How to Package and Ship Kombucha Safely

Some beverages require a bit more love and care than others during packaging and shipping—and kombucha is definitely one of them!

This fermented sweet and sour drink is a mix of tea, sugar, bacteria, and yeast. Beyond having a supremely unique taste, people line up for this beverage because of the health benefits associated with its ingredients. 

With all that being said, moving kombucha from where it’s brewed to customers can be tricky. From ensuring you’re using the right types of glass bottles to avoid combustion and maintaining ideal temperatures to keep its bacteria and yeast alive, here’s everything you need to know about the logistics of shipping kombucha. 

Do You Have To Refrigerate Kombucha? Storage Tips 

Proper storage plays a big role in maintaining your drink’s flavor profile, fizz, and safety throughout the shipping kombucha process.

While refrigeration isn’t always mandatory, it’s the best practice for kombucha. In cooler temperatures, the fermentation process slows down, keeping the taste as intended and preventing excessive carbonation that could lead to damaged products and sunken costs. 

Unrefrigerated or room temperature storage will result in the beverage taking on a tangier taste and increased fizz, while warmer temperatures can extend the second fermentation and quickly sour your kombucha.

Store kombucha in a cool, dark place to maintain quality before you’re ready to transport!

4 Shipping Kombucha Best Practices and Tips 

As a fermented product, shipping kombucha requires very specific and ideal conditions to survive the trip and arrive at its destination in mint condition. Here are four tips for shipping kombucha.

Image source: Canva

1. Kombucha Packaging

The fermentation process doesn’t stop once you’ve packaged your product. The beverage continues to ferment, building up pressure. That’s why safe kombucha packaging typically involves good-quality, food-grade glass bottles that can handle the active ingredients in the drink. Leak-proof seals like shrink bands or tamper-evident caps are crucial.

Skip plastic and metal containers as they can leach chemicals and disrupt the health-promoting cultures. The same goes for thin glass bottles or square bottles as they may shatter under pressure.

Traditionally, glass bottles have been the go-to option for kombucha due to concerns about pressure, flavor preservation, and chemical reactions. However, advancements in canning technology have introduced new cans specifically designed for beverages like kombucha, which are considered “hard to hold” due to their carbonation and acidity levels. This innovative technology allows the cans to withstand the pressure created by kombucha’s natural fizz without compromising the flavor of the drink.

2. Properly Pack and Protect Your Product

Glass jars aren’t just fragile—they’re heavy, too. Unfortunately, this unavoidable reality can create several complications on the road.

In order to avoid any accidents during transportation, use sturdy corrugated cardboard boxes designed for shipping fragile items. You can also ensure that each bottle is individually wrapped or secured to prevent movement and potential damage. Going the extra mile to ship your kombucha securely will pay dividends down the line.

3. Maintain the Right Temperatures

Kombucha’s live cultures are sensitive to temperature fluctuations. Maintaining the optimal temperature range (ideally between 34-40°F) during transit is crucial for the health of kombucha’s live cultures. Improper kombucha temperature control can lead to several challenges, potentially resulting in excessive carbonation and compromising the container’s integrity.

4. Kombucha Shipping Methods

The ideal scenario for kombucha shipping involves maintaining a consistent temperature range throughout the entire journey. This ensures the safety, quality, and taste of your kombucha by preventing uncontrolled kombucha fermentation and preserving the live cultures.

Refrigerated shipping is the most reliable method for maintaining the cold chain. However, it can be costly, especially for SMBs and startups. For a more economical solution, insulated shipping containers, like The Pallet Parka, prevent temperature-sensitive goods from getting too hot or cold during transport. Its flexible design can fit a standard 48-inch x 40-inch pallet or be easily adjusted to accommodate your product’s height specifications from 24 inches up to 45 inches or 48 inches to 70 inches for varying skirts.

This method allows kombucha to be shipped safely without the high costs associated with traditional refrigerated transport.

For high-volume kombucha shipments, partnering with a reputable reefer freight service provider experienced in moving carbonated beverages is recommended. They’ll work with you to find the most appropriate solution for your needs, whether it’s full-truckload refrigerated shipping or less-than-truckload shipping.

Either way, a solution specifically designed to maintain consistent temperatures of perishable goods will ensure safe and efficient long-distance kombucha delivery.

Image source: Shutterstock

Keep Your Kombucha Cold: Shipping Done Right 

When it comes to shipping kombucha, Brew Movers can help! Our beverage managed logistics will ensure your kombucha reaches its destination in the condition at which it left your facility, perfectly cultured and carbonated.

By partnering with a logistics company that specializes in shipping craft beverages, you’ll enhance the safety of shipping kombucha and reduce the risk of product loss or spoilage. Having supported and served over 3,500 craft beverage producers across North America, you can rest assured that your products are always in good hands with our team.

Give us a call at 1-888-720-2739 to get a quote on our white-glove cold chain shipping solutions!

Kombucha Shipping FAQ 

Why Is Kombucha In Glass Bottles? 

Kombucha is typically stored in glass bottles because they are non-reactive, can withstand carbonation pressure, and don’t leach chemicals into the drink.

How Long Does Kombucha Last? 

Unopened kombucha can last six to eight months based on the “best by” date, but proper refrigeration can extend its quality even longer. Opened kombucha should be enjoyed within a week, although it may be safe for a while longer when refrigerated.

How Long Can Kombucha Sit Out? 

Kombucha should always be refrigerated. However, unopened kombucha can likely survive out of the fridge for up to 24 hours without significant quality loss. If left at room temperature for much longer, the drink will continue to ferment, altering the intended flavors of the beverage.