The Mysterious Disappearing Kombucha

Umami is a huge fan of Kombucha, which is a fermented tea that may (or may not) increase energy, sharpen eyesight, aid digestion, etc.  Umami thinks it calms his stomach, rather like how apple cider vinegar does.  It's been in the news recently . . . a couple months ago because it become in vogue with various celebrities.  "Celebrities such as Kirsten Dunst, Halle Berry, Madonna and Meg Ryan have all been spotted sipping on Kombucha, an ancient remedy from China that's said to contain a whole host of health-boosting properties."

More recently, though, it has been disappearing from store shelves.  Whole Foods has pulled it.  Kale's was down to a half dozen bottles when Umami last visited (and down to three when Umami left).  How to account for the scarcity . . . growing popularity among faddist late-adopters following their celebrity idols?

Nope.  Turns out, the problem is that since Kombucha is fermented, it may have trace amounts of alcohol in it.   The key issue is that it may be marketed as a non-alcoholic beverage if the alcohol content is less than 0.5% by volume.  However, if it's more than 0.5%, it's an alcoholic beverage and subject to a slew of additional regulation and, of course, there's a bigger risk to personal health with the higher content.  Some batches have apparently tested high, so the U.S. Department of the Treasury, Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB) is now investigating the matter.  According to recently issued TTB guidance, in addition to the labeling issues there may be tax, civil, or criminal consequences for the manufacturer.  Serious stuff

So who ruined it for the rest of us?  Who drew sooo much attention to Kombucha that people started freaking out about the alcohol and brought the Feds down on some fermented tea?  Why the root of all evil of course, Lindsey Lohan!  Sorry, that just slipped out . . . Umami's down to his last bottle of Kombucha and the thought of going cold turkey . . . well, he doesn't like to think about it!

Kale's Natural Foods
Hawaii Kai Shopping Center (ironically, next to Safeway)
377 Keahole Street
Honolulu, HI 96825-3408
(808) 396-6993