A few weeks ago, one of my friends posted a picture of Chia Seed Kombucha on Facebook, and I’d never seen it before. Being an avid consumer of GT’s Kombucha (I love the Multi-Green one), I was immediately intrigued and knew I’d have to venture out and find one of these seed-filled fermented teas. Kombucha + chia together in one place? Say no more!
I headed out to the store and bought a raspberry one. (They also come in cherry + grape but those flavors don’t jive with me). I have to admit, though, I was skeptical. Not because I don’t believe in the power of chia seeds, but because…well…just…look at it:
Eeeeeeee. So I bought it…and it sat in my fridge for about a week. I wanted to try it, but I guess I was nervous about the texture. Today, though, I was feeling quite adventurous so I cracked it open.
The result? It’s fizzy, tangy and…chewy.
I couldn’t finish it all in one sitting, the texture was so thick. After the first few sips, I put it back in the fridge, thinking it was over between us. Now, though, it’s back out. I keep sipping on it.
I kinda like it.
Man, I’m such a sucker for kombucha. I just can’t hate on this!
**2013 update — I am now a huge fan of this chia kombucha, and my favorite flavor, by far, is the GREEN one! Order it here.
From the bottle:
“Chia is a nutrient-rich superfood that provide sustained energy for your body. Packed with more than 8 times the omega 3’s found in salmon, this small seed has big nutritional value. With more antioxidants than blueberries and more fiber than oatmeal, see for yourself how chia brings new life to our GT’s Kombucha.”
Will I be swapping my regular kombuchas for a daily chia kombucha? Probably not, but I actually think this could be a great pre-workout drink. Chia seeds, after all, are runner’s fuel!!
Have you tried chia kombucha? What do you think??
Jamie Burnett says
I just had a cherry chia one about a week ago before I started a juice fast and posted a pic on facebook. Random! I usually don’t have a problem with texture and I love chia porridge, pudding anything chia you name it. So I found it to be super delicious once you get past the whole idea of swallowing and not chewing your drink.
Anna Masteller says
I am in love with grape chia seed kombucha!! I drink a bottle for breakfast, as a snack or dessert. It’s tangy and filling and tgd texture is amazing– reminds me of boba tea!
Anna Masteller says
P.S. It’s fun to chew while I drink ;)
April says
I drink the regular ones often but I just tried the rasberry & grape chia ones for the first time this last week. At first, it was wierd & I didn’t really like it. I did what Jenny did & put it back in the fridge after a few sips. A little while later I pulled it back out of the fridge and tried a few more sips. After those few more sips, it grew on me and I started to like it more & more. By, the 2nd can I got, I think I actually like it better than the regular ones..because it’s fun to chew on the seeds. It also reminds me a little of boba! ;)
leslie martin says
Once I got past the idea of seeds in fluid as a thirst quencher, I am now noticing that rather than guzzle it down, chewing allows the body to enjoy a more gradual satieating of thirst.
the grape is the best. I just finished one, and look forward to tomorrow when I can have another. I have been hooked on GT’s Kombucha for years, It’s the best stuff on the planet!
Deep says
Where do you get these? Are you able to order them online? I find them very hard to find.
Cass says
Most raw/organic/natural food stores will have them but you could probably find them at Whole Foods or vegan/vegetarian restaurants.
Kerry Lude says
I get mine at Kroger in the organic food aisle!
Laurie says
Had my first Cherry Chia this weekend and LOVED it! Now I need to figure out how to make this myself. :)
Lindsey says
The first flavor I tried was the cherry and my thought was “how can anyone drink this?” I was done for sure. But, never say never because 3 weeks later a co-worker offered me a grape flavored chia kombucha and, well, I liked it, a lot. Not the first sip, but the second or third. It was the grape aftertaste that got me.
Now, I am planning to make my own chia kombucha. (I was actually looking for a recipe and found this site.)
Cheers!
Hillary {Nutrition Nut on the Run} says
currently in my fridge: raspberry chia kombucha!! it’s my first bottle and it’s LOVE!! i definitely can’t drink it all in one sitting. i only drink about 4-6oz. at a time. YUM!!
J says
I have texture issues and as much as I like the taste, I can’t drink these straight. However, I’ve found a great way to drink them: As part of a smoothie. I use about 1/3 to 1/2 a bottle depending on how much other stuff I’m putting into my smoothie.
Jessica says
I absolutely love the Grape Chia kombucha. I tried regular kombucha before and wasn’t the biggest fan of it, but once I saw that this one contained chia I just had to try it! I love chia anything and this lived up to my expectations. There is something fun about the chia seeds :) reminds me of jello in a way. Deeeeeeelish!
Joe says
Does anyone know how much alcohol this contains? I love it but I just drank a half bottle real fast and feel like I have a buzz, which is not a good thing because I don’t drink.
jenny sansouci says
Hi Joe — should be less than .5% – about the same as a non-alcoholic beer.
