BNF Kombucha is a local taproom that serves kombucha and jun with over ten rotating flavors per month. On a mission to replace high-sugar sodas with kombucha, BNF sources high-quality ingredients for each brew to bring the community together one pint at a time.
Long-time kombucha brewer Kevin Warren decided to invest $300 in 2015, to kickstart the creation of his health-oriented business. BNF stands for “billion new friends” which refers to the beneficial microbes that are found in kombucha, as well as the company’s commitment to bringing the community together in a healthy way.
BNF Kombucha ferments its brews in small batches, making for an unsurpassed quality that you can taste in every bottle. In the last decade, the city of Eugene has become one of the highest per-capita places in the country for kombucha consumption. BNF brews over 2,600 gallons of kombucha and jun monthly to meet the demand.
From organic farms straight to the bottle, BNF sources around 95% of its ingredients in Oregon to get the freshest flavors for each brew. Their products are featured locally at Market of Choice, Whole Foods, and Natural Grocers. You can also find them at the Corvallis Farmers Market, the Lane County Fair, and every week at Saturday Market. BNF ships its products all over Oregon, landing bottles in stores throughout Corvallis, Salem, and Florence.
BNF has a comfortable lounge area perfect for small gatherings and hangouts. The walls are filled with immersive art that provides creative vibes for any afternoon study session. They have an easy-access walk-in fridge filled with cold, 16-ounce bottles of grab-and-go kombucha. They even provide large refillable jugs for veteran drinkers or if you have a favorite flavor you need to get your hands on.
BNF frequently opens its doors to the community for fun events and celebrations. Last month BNF hosted an Earth Day party where people could dance, trade, play in a drum circle, create art, and recycle. BNF goes the extra mile when it comes to sustainability and protecting the planet. They recently started testing their bottle reuse program where customers can bring in bottles for sterilization and later re-enter the production flow. BNF Kombucha brings the community together in sustainable and healthy ways that aim to make the world a better place.
BNF Kombucha is located on Prairie Road about twenty minutes away from campus via car. They are open from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday and are closed on Sundays. To stay up to date on events and sales their Instagram is @bnfkombucha.
Benefits of Kombucha and Jun
Kombucha contains beneficial probiotics, minerals, and vitamins that promote immune health and digestion. It is a low-calorie, fizzy beverage that takes a week or more to ferment. Kombucha is said to aid in weight loss, lower cholesterol, and prevent diseases like cancer. It is made from fermented sweetened tea and a mixture of yeast and bacteria called tea fungus. The bacteria consume the sugar, producing various acids, carbon dioxide, and small amounts of alcohol that give kombucha its signature tang.
Jun is frequently called the champagne of kombucha. It is a similarly fermented beverage, made from green tea and honey rather than black tea. The green tea provides a lighter and sweeter aroma, making the flavor more delicate than kombucha. Jun can come in many different flavors ranging anywhere from ginger to cinnamon.
Kombucha and Jun come in a variety of flavors, often infused with different fruits, herbs, or spices during or after fermentation. At BNF, there are fourteen brews on tap to pick from with an assortment of flavors. If you’ve never tried Kombucha or you’re curious about the variety of brews, they have a tasting room where you can explore your preferences. Kombucha is often an acquired taste, so don’t be surprised if it takes a couple of tries to adjust your palette.
The fermented drink is known for improving mood and providing mental clarity after consistent use. The vitamin B and iron found in kombucha can help boost energy levels if you need a pick-me-up during an off day. It is considered a natural stimulant and a dietary supplement, which means moderation is key.
It’s important to start with drinking small quantities of kombucha to see how your body reacts. The ideal amount is four ounces, one to three times a day. Excessive consumption can lead to adverse effects, due to the trace amount of alcohol and caffeine. Most of the bottles at KNB are 16 ounces each, so make sure to keep track of your consumption.
