What it is and where it comes from
Kombucha is sweet tea fermented by yeast and bacteria. The yeast makes some alcohol, which the bacteria turn into acid. Shop kombucha usually stays under 0.5 percent alcohol, but home brews and long-fermented bottles can be higher.
What scholars say
- Many scholars and halal bodies: a drink with a tiny amount of alcohol from natural fermentation, not made to intoxicate and unable to intoxicate, is halal. Some, like Indonesia's MUI, set an upper limit for such drinks.
- Stricter scholars: avoid any drink that contains alcohol, however small.
- All agree: kombucha strong enough to intoxicate is not halal.
Where you find it
Kombucha drinks, and sometimes water kefir.
What to look for on the label
Check the alcohol content on the bottle. Choose kombucha that states under 0.5 percent, or carries a halal logo. Be careful with home brews.
This is a guide, not a fatwa. Recipes change, so check the label, look for halal certification, and ask your local imam where scholars differ.