Kids and Rebel Floats – The Trendy Kombucha Ice Cream Float

Can Kids Drink Kombucha? The Truth About Rebel Floats, Health Risks & Kid-Friendly Probiotic Alternatives

Kids and Rebel Floats – The Trendy Kombucha Ice Cream Float. Kombucha has become a go-to functional beverage for gut health enthusiasts. And it is now being used in the latest trend REBEL FLOATS, which by the way are absolutely delicious.

Seeing REBEL FLOATS have become one of my latest obsessions, I wanted to also make them for my 2 little grandkids (one is 5 yrs old and the other is 2 years old). They love my smoothies so why not, right? But then I started thinking about Kombucha and wanted to do some research on if it was safe for kids, before giving the floats to them – and boy, I’m sure glad I did.

So my findings should answer two of the most common questions asked about Kombucha and Rebel Floats. And they are – Can Kids Drink Rebel Floats and Is Kombucha Safe for Kids?

✅ Can kids have Rebel Floats?
✅ Is kombucha safe for kids?
✅ 5 Reasons why teething babies shouldn’t drink kombucha
✅ Potential health risks of kombucha for children
✅ 5 Kid-friendly probiotic alternatives

Can Kids Have Rebel Floats?
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Kids and Rebel Floats – The Trendy Kombucha Ice Cream Float. They’re a fun mix of kombucha and ice cream and have become a trendy treat. But are they kid-friendly?

Potential Benefits:
– Probiotics for Gut Health – Kombucha provides beneficial bacteria that support digestion.
– Lower Sugar (Compared to Soda Floats) – Some kombucha brands contain less sugar than traditional sodas.
– Fun Alternative to Soda-Based Floats – Instead of high-fructose corn syrup, kombucha offers a fermented, lightly fizzy option.

Potential Concerns:
– Alcohol Content – Even though kombucha contains less than 0.5% alcohol, small amounts still exist due to fermentation.
– Caffeine Levels – Most kombucha is made from tea, which naturally contains caffeine.
– Acidity & Tooth Health – Both kombucha and ice cream are acidic, which can weaken tooth enamel.
– Sugar Content – While some kombucha is lower in sugar, pairing it with ice cream increases sugar intake.

👦 Older kids (8+) can enjoy a Rebel Float in moderation, but it’s not recommended for younger children due to alcohol, caffeine, and acidity. Instead, consider a kid-friendly probiotic float using yogurt and fruit-based alternatives (we’ll share options below!).

Is Kombucha Safe For Kids?
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Kombucha is often promoted as a healthy alternative to sugary sodas, but does that mean it’s safe for kids?

Potential Benefits of Kombucha for Kids
– Contains probiotics that may help with digestion.
– Lower in sugar than many sodas and juices.
– Rich in antioxidants from tea, which may support overall health.

Potential Risks of Kombucha for Kids
– Alcohol Content – Even store-bought kombucha contains trace amounts of alcohol from fermentation. Some homebrews may have even higher levels.
– Caffeine Sensitivity – Since kombucha is brewed from tea, it naturally contains caffeine, which can affect children’s sleep and behavior.
– Acidity & Tooth Decay – Kombucha has a low pH (2.5–3.5), making it highly acidic, which may weaken tooth enamel and lead to cavities.
– Digestive Issues – Kombucha can cause gas, bloating, or diarrhea in children with sensitive stomachs.
– Risk of Bacterial Contamination – Unpasteurized or home-brewed kombucha may contain harmful bacteria, mold, or excessive yeast.

Safe Ways for Kids to Drink Kombucha
If parents want to introduce kombucha, here’s how to reduce risks:
– Start with small amounts (2–4 oz) diluted with water.
– Choose pasteurized, low-sugar kombucha.
– Use a straw to protect teeth from acidity.
– Offer only to kids 6+ years old.

5 Reasons Why Teething Babies Should NOT Drink Kombucha
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While some parents enjoy the gut health benefits of kombucha, babies and toddlers should NOT drink it, especially when teething.

5 Reasons Teething Babies Should Avoid Kombucha:
1) Immature Digestive System – A baby’s gut microbiome is still developing, and fermented drinks may disrupt their natural bacteria balance.
2) Alcohol & Caffeine Exposure – Even trace amounts of alcohol and caffeine are not safe for infants.
3) Tooth Enamel Erosion – Teething babies are already prone to gum sensitivity, and kombucha’s acidity can worsen discomfort or cause early cavities.
4) Choking Hazard from Carbonation – The fizz in kombucha may cause gas and stomach upset in young babies.
5) Potential Contaminants – Unpasteurized kombucha may contain bacteria or mold that could harm a baby’s underdeveloped immune system.

Best Gut-Friendly Alternatives for Babies
Instead of kombucha, offer:
– Breast milk or formula – Best for gut health and immunity.
– Plain water (6+ months old).
– Unsweetened yogurt – Provides natural probiotics.

Potential Health Risks Associated with Kombucha for Kids
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While kombucha has some health benefits, it also comes with potential risks for kids, including:

Digestive Issues – Kombucha can cause gas, bloating, diarrhea, or stomach cramps, especially in kids with sensitive stomachs.
Tooth Decay from Acidity & Sugar – Kombucha erodes enamel, leading to weaker teeth and cavities, especially if consumed frequently.
Possible Allergic Reactions – Some kids may be sensitive to yeast, histamines, or other compounds in kombucha.
Hidden Sugar & Artificial Additives – Some store-bought kombucha brands add sugar and artificial flavors, making them less healthy.

5 Kid-Friendly Probiotic Alternatives
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5 Kid-Friendly Probiotic Alternatives
If you want probiotic benefits without the risks of kombucha, here are some safe alternatives for kids:

1) Probiotic Yogurt – Contains natural live cultures and is safe for all ages.
2) Kefir (Diluted for Younger Kids) – Similar to drinkable yogurt but with more probiotics.
Choose low-sugar, plain kefir and mix it with fruit for a kid-friendly taste.
3) Homemade Probiotic Smoothies – Blend yogurt, banana, berries, and honey for a natural gut-health boost.
4) Fermented Foods (for Older Kids) – Introduce foods like kimchi, sauerkraut, and miso in small amounts.
5) Coconut Water Kefir (Non-Dairy Option) – A dairy-free, low-acid probiotic drink alternative to kombucha.

Final Takeaway
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Kombucha for Older kids (6+) can drank in moderation but should stick to low-sugar, pasteurized varieties and small servings (2–4 oz diluted with water). Teething babies and toddlers should NOT drink kombucha due to alcohol content, acidity, and digestive risks. And if you’re looking for a safer probiotic options, introduce yogurt, kefir, and fermented foods.

Now you know I love these Rebel Floats as I’m dedicating a whole category for them as I make them. And just a heads up – the majority of the floats will include Kombucha in the recipes. But as a grandie with a couple littles, I’m also going to post recipes for “Rebel Floats” made specifically for them – WITHOUT KOMBUCHA and INCLUDING AN ALTERNATIVE LIQUID BASE.

So cheers to Rebel Floats my friends. Click this link REBEL FLOATS and see what I’ve made thus far – bottoms up 🙂