomaterial from kombucha mushroom culture can be used as tissue scaffold and biomaterial.

Variation of the Content and Antioxidant Activity of Active Substances in the Kombucha Fermentation of Mulberry Leaves

With the increasing emphasis on healthy living, Kombucha beverages are becoming more and more popular. Recently, fermented Kombucha with different materials and investigated the efficacy have become hot topics. In this paper, mulberry leaves were used as substrates for Kombucha fermentation. The active substances contents and antioxidant activities of the fermented mulberry leaf infusion were significantly enhanced. After being fermented for 10 days, the total phenolic substances and total flavonoids in the Kombucha fermented mulberry leaf infusion were 7.38 and 12.24 times higher than those in the unfermented mulberry leaf infusion, respectively. While the mulberry leaf infusion that fermented for 6 days had the highest antioxidant capacity. The Ferric (Fe3+) reducing power, ABTS+ radical scavenging capacity, and hydroxyl radical (·OH) scavenging capacity were enhanced by 90.3%, 21.82%, and 46.2%, respectively. In conclusion, after being fermented by Kombucha, the antioxidant properties of mulberry leaf infusion were significantly improved, which will contribute to expanding the subsequent development and application of mulberry leaf.

Metagenomic analysis, safety aspects, and antioxidant potential of kombucha beverage produced from telang flower (Clitoria ternatea L.) tea

Public interest and consumption of kombucha are expected to continue to increase. Nowadays, kombucha is not only made from tea leaves but can also be made from edible flowers, such as the Telang flower. Therefore, it is essential to explore the microbiological potential, safety aspects, and antioxidant potential of Telang kombucha. This research aims to observe the microbial ecology of SCOBY using metagenomic analysis, assess the safety aspects, and analyze the antioxidant compounds of Telang kombucha. Metagenomic analysis was conducted on SCOBY and Telang flower kombucha using the Illumina NGS Platform. The safety aspects observed include microbiological safety, organic acid content, heavy metal contamination, pH, and alcohol as hazards point for kombucha safety. Anthocyanin, phenol, polyphenol compound, and antioxidant activity were analyzed to determine antioxidant potential. The results are presented descriptively. No pathogenic bacteria or heavy metal contaminants were detected in Telang flower kombucha. The contents of acetic acid and lactic acid are within normal limits. The degree of acidity falls within the standard value range. Telang flower kombucha is halal, with an alcohol content of 0.16%. Metagenomic results indicate that acetic acid bacteria dominate over lactic acid bacteria, with Komagataeibacter and Dekkera bruxelensis being the most prevalent bacteria in SCOBY and yeast species in kombucha, respectively. The fermentation process in making kombucha increases the antioxidant compounds and antioxidant activity. Telang flower kombucha is safe to consume, offering various bacteria, yeast, and antioxidant potential, and can serve as an alternative functional beverage for health.

Honey-kombucha beverage with yerba maté infusion: Development, polyphenols profile, and sensory acceptance

Kombucha is a sweetened beverage made by fermenting a symbiotic consortium of bacteria (generally acetic acid bacteria) and yeasts (SCOBY) in black or green tea, with sucrose as source of carbohydrate. Other herbal infusions, such as yerba maté (Ilex paraguarienses), are used to produce kombucha-like beverages. Honey is a good source of sugar and biologically active components for kombucha-like development. The goal was to develop and characterize a fermented beverage from yerba maté infusion using a kombucha culture, with either sucrose or different types of honey from Apis bees and native Brazilian stingless bees. The fermentation process was studied for up to 20 days, monitoring pH, titratable acidity, reducing sugar and soluble protein, total phenolic compounds, chlorogenic acids, caffeine, and rutin. The sensory acceptance of the honey-kombucha-like beverage was also investigated. As fermentation progressed, the pH decreased, titratable acidity increased, and reducing sugars initially decreased due to SCOBY consumption, followed by an increase due to the conversion of non-reducing sugars to reducing sugars. The concentration of chlorogenic acids increased with fermentation, exceeding 300 μg/mL after 15 days. The aroma and flavor of the kombucha beverage received scores around 5–6 on a nine-point hedonic scale. These scores were linked to the high titratable acidity after the 10th day of fermentation and the “vinegar taste” reported by the subjects. To improve sensory acceptance, the fermentation length can be reduced to up to 10 days, resulting in a beverage with a pleasant fruity and sour aftertaste. However, this strategy may compromise the retention of high polyphenols, which is achieved through longer fermentations of around 15–20 days.

Effects of Synthesis Parameters on Structure and Antimicrobial Properties of Bacterial Cellulose/Hydroxyapatite/TiO2 Polymer-Ceramic Composite Material.

