How Long Does Kombucha Last? Shelf Life, Storage, and Safety Guide

Kombucha is a fermented tea loved for its tangy taste, light fizz, and probiotic benefits. But because it’s a living beverage, many people wonder: how long does kombucha last, and does it ever really expire?

The answer depends on whether the kombucha is unopened or opened, store-bought or homemade, and refrigerated or left at room temperature. In this guide, we’ll break down kombucha shelf life in every situation, explain how to store it properly, and show you how to tell if kombucha has gone bad.

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Quick Answer: How Long Does Kombucha Last?

Here’s a fast overview before we go deeper:

• Unopened kombucha (refrigerated): 3–6 months past the production date

• Opened kombucha (refrigerated): 7–14 days for best quality

• Homemade kombucha (refrigerated): 1–3 months

• Kombucha left unrefrigerated: A few hours to 1–2 days (quality declines quickly)

These are quality guidelines, not hard expiration rules. Kombucha rarely becomes unsafe immediately, but its taste, carbonation, and acidity change over time.

Does Kombucha Expire or Go Bad?

Does kombucha have an expiration date?

Most kombucha bottles list a “best by” or “best before” date, not a true expiration date. This date indicates peak flavor and carbonation, not food safety.

Because kombucha is fermented and acidic, it is naturally resistant to harmful bacteria. However, kombucha can go bad in terms of taste, texture, or contamination.

Can kombucha go bad?

Yes, kombucha can spoil if:

• It’s contaminated during brewing

• It’s stored improperly

• It develops mold

• It smells rotten or putrid (not just vinegary)

How Long Does Unopened Kombucha Last?

How long does unopened kombucha last in the fridge?

When stored properly in the refrigerator:

• Raw, unpasteurized kombucha:
  Lasts 3–6 months unopened

• Pasteurized or shelf-stable kombucha:
  Can last 6–9 months unopened

Even unopened, kombucha continues fermenting slowly in the fridge, becoming less sweet and more acidic over time.

Can unopened kombucha be stored at room temperature?

Only shelf-stable or pasteurized kombucha can be stored unrefrigerated.

Raw kombucha should always be refrigerated to slow fermentation and prevent excess pressure buildup.

How Long Does Kombucha Last After Opening?

How long does opened kombucha last in the fridge?

Once opened and resealed:

• Best quality: 7–10 days

• Still drinkable: up to 14 days

After opening, kombucha:

• Loses carbonation

• Becomes more sour

• May taste flat or overly vinegary

How long does kombucha last if not refrigerated after opening?

Opened kombucha left out at room temperature should be consumed within:

• Same day, ideally within 4–8 hours

Leaving opened kombucha unrefrigerated accelerates fermentation and flavor degradation.

How Long Does Homemade Kombucha Last?

Homemade kombucha shelf life (refrigerated)

• After first fermentation (F1):
  1–3 months in the fridge

• After bottling / second fermentation (F2):
  2–4 weeks for best flavor

Homemade kombucha usually lasts longer than people expect, but it will continue to sour.

How long does flavored homemade kombucha last?

Fruit-flavored or juice-infused kombucha should be consumed sooner:

• Best quality: within 2 weeks

• Sugar from fruit speeds up fermentation

How Long Does Kombucha Last at Room Temperature?

How long can kombucha sit out unopened?

• Raw kombucha:
  A few hours to 1 day (quality drops fast)

• Shelf-stable kombucha:
  Until opened, per label instructions

What happens if you leave kombucha out overnight?

If unopened and raw:

• It becomes more sour

• Pressure may build up

• Carbonation increases temporarily

It’s usually still safe, but taste may be unpleasant.

Can kombucha explode if left out?

Yes, especially:

• Homemade kombucha

• Bottles sealed tightly

• Warm environments

Excess fermentation creates carbon dioxide pressure, which can cause bottles to burst.

Kombucha Shelf Life Chart

How to Store Kombucha to Make It Last Longer

Best storage practices

• Always refrigerate raw kombucha

• Keep bottles tightly sealed

• Store away from light and heat

• Avoid shaking (releases carbonation)

• Use clean glass containers for homemade kombucha

Ideal temperature for kombucha storage

• 34–40°F (1–4°C) is ideal

• Colder temperatures slow fermentation and preserve flavor

Signs Kombucha Has Gone Bad

Normal kombucha (safe to drink)

• Cloudiness

• Sediment at the bottom

• Yeast strands

• Slight vinegar smell

Kombucha that should be discarded

• Mold (fuzzy green, black, or blue spots)

• Rotten, sulfur, or cheesy smell

• Slimy texture

• Unusual color changes

• Leaking, bulging, or cracked bottles

When in doubt, throw it out.

Can Expired Kombucha Make You Sick?

Expired kombucha that’s simply old and sour is usually not dangerous, but kombucha that’s contaminated or moldy can cause:

• Stomach upset

• Nausea

• Headaches

People who should be extra cautious:

• Pregnant individuals

• Immunocompromised people

• Young children

Does Kombucha Turn Into Alcohol Over Time?

Yes, slightly.

As kombucha continues fermenting:

• Sugar converts into acids and trace alcohol

• Alcohol content can increase beyond 0.5% ABV if left warm

This is more common in:

• Homemade kombucha

• Kombucha stored outside the fridge

Does Kombucha Turn Into Vinegar?

Eventually, yes.

If left long enough, kombucha becomes:

• Very acidic

• Low in sweetness

• Similar to kombucha vinegar

While not ideal for drinking, over-fermented kombucha can be used for:

• Salad dressings

• Marinades

• Cleaning solutions

Can You Freeze Kombucha to Extend Shelf Life?

Can kombucha be frozen?

Yes, but freezing:

• Kills some probiotics

• Eliminates carbonation

• Alters texture

How long does frozen kombucha last?

• Up to 2–3 months in the freezer

Frozen kombucha is best used in:

• Smoothies

• Mocktails

• Cooking

How to Make Kombucha Last Longer (Checklist)

• Refrigerate immediately after purchase

• Open only when ready to drink

• Reseal tightly after opening

• Avoid temperature fluctuations

• Use clean equipment for homemade batches

• Consume flavored kombucha faster

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How long does kombucha last in the fridge?

Unopened kombucha lasts 3–6 months in the fridge. Opened kombucha lasts 7–14 days for best quality.

Can you drink expired kombucha?

Yes, if it smells and looks normal. It may taste sour but is usually safe.

How can you tell if kombucha has gone bad?

Look for mold, rotten smells, slimy texture, or unusual colors.

How long can kombucha sit out unrefrigerated?

A few hours is fine. Overnight is risky for quality, not always safety.

Does kombucha need to be refrigerated?

Raw kombucha does. Shelf-stable kombucha only needs refrigeration after opening.

Conclusion 

Kombucha doesn’t spoil like milk, but it changes constantly. Understanding how long kombucha lasts and how to store it correctly helps you enjoy the best flavor, fizz, and benefits without waste.

When stored cold, sealed, and handled properly, kombucha can stay enjoyable for weeks or even months. Trust your senses, follow safe storage rules, and you’ll always know when your kombucha is still good.