LIVING TEXAS | STATEWIDE
Texas-Born and Brewed: A Kombucha Round-Up By Hannah M. Hepfer
Kombucha – a fermented tea brewed with a culture of bacteria, yeast, sugar and fruit juice – has seen a meteoric rise in popularity. Its taste – sweet, sour, effervescent and vinegary all at once – can be polarizing, but enthusiasts claim that it boosts immunity, increases energy and aids digestion.
Kosmic Kombucha, Austin
Holy Kombucha, Fort Worth When Theresa Pham and Leo Bienati began brewing kombucha in 2011, they suspected they were on to something good. But, the distinct taste provoked mixed responses. However, the couple kept at it and their business was born. They began to sell at Central Market, BuzzBrews, Green Spot and others. The company now has nine staff and owns a commercial kitchen. Pham cites the use of social media by millennials as a major driver of sales. HOLYKOMBUCHA.COM
Live Soda, Austin Founder of Live Soda Trevor Ross had already produced two popular health food items — the Oatmega bar and the Perfect Fit Protein Cookie. But, mourning the loss of his sister motivated him to find additional ways to keep his family healthy. He thought if he could produce a beverage with the flavor of soda and the health benefits of kombucha, it would inspire his dad and others to give up their sugary soda habit. Ross launched Live Soda in 2013 – with flavors like Pure Doctor, Culture Cola, and Revive Rootbeer. He attributes his success in part to old-time nostalgia. “It’s a throwback to what soda originally was,” he says. LIVESODAKOMBUCHA.COM
28 Texas Lifestyle Magazine
For Omar and Mina Rios, building strong relationships with local businesses has been central to the company’s plan. They partnered with Thai restaurant Sway to develop Sway Home Brew — kombucha with lemongrass and coconut water to complement the restaurant’s entrees. They’ve also collaborated with JuiceLand, Farm to Market Grocery, People’s Pharmacy and others to develop exclusive flavors. Does the couple get tired of drinking kombucha? “We still drink it everyday,” says Omar. “Even our toddler loves it!” KOSMICKOMBUCHA.COM
Kickin’ Kombucha, Houston After breaking his leg in 2010, Jiu Jitsu trainer Robert Lopez needed a hobby to keep from going stir-crazy while he recovered at home. A big tea drinker and a former culinary school student, he began brewing kombucha in his kitchen. Coincidentally, a friend had also just started brewing. The two joined forces and their first 35 bottles sold out in minutes to family and friends. A local coffee shop agreed to carry it and soon after their tea got placed in Whole Foods. Each bottle has a blend of 13 teas and uses all fresh ingredients. The company makes sustainability a priority; they compost spent tea, run a bottle return program and strive to source everything locally. KICKINKOMBUCHA.COM