Simple Truth Kombucha

Everything You Need to Know Before Trying This Probiotic Drink

Kombucha has become an increasingly popular probiotic drink in recent years, prized for its tangy flavor and potential health benefits. One popular brand of kombucha is Simple Truth Kombucha, which is sold exclusively at Kroger grocery stores.

In this comprehensive buying guide, we’ll provide details on Simple Truth Kombucha, including available flavors, where to buy it, nutrition information, ingredients, alcohol content, and more. We’ll also share reviews, tips on storage and serving, and help you find the best deals on this tasty fermented tea.

An Introduction to Simple Truth Kombucha

Simple Truth Kombucha is a brand of raw, organic kombucha made by Kroger, the large U.S. grocery retailer. Kroger launched the Simple Truth line back in 2012 with the goal of providing affordable, high-quality organic and natural food products.

Simple Truth Kombucha comes in a wide variety of fun and unique flavors, mostly made with fruit juices and botanical extracts. It’s unpasteurized and naturally carbonated from the fermentation process.

Unlike some mass-market kombuchas which use flavorings and sweeteners, Simple Truth focuses on keeping their kombucha authentic to traditionally brewed recipes. They use organic tea, organic cane sugar, and a SCOBY (symbiotic culture of bacteria and yeast) to craft each batch.

Simple Truth Kombucha is certified organic, Non-GMO Project Verified, gluten-free, vegan, and raw. It’s also free of artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives.

Now let’s get into the details on this drink so you can decide if Simple Truth is the right brand of kombucha for you!

Flavor Options for Simple Truth Kombucha

One of the best parts of Simple Truth Kombucha is the wide selection of fun flavors they offer. Here are the current flavor choices available:

• Ginger Peach – A sweet and spicy blend of ginger and juicy peaches. One of their most popular flavors.
• Pineapple Passionfruit – A tropical flavor with tangy passionfruit and sweet pineapple. Has lovely floral notes.
• Raspberry Hibiscus – The tart hibiscus pairs nicely with the sweetness of raspberries. Subtly floral.
• Strawberry Blossom – Strawberries and fragrant blossoms create a delicate, slightly sweet flavor.
• Mango Berry – Mango and mixed berries strike the perfect balance between sweet and tart.
• Apple Crisp – Reminiscent of warm apple pie with cinnamon and spice flavors.
• Blood Orange – Bright and refreshing blood orange flavor. Hints of citrus zest.
• Ginger Lime – A zesty blend of spicy ginger with tart lime. Crisp and tangy.
• Peach Ginger. Sweet peaches meet spicy ginger for a unique flavor combo.

There’s truly a Simple Truth Kombucha variety for every taste – fruity flavors, botanical flavors, and more. It may take some trial and error to find your favorites, but that’s half the fun.

Where to Buy Simple Truth Kombucha

Because Simple Truth is Kroger’s private label brand, the only place you can buy Simple Truth Kombucha is at Kroger-owned grocery stores. This includes:

• Kroger
• Ralphs
• Fred Meyer
• King Soopers
• Fry’s Food Stores
• Smith’s Food and Drug
• Dillon Stores
• Quality Food Centers (QFC)
• City Market
• Owens Market
• Jay C Food Stores
• Pay Less Super Markets
• Gerbes
• Harris Teeter
• Pick ‘n Save
• Metro Market
• Mariano’s
• Baker’s
• Copps

You can use the Kroger store locator to find a store near you that sells Simple Truth Kombucha. Most Kroger-owned stores carry it in the refrigerated section near other bottled drinks.

If you don’t live near a Kroger store, unfortunately there’s no way to buy Simple Truth Kombucha online or in other grocery chains. Consider asking your local store to carry it if you really love the flavors!

