When faced with a newfound abundance of free time, student-athlete Brendan Bornstein did what most have done at some point during the pandemic lockdown; he picked up a new hobby. The entrepreneurial 22-year old began brewing his own Kombucha out of his Toronto apartment. What started off as a personal venture for better health has turned into a budding business with a holistic approach to community wellness.
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Brendan is no stranger to keeping busy. The California-native is currently enrolled in his second year at the University of Toronto, studying Environmental Geography and Philosophy, while also a member of the University’s hockey team. When the pandemic hit and many of us were found with more time on our hands than usual, Brendan decided to use his time to focus on achieving better health. He explored new approaches to working out and eating healthy, finding a balance that worked for him. Brendan had already been drinking kombucha for years as the fermented tea aided in his gut health, something he had previously struggled with. While the trendy beverage worked wonders for him, drinking a store-bought bottle every morning was adding up, so the resourceful student decided to try brewing his own.
After researching brewing ingredients and fermenting methods, Brendan came up with a system that would work best for him. He gave his first batch to a few friends for review, and they all came back asking him for more. With the hockey season cancelled and classes online, he began to spend his time turning his newest passion into a business: Brendan’s Boocha.
Why Kombucha?
Kombucha’s claim to fame is the fermentation process that results in its probiotics. These live micro-organisms aid greatly in gut health, digestion, inflammation and even weight loss. When brewed with green tea, drinkers also receive antioxidant benefits, supporting liver health and ridding the body of harmful molecules. Kombucha is a healthy alternative to artificially flavoured and sugar-filled pop and juices.
Brendan’s Boocha
When asked what his goals were for the new company, Brendan expressed his desire for an entire brand based around healthy living, not just selling kombucha.
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“I want to promote a healthy, holistic living wellness brand,” the company founder stated. “I aim to incorporate different ways of including others in this new way of living, taking care of your own health and improving your life.”
Brendan is an aspiring yoga instructor and plans to create a Brendan’s Boocha community through wellness activities in Toronto. He wants to bring his customers together through a shared desire to be the best versions of themselves while allowing them to put a face to the company’s name. Follow Brendan’s Boocha on Instagram to stay updated on the fitness activities as well as to learn more regarding benefits and how the bubbly drink is made.
The growing company currently offers 5 different kombucha flavours, all created with natural ingredients and no added sugars. Cranberry Hibiscus, Raspberry Lemon Ginger, Honey Lemon Ginger, Strawberry Lemonade and Little Berry Hibiscus are all available for local Toronto pick-up. While most big-name kombucha companies sell their product for $6-$8 a bottle, the $4 price at Brendan’s Boocha helps our decision to shop locally that much easier. Order through brendansboocha.com.
Brendan’s Boocha strives to produce as little waste as possible, highlighting the importance of sustainability and environmental friendliness. Return your empties and receive $1 off per bottle on your next purchase!
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