Research report
4 May 2018
Fermented foods
Manufacturers are keen to cash in on the latest health craze for fermented foods. But are their claims just a load of gas?
From a kombucha beverage calling itself a “living probiotic tonic”, kefir drinks promising “some tummy lovin’ ”, and kimchi “for a good gut feeling”, manufacturers are keen to cash in on the latest health craze for fermented foods. But are their claims just a load of gas?
A bug’s life
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Manufacturers' claims
What's the evidence?
The best way to improve gut health
Taste test
Products compared
| Product | Price[width=small] | Microbes named[width=auto] |
|---|---|---|
| Kefir and yoghurt | ||
| Mad Millie Greek Yoghurt Making Kit | $22.95 | On pack |
| Mad Millie Kefir Making Kit | $18.99 | On pack |
| The Collective Super Kefir13 Mango Tumeric (700ml) | $5.90 | On pack |
| The Collective Super Kefir13 Unsweetened (700ml) | $5.90 | On pack |
| The Kefir Company Kefir Sipper Lime (300ml) | $15.99 | On request |
| Kombucha | ||
| Amplify Organic Kombucha Original | $4.00 | No |
| Batchwell Braeburn Organic Kombucha (375ml) | $5.99 | NoA |
| Daily Organics Original (200ml) | $4.49 | On website |
| Evolve Kombucha Hibiscus Ginger (300ml) | $5.90 | No |
| Good Buzz Raspberry and Lemon (330ml) | $3.99 | On pack |
| Kombucha King Ginger (375ml) | $4.99 | No |
| Kombucha Wonder Drink Traditional (414ml) | $6.79 | Pasteurised |
| Lo Bros Organic Raspberry and Lemon (330ml) | $3.99 | No |
| Nutrition By Nature Kombucha Brewing Kit | $27.99 | On requestA |
| Organic Mechanic Classic Ginger (300ml) | $5.29 | On request |
| Remedy Organic Apple Crisp (330ml) | $4.99 | On request |
| Renes Kombucha Starter Kit | $23.99 | On request |
| Renes Kombucha Red Berry (330ml) | $6.50 | On request |
| Sauerkraut and kimchi | ||
| Be Nourished Kimchi With A Fiery Kick (380g) | $13.99 | NoA |
| Be Nourished Raw Sauerkraut Just Wild Juice (500ml) | $16.99 | On packA |
| Be Nourished Raw Sauerkraut Ruby Perfection (380g) | $13.99 | On packA |
| Living Goodness Naked Sauerkraut (500g) | $12.99 | On request |
| Living Goodness Sum Yum Kimchi (500g) | $12.99 | On request |
| Living Goodness Super Super Kraut (500g) | $12.99 | On request |
| The Urban Monk Radiant Sauerkraut (400g) | $14.99 | On pack |
| The Urban Monk Sanctified Sauerkraut With Caraway Seeds (400g) | $14.99 | On pack |
| Zeli East Meets West (250g) | $10.50 | No |
GUIDE TO THE TABLE PRICES from supermarket and gourmet food store survey in March and April 2018. MICROBES NAMED shows if the microbial species, genus or type of bacteria or yeast is available to customers. A indicates the company plans to test for species or type of microbe.
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