Which Fermented Drink Reigns Supreme Between Tepache & Kombucha?

Tepache Vs Kombucha, wondering how similar or different these are? As a nutritionist and an ardent fan of fermented foods, I have the answers

I recently discovered Tepache and was blown away. I got curious and compared it to Kombucha, a relatively more popular choice. Here, I am sharing with you my findings.

Tepache Vs Kombucha: Battle of The Bubbly Beverages

Before we dig into the differences between Tepache and Kombucha, here’s a quick look at their comparative attributes –  

*Source: USDA; Quantity defined is 1 Cup  

Origins & Cultural Significance of Kombucha & Tepache

Kombucha originated in northeast China around 220 B.C. It was known for its healing properties and sometimes referred to as “Tea of Immortality.”  Kombucha gradually spread across Asia and Europe.

Tepache finds its roots in Mexico. It is believed that indigenous Nahua people created this drink long before the Spanish conquest. The drink is widely used and consumed, especially during festive occasions and celebrations. 

Is Tepache the Same as Kombucha?

Tepache is mainly made from pineapple rinds, combined with piloncillo (unrefined whole cane sugar) and flavored with spices like cinnamon and cloves. Traditionally, pineapple was used but I see tepaches being made using other fruits like pears, oranges, etc. 

Kombucha is a fermented tea beverage. Sweetened black or green tea is fermented with a symbiotic culture of bacteria and yeast (SCOBY). 

Simpler Fermentation Process -Tepache Vs Kombucha

The fermentation process for tepache is much simpler than  kombucha. The mixture of the ingredients is allowed to be fermented with natural microorganisms present on the fruit. It takes about 3 days for Tepache to get ready.

Fermenting kombucha is slightly more complex. You begin by brewing sweetened black or green tea. A SCOBY is added to the tea, initiating fermentation. After the primary fermentation, a secondary fermentation is done to infuse additional flavors. The whole process may take up to 4 weeks.

Does Tepache Taste Like Kombucha?

Tepache has a unique sweet and tangy taste. It is also slightly effervescent with a hint of aromatic spices like cinnamon and cloves. 

Kombucha has a tart and tangy flavor with a hint of vinegary taste. The type of tea used and the length of fermentation impacts its flavor. The longer it ferments, the more vinegary it gets..

How Much Tepache or Kombucha Can You Consume in A Day?

You can consume Tepache on an everyday basis. One serving can be around 8 to 12 ounces (240 to 355 ml) per serving. If you are new  to the drink, start with a smaller amount and observe how your body reacts. 

For kombucha, I would recommend drinking around a cup or  8 ounces a day.  You can drink more but remember, the drink contains caffeine and cause issues if you aren’t used to drinking so much caffeine. 

Tepache vs Kombucha: Calorie Comparison

The amount of calories in Tepache and kombucha can vary significantly from one brand to another. Tepache generally has more calories because of the pineapple and added sugar.

Kombucha is a low calorie drink and contains fewer calories than tepache. This is because kombucha is made from tea and sugar, and during fermentation, the yeast and bacteria consume much of the sugar, resulting in a beverage with lower caloric content.

Which is Better, Tepache or Kombucha for Low Carb Diets?

If you wish to limit your calorie consumption, kombucha is generally a better choice compared to tepache. 

Tepache, on the other hand, has added sugar which contributes to a higher carbohydrate content. A lot of brands have brought out low carb versions

A More Nutritionally Diverse Drink: Tepache or Kombucha?

Compared to tepache, kombucha offers a more varied nutrient profile. Kombucha is brewed from tea and contains beneficial compounds like polyphenols, which are antioxidants that may contribute to overall health. Additionally, it contains vitamins such as B vitamins (B1, B2, B6, B12).

The primary nutrients in Tepache come from pineapples, including vitamin C, manganese, and trace amounts of other vitamins and minerals. So, if you want a nutritionally diverse drink, you can choose kombucha.

What is the Best Time to Consume Tepache Or Kombucha?

You can enjoy tepache and kombucha at any time of the day, although I would recommend doing so by the evening. 

Tepache is quite high in carbs and should be avoided at night and Kombucha contains caffeine which can interfere with your sleep cycle. 

Which is More Environment Friendly- Tepache or Kombucha?

In terms of sustainability, both tepache and kombucha can be considered eco-friendly options.

Kombucha is plant based and its fermentation tends to be energy-efficient and doesn’t produce significant waste.

Tepache is made from pineapple rinds which are generally discarded. Therefore,  its production reduces wastage. 

Tepache Vs Kombucha: Which One’s Vegan Friendly?

Tepache and Kombucha are both plant based drinks and thus suitable for vegans.  

There are no animal-based ingredients involved in the traditional preparation of kombucha and tepache. 

Is Tepache Better than Kombucha for Gut Health?

Tepache and kombucha are both fermented drinks and thus contain probiotics or good microorganisms that improve digestion, immunity and nutrient absorption. 

Kombucha contains many strains of lactic-acid bacteria which may have a probiotic function. Research suggests that Kombucha can help in enhancing improving the number of good bacteria in gut which helps in keeping your gut healthy. 

Although not as well-studied as kombucha, Tepache is also believed to contain beneficial microbes. However, the types and amounts of beneficial bacteria in tepache may be less compared to kombucha, given its primary ingredient is pineapple rinds.

Which Has a Bodily Hydration Effect: Tepache or Kombucha? 

Tepache contains water as its primary ingredient. Pineapple itself has a high water content, and when combined with additional water during the fermentation process, tepache can help in hydration.

Kombucha is also primarily made of water. This makes  kombucha a pretty decent hydrating beverage. 

Tepache or Kombucha – The More Versatile Option?

I would say kombucha is a more versatile option between tepache and kombucha. You can flavor and customize it in numerous ways during the second fermentation. 

You can also use kombucha by flavoring it with various fruits, herbs, or spices.  I used it to prepare smoothies, cocktails, and sometimes even salad dressings.

Tepache is only customizable to some extent with the addition of spices during fermentation. You can use it as a base for smoothies but since it has a very distinct taste, it is difficult to pair it with multiple falvours. 

Which is More Affordable & Available: Tepache or Kombucha? 

Kombucha is generally more readily available when compared to Tepache. The price of tepache is also slightly expensive outside its home country. 

However, if we talk about which is easier to prepare at home – I would say tepache. The ingredients for tepache – pineapple rinds, sugar, and optional spices, all of which are relatively inexpensive and widely available in most places. 

Kombucha can be made at home but you would need a SCOBY, which may not always be readily available and might need to be purchased or obtained from a kombucha-brewing friend. 

Overall, tepache and kombucha are both pretty good fermented drinks that can provide multiple benefits. What you opt for would depend on your preferences and availability. 

Let me know in the comment section if there is any probiotic food unique to your region, I would love to try it out.