Chinese youth revive kombucha trend, 80M views on RedNote

Young people in China are making their own kombucha at home, reviving a fermented tea trend that was popular among their parents in the 1980s. The hashtags #kombucha and #homemadekombucha have accumulated over 80 million combined views on RedNote, a major social platform in China. This homemade movement comes as commercial kombucha, endorsed globally by stars like Kourtney Kardashian and Lady Gaga, has gained traction in Western markets and inspired local beverage companies to launch their own products. Many Chinese youngsters were surprised to learn that their parents had already experimented with fermenting sweetened tea using a SCOBY (symbiotic culture of bacteria and yeast) decades ago, before the drink became a global health phenomenon. The trend reflects a broader interest in DIY wellness and traditional fermentation practices among Gen Z, who share step-by-step recipes, fermentation timers, and flavor variations online. Kombucha is praised for its probiotic content and tangy taste, though health experts caution about sugar levels and proper hygiene when brewing at home.

The resurgence of kombucha in China shows how global health trends can reemerge within local contexts, often bridging generational gaps. The 80 million social media views highlight the strong appeal of homemade, low-cost wellness alternatives among younger consumers who value authenticity and creativity. While commercial brands push bottled kombucha, the homemade trend emphasizes personalization—users experiment with fruit, herbs, and second fermentation techniques. This DIY approach also reduces packaging waste and allows for control over ingredients. However, the revival has sparked conversations about food safety, as incorrect brewing can lead to contamination. Some veteran home brewers from the 1980s have shared tips online, creating intergenerational knowledge exchange. The trend underscores how social media can rapidly amplify niche hobbies, turning a 40-year-old practice into a modern obsession. For China's health-conscious youth, kombucha represents a blend of nostalgia, wellness culture, and Instagrammable aesthetics—a potent combination driving the fermentation comeback.