Crystal-Clear Kombucha: How Centrifuge Clarification Elevates Your Brew
Kombucha’s signature tang and effervescence have made it one of the fastest-growing beverages in the craft drink market. But behind every crisp, sparkling sip is a production challenge every brewer faces: clarity.
Even after fermentation, kombucha often contains yeast cells, tea solids, and other suspended particles that cause haze and shorten shelf life. Traditional methods like sedimentation or filtration can help—but they also take time, reduce yield, and sometimes dull the flavor.
That’s where centrifugal clarification comes in.
Why Clarity Matters in Kombucha
While some cloudiness can be part of kombucha’s rustic charm, today’s consumers expect a cleaner, more consistent product. Cloudy bottles or excessive sediment can signal instability and affect both shelf appeal and taste perception.
For brewers, clearer kombucha offers several benefits:
Improved appearance and stability
Reduced sediment in bottles and cans
Longer shelf life through lower microbial load
Easier carbonation and flavoring in the finishing stages
Centrifuge Clarification: Fast, Gentle, and Efficient
A centrifuge separates solids from liquid by spinning the product at high speed, creating a strong g-force that pulls heavier particles to the bowl wall while clarified liquid flows out.
Unlike filtration, centrifugation:
Works without filter media, eliminating waste and consumables
Preserves flavor compounds, since there’s minimal oxygen pickup
Handles high throughputs in a compact footprint
Reduces clarification time from hours to minutes
For kombucha producers, this means faster production cycles and a more reliable process—without compromising the integrity of the beverage.
Meet the Alfa Laval Brew Baby
For craft and small-scale kombucha brewers, the Alfa Laval Brew 250, often called the “Brew Baby,” is the perfect introduction to centrifugal clarification.
Originally designed for craft beer, this plug-and-play centrifuge has become a favorite in the kombucha community thanks to its versatility and ease of use.
Key features include:
Hygienic design suited for fermented beverages
Simple, semi-automatic operation—ideal for small production lines
Gentle product handling to preserve probiotics and delicate flavor notes
Compact size that fits into most craft brewing spaces
With the Brew Baby, brewers can quickly remove yeast and sediment post-fermentation, producing a brilliantly clear kombucha ready for carbonation and packaging.
Integrating Centrifugation Into Your Process
Centrifugation can be positioned after primary fermentation and before flavor addition or carbonation. Many brewers find it helpful to test the process on small batches first to optimize parameters such as feed rate, bowl speed, and discharge intervals.
Whether you’re producing a tart ginger blend or a tropical fruit-infused kombucha, a centrifuge like the Alfa Laval Brew Baby can streamline your workflow, enhance consistency, and elevate your product’s visual appeal.
Ready to Clarify Your Brew?
If you’re looking to take your kombucha to the next level, our team can help you find the right centrifuge solution for your production scale and goals. From pilot testing to full-scale integration, we’ll guide you through every step.
Contact us today to learn more about the Alfa Laval Brew Baby and other centrifuge options for kombucha producers.