Nutrition Info and Ingredients

One 8.4 oz bottle of Simple Truth Kombucha contains:

• 30 calories
• 7g sugar
• 2g protein
• 10% DV of calcium
• 4% DV of iron
• 50 billion CFU probiotics per serving

The main ingredients are:

• Organic brewed tea
• Organic cane sugar
• Organic juice or fruit flavor
• Probiotic cultures

Simple Truth focuses on keeping their ingredient list clean. They don’t use any artificial preservatives, chemicals, or additives – just organic tea, organic sugar, real fruit juice, and a live kombucha culture.

The sugar content comes from the raw organic cane sugar needed to ferment the kombucha. The finished product ends up with about a third of the original sugar after fermentation.

Alcohol Content in Simple Truth Kombucha

All raw, traditionally brewed kombucha contains trace amounts of alcohol from the natural fermentation process.

The alcohol content of Simple Truth Kombucha ranges from 0.2% to 0.5% ABV. This trace alcohol is similar to what you’d find in a ripened fruit.

The alcohol level meets FDA guidelines for a non-alcoholic beverage. But it’s something to be aware of if you need to avoid alcohol for religious, health, or personal reasons.

Underage drinkers or those with alcohol sensitivities should exercise caution with kombucha. Otherwise, the trace alcohol isn’t a health concern for most people.

Is Simple Truth Kombucha Organic and Non-GMO?

Yes, Simple Truth Kombucha is certified organic by the USDA. It’s also verified Non-GMO by the Non-GMO Project.

The tea, sugar, fruit juices, and all ingredients used are certified organic. And no genetically modified organisms are used at any point during production.

So you can feel confident drinking Simple Truth Kombucha that it’s free of synthetic pesticides, chemicals, and GMO ingredients.

Is Simple Truth Kombucha Gluten-Free?

Simple Truth Kombucha is naturally gluten-free straight from the brewing process.

It’s produced in a gluten-free facility and all ingredients used are certified gluten-free. So those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity can enjoy Simple Truth Kombucha without issue.

It’s always advised to check the bottle to confirm the gluten-free label, as recipes can change. But Simple Truth has always been a gluten-free brand.

The Price of Simple Truth Kombucha

Simple Truth Kombucha offers an affordable price point compared to other organic, high-quality kombuchas.

The standard price for a 16 oz bottle is $3.99 at Kroger-owned stores. That’s on the cheaper side compared to brands like GT’s or Health-Ade Kombucha which can run $4-$6 per bottle.

Kroger often runs sales and deals like “Buy One, Get One Free” or “$2 Fridays” which can drop the per-bottle price to just $2-3. Definitely take advantage if you see discounted prices!

For the organic, raw kombucha you’re getting, Simple Truth is very competitively priced. It’s an accessible way to enjoy the benefits of kombucha without breaking the bank.

Reviews of Simple Truth Kombucha

Most customer reviews of Simple Truth Kombucha are very positive overall. Here are some of the most common pros people mention:

• Great flavor variety – The flavors like Ginger Peach, Strawberry Blossom and Pineapple Passionfruit get rave reviews for tasting fresh, fruity and well-balanced.
• Not too vinegary – Some kombuchas have an overpowering vinegar taste. Simple Truth is praised for still being tangy but pleasantly smooth.
• Bubbly and fizzy – The natural carbonation gives it a nice effervescence.
• Affordable price – People love that it’s organic and high quality but still at a budget-friendly cost.
• No chemical aftertaste – The flavors taste authentic without artificial or chemical undertones.

The main complaints about Simple Truth Kombucha are that it can occasionally be:

• Too sweet – Some batches people found cloyingly sweet, though this varies by flavor.
• Flat – When not stored properly, the natural carbonation can disappear.
• Too sour – A few citrus-forward flavors were tongue-curlingly tart for some.

But overall, most reviews are very enthusiastic about unique flavor options, fizziness, and affordable organic quality of Simple Truth Kombucha.

How is Simple Truth Kombucha Packaged?

Simple Truth Kombucha comes in 16 oz glass bottles with a twist-off metal cap.

