Kombucha Brewers International Launches First Verified Seal

After more than a decade of advocacy, research, and industry collaboration, Kombucha Brewers International (KBI) announces the debut of the KBI Verified Seal for retail kombucha products  — a landmark achievement in protecting the integrity of fermented kombucha and empowering consumers with greater transparency by providing professional brewers with a powerful tool to differentiate their craft and offer consumers a trusted way to recognize authenticity.

For over a decade, KBI has worked with brewers, scientists, and regulatory partners to create a reliable product standard that distinguishes fermented kombucha from shelf-stable or synthetically formulated “kombucha-like” products. As the category has grown, so too has consumer confusion and with it the risk of consumers being misled by beverages marketed as kombucha despite lacking fermentation or probiotic activity.

This milestone builds on KBI’s ongoing work to establish clear industry-wide standards, including the launch of the Kombucha Code of Practice in 2020, which was the first published framework outlining kombucha product definitions, labeling requirements, and quality benchmarks. 

The first brand to carry the Verified Seal is the category’s pioneer, GT’s Living Foods, which announced the decision during the company’s 30th anniversary celebration at Natural Products Expo West 2025. 

“This seal is the culmination of countless hours from passionate brewers across the globe,” said GT Dave, Founder of GT’s Living Foods. “I’m honored to be the first to carry it, not just for my brand but for the future of kombucha. It’s an opportunity to help consumers better understand what real fermentation looks like and why it matters.”

The KBI Verified Seal Program establishes a process to confirm that kombucha products are brewed according to time-honored fermentation methods. 

To qualify for a seal, brands must verify that their product ensures live, active cultures and organic acid profiles; all core hallmarks of genuine kombucha fermentation. 

The program includes three seal categories: 

• Raw (Not From Concentrate): Freshly fermented and never concentrated, representing traditional raw kombucha.
• Concentrate: Brewed kombucha that is concentrated and then reconstituted, allowing for shelf stability while preserving core fermentation characteristics.
• Pasteurized: Heat-treated kombucha that offers a different balance of taste and consistency, though it may no longer contain live cultures.

About Kombucha Brewers International

Kombucha Brewers International is the leading global trade association committed to promoting, supporting and protecting commercial kombucha brewers around the world. Founded in 2014, KBI provides education, advocacy, and support to advance the art and science of kombucha fermentation. Through programs like the Verified Seal, KBI helps ensure product integrity and fosters consumer trust across the industry.