If you were to tell someone a few years ago that you were consuming a drink full of live bacteria, they would probably have raised an eyebrow or two. However, now the picture is completely different. Not only do we have fermented drinks on our supermarket shelves, but we also have fermented yoghurts, breads, and even fermented vegetables like kimchi. However, among all the products, kombucha stands out as we see so many celebrities such as Millie Bobby Brown endorse brands due to its ‘soda-like’ refreshing taste. In Malta, Alexandra Galea, owner of The Good Witch Kombucha, is equally passionate, crafting authentic, quality brews.
In 2022, Galea took over a small kombucha business that was still in its early stages. “Since then, I’ve reimagined and refined nearly every aspect, from the core recipes of our six signature flavours to a full brand refresh that better reflects our values and vision,” she says.
Her journey into kombucha was inspired by her brother, who used to brew his own at home. “When I tasted commercial brands, I noticed something was missing: flavour, intensity, and that spark of magic that makes kombucha truly special. I wanted to create a kombucha that could replace the craving for a soft drink or a sugary drink. I wished to provide an alternative packed with flavour, full of benefits, and as naturally sweet as a glass of fresh orange juice.”
Why are people drinking live bacteria?
Not only have people become more knowledgeable about a healthy lifestyle, but so have celebrities such as Millie Bobby Brown, who in a GQ video revealed that she drinks one everyday . Despite this many people don’t really know the science behind the trend, what gut health is and why ingesting live bacteria in different forms of foods is now deemed important.
What is gut health?
Your gut hosts trillions of microorganisms, including bacteria, yeast, and viruses and is responsible for digestion, immunity, metabolism, and even your mood: about 90% of the body’s serotonin (the chemical found in your brain, predominantly responsible for your mood) is produced in the gut, which further proves how you truly are what you eat .
What are fermented foods?
Fermented foods are made using live beneficial bacteria called ‘probiotics’. You might ask, “How can bacteria be good for you?” . but it often is. Our bodies rely on trillions of bacteria, like Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium which are beneficial bacteria found in yogurt, kimchi, and kombucha that support digestion and keep us healthy.
Fermentation is a natural process in which bacteria or yeast break down sugars or starches. This not only preserves the food but also boosts its nutritional value and adds that sour, complex flavour we tend to associate with things like sourdough, kefir, and kombucha.
Why now?
Today, everyone can notice an increase in shelves in the healthy foods section, where you can find a variety of products, most of them containing ingredients you’ve probably never heard of.
And what sparked this boom? The answer lies in a mix of things. Firstly, a post-pandemic obsession with self-care and also a growing awareness of the link between gut health and mental health, itself ever more important,. As people have become more health-conscious than ever, gut health has become the new trend. If only all trends were as positive as this one.
“Not all kombucha is the same”
Not all kombucha is the same: big brands like Lipton have also jumped on the kombucha bandwagon: Lipton launched their own version in March 2025, claiming to have natural fruit flavours and being low in sugar. But is this just a trendy marketing move rather than a genuine commitment to gut health.
“Kombucha is becoming more and more popular due to its probiotic power, lower sugar content, and satisfying bubbliness,” Alexandra says. But she’s quick to point out that “in fast-scale production – unlike her own-, kombucha is often pasteurised to extend shelf life, which stops fermentation and destroys most of the live probiotics. The result is a drink with little to no health benefit. [Those mass produced version are] essentially sparkling flavoured water pretending to be something it’s not!”
“At Good Witch Kombucha, we do things differently. We brew in small batches, prioritize quality over quantity, and never compromise on the live cultures that make kombucha truly magical. That’s why we tend to refer to our kombucha as potions!”
Kombucha in Malta
While locals, especially the older crowd, often find kombucha unfamiliar, “foreigners know and understand its health benefits while enjoying it regularly,” Alexandra says.
Kombucha is still quite niche in Malta, even though it’s already much more popular overseas. While it’s still a relatively small scene, the growing interest suggests that fermented drinks might just be the next staple in our wellness routines.
Some people here are now turning to fermented foods to ease bloating or improve gut health, while others just enjoy the taste… or maybe they just like being seen to be part of the trend. Either way, more people are giving fermented goods a try, and that’s a good thing.
Read more on fermented foods from pickles to kimchi, a potted history