The bottles are shaped like old fashioned milk bottles with a curved silhouette. They have an organic look with natural kraft paper labels.

On the front, you’ll see the Simple Truth brand name and logo along with individual flavor names and colorful fruit images.

The back label contains details on ingredients, nutrition facts, certifications, Enjoy By date, etc.

One nicety is that the bottles are reusable and recyclable. So you can save them for storage or repurpose creatively once empty!

Does Simple Truth Kombucha Need Refrigeration?

Yes, Simple Truth Kombucha always requires refrigeration, both before and after opening.

The raw, unpasteurized kombucha is perishable and needs to remain chilled. Leaving it out too long at room temperature could lead to over-fermentation and flavor changes.

You’ll want to refrigerate Simple Truth Kombucha immediately after purchasing. Keep it stored in the fridge until ready to drink.

After opening a bottle, refrigerate any unfinished kombucha to preserve the carbonation, flavor, and nutrients. Tightly cap the bottle before returning to the fridge.

For optimal freshness and fizz, enjoy Simple Truth chilled! It’s refreshing served directly from the fridge.

How Long Does it Last? Shelf Life and Expiration

An unopened bottle of Simple Truth Kombucha lasts for 2-3 months from the package date when properly refrigerated.

You can find the Enjoy By or Best By date printed near the bottle’s bottom. This is the last date that the kombucha will be at peak quality.

For maximum freshness, try to consume Simple Truth Kombucha within a few weeks of purchasing.

Once opened, an bottle should be consumed within 3-5 days. The fermentation process can continue, decreasing flavor and fizz over time after exposure to oxygen.

If you see any sign of mold, over-carbonation, or very milky appearance, discard the kombucha even if not past the date – it could be contaminated or over-fermented.

Otherwise, check Enjoy By date and store in the fridge to get the full shelf life from Simple Truth!

Can You Return Simple Truth Kombucha?

Kroger offers a generous return policy on its Simple Truth brand products.

If you are unsatisfied or disappointed with Simple Truth Kombucha for any reason, you can return it to the store for a full refund or exchange.

You can return opened or unopened bottles – just be sure to have your receipt or original packaging for a return without hassle.

This means you’re able to essentially “try before you buy” different Simple Truth Kombucha flavors without worry. If you get one home and don’t like the taste, Kroger will let you swap it out.

It’s a great policy that allows you to experiment with flavors risk-free. Take advantage if you get a batch that’s too sour or sweet for your preferences.

Where to Find Simple Truth Kombucha Promotions

The best way to save money on Simple Truth Kombucha is to keep an eye out for promotions and sales.

Kroger frequently discounts their Simple Truth brand products. Common deals include:

• “$2 Fridays” – Bottles drop to $2 on Fridays
• “2 for $5” – Buy two, get them for $5 total
• “Buy One, Get One Free” – BOGO deals mean you buy one, get one free
• “10 for $10” – Mix and match 10 items for just $10 total
• “$1 off digital coupon” – Load coupons to your Kroger card
• “12 for $20” – 12 bottles for $20 total

Kroger emails and weekly ads will highlight any current Simple Truth promotions. You can also ask customer service what deals they are offering.

Stacking a bottle discount with a digital coupon can drop the price to just $1 or $2 per bottle – stock up when you see these!

Buying in bulk when on promotion lets you keep a good supply of diverse flavors on hand.

Is Simple Truth Kombucha Vegan?

Yes, Simple Truth Kombucha is 100% vegan-friendly.

It’s dairy-free, egg-free, and does not contain any animal products or byproducts.

Simple Truth verifies that all their products are vegan, so suitable for plant-based diets.

The main ingredients – tea, sugar, juice and probiotic cultures – are all vegan. So you can enjoy Simple Truth Kombucha on a vegan diet without an issue.

Plus, the brand avoids artificial colors, flavors, or chemicals that could potentially be animal-derived. It’s an all-around vegan kombucha line.

