Have you caught the cultured ginger beer bug and enjoyed having a sip (or the whole bottle) of this flavorful, gut-healthy drink? If you enjoy our refreshing brew, you may be wondering: is there a best time of day to drink kombucha? We’ve put together some information to help you decide what’s best for you.

OliKo is unlike any other beverage out there, so it’s easy to understand why there are so many questions about it. We thought we’d put together a brief cheat sheet of sorts to help you decide which time of day is best for you, personally, to pop a top on cultured ginger beer.

We’ll cover some of the qualities of fermented beverages and some common questions that come up: should you drink OliKo on an empty stomach? Should you be drinking OliKo before bed? Let’s find out!

Does OliKo contain alcohol? 

Keep in mind: OliKo is fermented, and a natural byproduct of fermentation is alcohol. However, the amount produced is not significant.

Because it contains alcohol, there are regulations on just how much can be contained in our products and sold as non-alcoholic beverages. Manufacturers must ensure their brews’ alcohol levels don’t exceed 0.5 percent to be considered non-alcoholic. In an effort to burn off the excess alcohol, some manufacturers will heat their brews. Unfortunately, this method also kills some of the beneficial bacteria. 

We brew our cultured ginger beer using a traditional method, so it can end up with 1%–3% alcohol after fermentation. We then gently remove alcohol from our kombucha without the use of excessive heat – this keeps our product authentically raw. Those miraculous colonies of beneficial bacteria stay alive and well, and our brew is safe for those of all ages to enjoy.

The bottom line is that while feeling the effects of fermented beverages with 0.5 percent or less alcohol is unlikely, if you are sensitive to alcohol, you may want to consider the time of day you drink it.

Can I drink it before bed?

If the craving strikes in the evening, you may be wondering if drinking OliKo before bed is a good idea.

If you consider drinking OliKo before bed, first try the one you have during the day. It’s best to check your sensitivity to fermented beverages as it relates to you and your system at a time that won’t disrupt sleep.

If you’re highly sensitive to fermented foods or beverages in general, it’s best to avoid drinking OlIko before bed. While it contains bacteria your body needs to keep you health, those with sensitivities may find that it disturbs their sleep. 

You can also combine your favorite brew with your favorite smoothie recipe and add some healthy cultures to your morning routine without choosing between the two.

Drinking OliKo on an empty stomach

Many people are drawn to OliKo for its gut-healthy probiotic cultures. The bacteria in the gut is linked to a variety of symptoms including obesity, metabolism, anxiety, depression, inflammation, tiredness, and more. Many physical and mental health ailments may originate in the gut.

Probiotic-rich foods and drinks such as cultured ginger beer can help balance gut flora. Fat and carbohydrates can protect bacteria in the gut. That means it’s good to begin a high-fat or high-carb meal with OliKo. With a variety of flavors, you can find an untamed flavor to pair with meals to enhance your meal.

Sluggish digestion can lead to lethargy and discomfort. This sluggishness can be blamed on a variety of things but oftentimes, it’s a strain on the system that’s dragging you down. Fermented beverages help ease and speed up your digestive system, giving you more energy in return. You’ll feel less bloated while feeling more energized and lively. Drinking OliKo on an empty stomach is a win-win-win!

If you have a sensitive stomach, you may still benefit from drinking OliKo on an empty stomach. In your case, though, you’ll want to drink it closer to the time that you eat so you can avoid feelings of discomfort in your belly. Generally speaking, it’s all a matter of personal preference whether you should drink fermented beverages on an empty stomach.

OliKo is made to please every—body

If you love fermented beverages, the sky’s the limit! You can enjoy OliKo at any time of day on its own or paired perfectly with any meal. Here’s the best part: OliKo isn’t just for sipping. In fact, cultured ginger is amazing when paired with many of your favorite recipes you enjoy throughout your day. It also pairs well with your favorite spirits and cocktail recipes, and makes a delicious non-alcoholic beverage for mocktails, too!