Bacterial cellulose (BC) is a highly pure polysaccharide biopolymer that can be produced by various bacterial genera. Even though BC lacks functional properties, its porosity, three-dimensional network, and high specific surface area make it a suitable carrier for functional composite materials. In the present study, BC-producing bacteria were isolated from kombucha beverage and identified using a molecular method. Two sets of the BC hydrogels were produced in static conditions after four and seven days. Afterwards, two different synthesis pathways were applied for BC functionalization. The first method implied the incorporation of previously synthesized HAp/TiO2 nanocomposite using an immersion technique, while the second method included the functionalization of BC during the synthesis of HAp/TiO2 nanocomposite in the reaction mixture. The primary goal was to find the best method to obtain the functionalized material. Physicochemical and microstructural properties were analyzed by SEM, EDS, FTIR, and XRD methods. Further properties were examined by tensile test and thermogravimetric analysis, and antimicrobial activity was assessed by a total plate count assay. The results showed that HAp/TiO2 was successfully incorporated into the produced BC hydrogels using both methods. The applied methods of incorporation influenced the differences in morphology, phase distribution, mechanical and thermal properties, and antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 25923), Escherichia coli (ATCC 25922), Proteus mirabilis (ATCC 12453), and Candida albicans (ATCC 10231). Composite material can be recommended for further development and application in environments that are suitable for diseases spreading.

Preparation and evaluation of liquorice (Glycyrrhiza uralensis) and ginger (Zingiber officinale) kombucha beverage based on antioxidant capacities, phenolic compounds and sensory qualities

Kombucha is a well-known tea-based fermented drink that contains various bioactive compounds with potential bioactivities. In addition to traditional Camellia sinensis tea, preparation of kombucha using alternative raw material has attracted increasing attention to obtain significant health benefits and good sensory properties. In this study, liquorice and ginger were selected as alternative raw materials for the preparation of kombucha beverages due to their extensive health benefits. Moreover, the effects of fermentation with or without residues on antioxidant activities and phenolic contents of liquorice and ginger kombucha beverages at different fermentation times were examined and compared using the ferric-reducing antioxidant power assay, Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity assay, Folin-Ciocalteu method, and high-performance liquid chromatography. The results found that kombucha beverages based on liquorice and ginger showed strong antioxidant capacities and high phenolic contents. Fermentation with liquorice residues significantly improved the antioxidant capacities (maximum 2.41 times) and phenolic contents (maximum 3.88 times) of liquorice kombucha without influencing the sensory qualities when compared with fermentation without residues. However, fermentation with ginger residues did not effectively enhance the antioxidant capacities and phenolic contents. Moreover, it could reduce the sensory properties of ginger kombucha. In general, liquorice is well-suited for producing kombucha with residues, while ginger is more suitable for making kombucha without residues. These kombucha beverages might be used for the prevention and management of several oxidative stress-related diseases. This study expands the options of raw materials for producing novel and functional kombucha beverages.

Mathematical modeling as a tool in kombucha beverages bioactive quality control

This study examined the application of mathematical models on total flavonoids content and sensory mark of kombucha beverages on winery effluent. Process parameters were as follows: 0, 3, 6 and 9 days of fermentation time; 20, 25 and 30 ?C of fermentation temperature and 3, 5 and 7% of initial total reducing sugars. Total flavonoids were determined spectrophotometrically and sensory mark by a descriptive test and five points category scale. Total flavonoids content decreased during the applied kombucha fermentation process, which lasted for 9 days. On average, total sensory mark suggested that consume kombucha products are obtained after 3 days of the fermentation, regardless on the fermentation temperature or sugars content. In order to produce kombucha beverage with the highest bioactive quality, response surface methodology proposed the following process parameters: 3 days of fermentation, 7% of initial total sugars and 30?C process temperature.

First Characterization of Kombucha Beverages Brewed in Argentina: Flavors, Off‐Flavors, and Chemical Profiles

Kombucha is an acidic beverage obtained through the fermentation of sweetened tea by bacteria and yeast. The kombucha market is relatively new and shows sustained growth. Given kombucha’s inherent characteristics, compliance with regulations may be challenging. The aim of this study was to characterize the chemical and sensory diversity of commercial kombuchas in Argentina. Acetic acid was the predominant acid, while lactic and glucuronic acids were present in 70% and 50% of the kombuchas, respectively. Only 20% of the kombuchas met the ethanol limit, while all fell within the established pH range. Ninety percent had sugar concentrations exceeding the limit set by Argentinian Law. As assessed by a trained panel, drinkability was positively associated with sweetness and fruity tastes and negatively associated with astringency, bitterness, and off‐flavors. This work represents the first comprehensive analysis of kombuchas in Argentina, revealing their variability and providing relevant insights for producers and consumers.