Probiotic Content in Simple Truth Kombucha

Each 8 oz serving of Simple Truth Kombucha contains 50 billion CFU of live probiotic cultures.

That’s a hefty dose to support digestion and overall gut health. It meets the recommended minimum of 1 billion CFU daily.

The main probiotic strains come from the live kombucha culture itself. These include:

• Gluconacetobacter
• Acetobacter
• Lactobacillus

Kombucha also contains over 50 other trace probiotics, yeasts, and organic acids like glucuronic acid from the fermentation process.

Consuming Simple Truth’s raw, unpasteurized kombucha helps populate your gut with this diverse mix of beneficial microbes.

The probiotics may:

• Enhance digestion
• Improve immunity
• Increase energy
• Support mental clarity and mood
• Aid nutrient absorption
• Protect against harmful bacteria

Sipping just 8-16 oz of kombucha like Simple Truth each day is an easy and tasty way to get your daily probiotics!

How to Store Simple Truth Kombucha

To get the most out of each bottle, proper storage of Simple Truth Kombucha is important:

• Refrigerate immediately after purchasing, at 40°F or below
• Keep bottles upright and away from sunlight which can degrade flavors
• Cap tightly in between servings to retain carbonation
• Consume within 2-3 months for highest quality, don’t let sit past Enjoy By date
• Store open bottles in the fridge and finish within 3-5 days
• Check for any signs of contamination – discard if mold, yeast strings, or other issues arise

Stored correctly in the fridge, unopened Simple Truth Kombucha should stay fresh for months. Opened bottles should be consumed within a week.

The key is keeping it chilled and in the dark. High heat, sunlight exposure, and microbes in the air are the enemies of raw kombucha!

Availability of Simple Truth Kombucha in Bulk

Unfortunately Simple Truth Kombucha does not currently offer bulk sizes or multi-packs beyond individual 16 oz bottles.

Other brands like GT’s Kombucha offer variety packs with 6-8 bottles or larger 32 oz sizes.

But for now, Simple Truth can only be purchased by the bottle at Kroger stores. You’ll need to buy multiple bottles to stock up an assortment of flavors.

Still, when they offer “10 for $10” or “12 for $20” type promotions, you can build up a diverse kombucha haul on the cheap.

Hopefully based on demand, Simple Truth will consider offering 4-packs or variety packs in the future for more bulk savings!

Finding Simple Truth Kombucha Discount Codes

Since Simple Truth Kombucha is sold exclusively at Kroger stores, you won’t find traditional discount codes that can be used online.

However, there are still ways to save:

• Check Kroger weekly ads for Simple Truth sales
• Load $1 off digital coupons to your Kroger Plus Card
• Take advantage of “$2 Friday” and other in-store promotions
• Buy bulk on sale and freeze extras for later
• Join Kroger Plus for additional discounts & fuel points
• Use rebate apps like Ibotta for cash back on purchases

Buying on sale and pairing with digital coupons is the best way to get the cheapest prices on Simple Truth Kombucha.

Stock up when you see those “Buy One Get One Free” tags or big bulk discounts to get the most savings on each bottle!

Is Simple Truth Worth It?

At the end of the day, Simple Truth Kombucha offers an affordable, organic, great-tasting kombucha option.

The wide variety of delicious flavors, fizziness, and focus on high-quality ingredients make it stand out from cheaper mass-market brands.

While only available regionally, Simple Truth is worth trying if sold at your local Kroger-owned grocery store. Take advantage of promotions like “$2 Friday” or digital coupons to lower the cost.

Compared to other organic raw kombuchas, Simple Truth holds its own at an accessible price point. Give different flavors a chance to find your perfect match.

Just be sure to refrigerate promptly after purchase and consume within the Enjoy By date for the freshest taste and potency.

Overall, Simple Truth Kombucha makes an affordable yet still organic and flavorful option for kombucha beginners and regular drinkers alike.