About KombuchaSG

Who we are

KombuchaSG was founded on 1 April 2026 as Singapore’s first dedicated kombucha education and review platform. We exist because the Singapore kombucha market had grown significantly — in the number of brands, the boldness of their claims, and the gap between what labels say and what products deliver — with no independent resource to help consumers navigate it.

We are not academics, not regulators, and not brand representatives. We are informed consumers who learned to read labels, understand fermentation science, and apply a consistent standard to every product we review. We built the tool we wished existed.

Why KombuchaSG exists

Genuine kombucha is a remarkable product — a living, fermented beverage with real ingredients, real cultures, and a character that reflects the care that went into making it. The Singapore market contains several products that meet that description. It also contains products that carry the kombucha name while taking shortcuts that change what is fundamentally in the bottle.

The shortcuts are predictable: added carbonated water instead of natural second fermentation, flavour extracts instead of real fruit, sweeteners instead of fermentation-reduced sugar, vague label declarations that obscure rather than inform. None of these shortcuts are illegal. Most are not disclosed in plain language. And front-of-pack claims — “natural,” “probiotic,” “live cultures” — are unregulated in Singapore, meaning any brand can use them without meeting a defined standard.

KombuchaSG exists to close that information gap. We give readers the framework to evaluate any product themselves — and we apply that framework publicly to every brand in the Singapore market.

How we review brands

Every brand reviewed on KombuchaSG is assessed using the same 7-criteria, 100-point Authenticity Scorecard. The scorecard was published publicly on The Standard page before any brand review went live. No criteria were added, removed, or adjusted for any brand.

Every review also includes an Editor’s Taste Score out of 20 — a personal assessment of what the product actually tastes like in the glass. This is clearly separated from the scorecard and carries no weight in the authenticity score. Brands not yet tasted are marked accordingly.

Scores result in one of three badges: ✅ Authentic (80–100), ⚠ Partially Authentic (50–79), or 🔴 Commercial Grade (0–49).

Scores can be updated if a brand reformulates or provides additional verified information. Brands can submit themselves for review via the Submit Your Brand page — the same scorecard, the same criteria, no exceptions.

What we are not

• We do not sell kombucha or any other product.
• We do not teach readers how to brew kombucha at home.
• We do not accept payment from brands in exchange for reviews or scores.
• We do not accept advertising.
• We are not affiliated with the Singapore Food Agency or any regulatory body.
• Our content is educational and does not constitute medical or nutritional advice.

Our editorial principles

• The standard first. The scorecard and all educational content were published before any brand was reviewed. Readers can verify the framework before they read the verdict.
• Consistency above all. Every brand is reviewed using identical criteria in an identical format. No brand receives special treatment.
• The label is the evidence. Every review quotes ingredient lists verbatim. Scores are based on what is declared, not what is claimed.
• We never name brands negatively. We describe what shortcuts look like in general — and let the scorecard criteria deliver the verdict objectively.
• Transparency is not optional. Each review is assessed using the same published framework, with evidence and scoring criteria shown clearly for readers.

Disclaimer

The content published on KombuchaSG is for educational purposes only. It does not constitute medical, nutritional, or legal advice. Kombucha is a food and beverage product — it is not a therapeutic substance and should not be treated as a substitute for professional healthcare advice.

Brand scores reflect the ingredient list, nutrition panel, and label claims at the time of review. KombuchaSG is not responsible for changes to product formulations after the date of review. If you believe a product has changed materially since its review was published, you are welcome to notify us via the Submit Your Brand page.

KombuchaSG is an independent editorial platform and is not affiliated with the Singapore Food Agency, any regulatory body, or any kombucha industry association.