Is drinking kombucha considered permissible if it contains a tiny percentage of ethanol due to lactose fermentation?
Beverages and foods containing a percentage of alcohol are divided into two categories:
First: If the alcohol percentage is high and intoxicates when consumed in large quantities, then it is considered intoxicant (khamr), and it is forbidden to drink it, whether little or much, based on the Prophet's (peace be upon him) sayings: "Every intoxicant is khamr, and every intoxicant is unlawful," and "Whatever intoxicates in large quantities, a small quantity of it is unlawful."
Second: If the alcohol percentage is very small, such that it does not intoxicate no matter how much is consumed, then this percentage does not affect it, and the drink remains permissible. This is because the default ruling for beverages is permissibility, and the reason for prohibition is intoxication, not merely the presence of alcohol. So, if the food or drink does not intoxicate, it is permissible. The Permanent Committee for Issuing Fatwas has issued a fatwa stating that vinegar, which does not intoxicate in large quantities due to a negligible alcohol percentage that has no apparent effect, is permissible to sell, buy, and consume. This ruling also applies to beer.
Summarized from the full answer at Ftawy · reviewed Sep 2, 2026
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