Kerrie says
I was like the rest of you above!! Was a little leary of it when I first saw it. Bought it anyway because I’ve been waiting … LONG… to have Grape GT’s again and thought, heck, it’s close enough!!! Took some sips… wow… chewing my kombucha…. strange… but I finished it after putting it in the fridge and taking it out a few times…. and then strangely I wanted another one a week or so later… till now, I’m drinking them daily. I drink about 3 bottles of GT’s per day, one of them being chia. (At least one) We only have one store that sells the chia kind here and they are gone almost immediately after they are delivered, so I’ve ordered a case for my very very own!! I’m just a newbie kt brewer, my first batch will be ready in a few days, and you better believe I’m going to try to figure out how to make that chia goodness at home!! :-)
Sergio says
Simply, delicioso !
Kayli says
Love – love – love the cherry chia! I too was nervous – kept it in the fridge, looked at it – put it back etc. Once I tried it – and put it back in the fridge – I realized I craved it! Now I’m a once a day convert and could drink more. My question is – would it be bad for my health to drink that many chia seeds? Given that I don’t chew them all, can they sprout inside me? I know that’s a nutty question – but I can’t help wondering….
Cat says
I am just learning about Kombucha and chia seeds so I had to try it when I saw the Synergy had a Chia Kombucha combo. Like others I tried it and then put it in the fridge, not sure what I thought, but I think my body knew it was good for me and I found myself wanting another sip, then two…. now I anticipate my next bottle with a smile on my lips and in my tummy! Question: Is it required to chew the chia seeds or does drinking it give the same power punch as chewing them up?
christine says
Can you PLEASE tell me if these drinks have caffine or any kind of stimulants in them?? I have a heart condition and am not supposed to have anything that would raise my heart beat. Ive been drinking 2 of these a day. Thank you
jenny sansouci says
GT’s kombucha says: “Our Kombucha does have a tiny bit of caffeine that is left over after the culturing. Since our products are raw, there will be slight variations from bottle to bottle.” Sounds negligible, but if you need to avoid caffeine 100%, maybe cut back.
Teri says
I LOVE GT Kombucha with Chia seeds in the Raspberry, Cherry & Black flavors. I just got a Oregon Kombucha starter kit and can’t wait to make my own tea. I wonder how much Chia I would add to a gallon of tea and at what point would I add it!
Nish says
Tried the green synergy day before yesterday, and today while coming to work picked up a bottle of grape chia. I have been drinking this since morning slowly. I still have half a bottle left after lunch. Will drink it before my workout. Its like finding the holy grail of drinks. There is nothing wrong with the whole drink and nutritional chart. I am in love with this thing. I think I will be buying a 12 bottle pack every 12 days :P
Christina says
I’m addicted to Raspberry Chia, not only to I enjoy chewing my drink for the first time in my life I’m am super regular, something I’ve had a problem with since childhood :)
I’m also loosing that menopausal weight I’ve been holding onto for the last 5 years and I have more ENERGY!!!!
Yaaaaaa!!!!
One set back, I have to drive 2 hours to get it, does anyone know where I can buy a case or two online?
Tripp says
I am currently having the green chia kombucha and this is terrible. I wish I liked it, but it literally contains blue green algae. I am extremely dehydrated and did drugs last night so I could probably use the extra boost, but I will forever only get the classic kombucha. I wouldn’t recommend this to anyone.
Christine says
It has a slimy interesting texture, but I feel healthy drinking it. I have a feeling my digestive system will like it!
Mh says
Oh my, how can we not in love with the 16% fibers???? This drink make me whole, thank you so much :)
Helena says
I know someone else already asked this, but it was never answered. Do you need to chew the seeds in this drink in order to gain the benefits, or can you just drink it?
Heidi says
Chia seeds do not have to be chewed. Unlike flax seeds that require being ground to attain benefits Chia seeds are beneficial whole.
Gini says
Just tried the Grape Chia kombucha for the first time and I really like it. I was actually worried it would trigger a gag reflex but I’ve had no problems with it. I don’t chew it though, are you supposed to chew the seeds? Will that make a difference?
Tiffany says
I went to target yesterday and saw this alien looking drink. I was a bit skeptical however when I tried it, it was amazing. Its more of a dessert/snack then a beverage. It reminds me of a boba drink because the chia seeds are surrounded by bubbles and when you bite the bubble the seed comes out. Its just a different strange texture. Like your drinking a billion chia eggs lol. I had the grape chia and the juice flavor tastes just like welches grape juice. Overall very good:)
Jeff says
Rasberry Chia- drank half when I bought it, (original taste and texture was ok to good)put it in the fridge. a week and 1 day later (8 days) smells very vinagery. Dumped it. Experation was 04/04/14.
Christina says
I tried regular kombucha for the first time a few weeks ago and wasn’t a fan honestly. But I saw kombucha with chia seeds while browsing through fresh market and figured why not. It’s delicious and I definitely plan on buying more!
kimberly gatlin says
The Black Currant Chia Kombucha has to be my favorite but the green is a close second. I drink one for lunch occasionally and it is so filling!!
Angela says
I just opened the grape one, is it sour and carbonated? I have never had any just bought because it looks weird. I did drink some I hope it’s not bad. It seems to be growing in me.
kristina says
I’ve tried mama chia raspberry and like it. This one is also very good only difference in taste is that fizzy carbonated feel. You can’t help but wonder if its rotten or not , but somehow you still keep drinking lol.
mohamoud says
I use red grape juice and soak chip seeds for 30 minutes and it tastes very good it’s like you are drinking juice with its seeds.try it and you’ll love it.