In late 2009, Kombucha Wonder Drink introduced three canned versions of their most popular kombucha blends: Traditional, Asian Pear & Ginger and Green Tea & Lemon (which is the same blend as their bottled Essence of Lemon). I would give the pricier bottled version of the Traditional blend 3.5 stars, but at about $1.50 a can, this canned version is a value kombucha worthy of four stars.
Packaging & Ingredients
Although Kombucha Wonder Drink's canned kombucha isn't as visually appealing as its bottled kombucha, it isn't bad. The narrow cans are reminiscent of Ito En's Sencha Shots and the graphics are appealing.
Within the can, there's a straightforward blend of oolong tea, pasteurized kombucha* and cane juice. Each single-serving, 8.4-ounce can contains eight grams of sugar.
* Pasteurization nearly eliminates chances of contamination and lowers/stabilizes the alcohol content. In my experience, the pasteurization and/or blending also reduces the mind/body effects of kombucha.
Within the can, there's a straightforward blend of oolong tea, pasteurized kombucha* and cane juice. Each single-serving, 8.4-ounce can contains eight grams of sugar.
* Pasteurization nearly eliminates chances of contamination and lowers/stabilizes the alcohol content. In my experience, the pasteurization and/or blending also reduces the mind/body effects of kombucha.
Flavor, Mouthfeel and Aftertaste
This kombucha blend tastes like a sweetened Oriental Beauty Oolong with an added tangy, vinegar-like note. It's a bit sweet for my tastes, but enjoyable nonetheless.
Like other kombuchas from Wonder Drink, it's moderately fizzy. I've never experienced fizz explosions or flat bottles from them, perhaps in part because the kombucha is pasteurized. The mouthfeel is also slightly syrupy.
The aftertaste is tangy, with a slight tingle left over from the brew's effervescence.
Like other kombuchas from Wonder Drink, it's moderately fizzy. I've never experienced fizz explosions or flat bottles from them, perhaps in part because the kombucha is pasteurized. The mouthfeel is also slightly syrupy.
The aftertaste is tangy, with a slight tingle left over from the brew's effervescence.
Overall Opinion
Traditional is reminiscent of a Southern sweet tea with lots of lemon and a splash of club soda. It would probably pair well with some Southern foods, and is a great choice for soda drinkers and sweet tea drinkers. Those who like the lemony flavor of Traditional will probably also enjoy Kombucha Wonder Drink's Green Tea & Lemon blend.
Disclosure: Review samples were provided by the manufacturer. For more information, please see our Ethics Policy.
