Tucked away in northern Norway sits Senja Island, with its rugged coastline and cosy fishing villages. It is also the home of Senja Roasters, a specialty roaster producing Wild Animals Kombucha, a vibrant and aromatic tea-based drink.

Wild Animals Kombucha was inspired by the Nordic traditions of foraging, preserving and fermenting local ingredients, reflecting the Norwegian wilderness. “After coffee roasting, kombucha was a natural next step,” says Juan Manuel Gonzalez Mantero of Senja Roasters. “It’s playful, alive, and rooted in craftsmanship and curiosity.”

Wild Animals Kombucha was developed in collaboration with Wandering Owl, a small-group tour operator based in nearby Tromsø. “Both companies share a deep respect for nature and sustainable values,” says Mantero.

Fresh and lively, each kombucha is fermented and left unpasteurised to retain its probiotic qualities. Different variations are named after local animals. Cheeky Fox is a bright combination of lemon and mint, Wacky Moose is smoother with hints of rhubarb and vanilla, Groovy Otter has the spiciness of ginger and tang of lingonberry, Naughty Bear is a distinctive black currant, and Jolly Owl enjoys notes of apple and cinnamon.

Containing only a small amount of naturally occurring caffeine, the kombuchas give a gentle, refreshing lift. Mantero says: “Our flavours are inspired by what nature offers on Senja Island, and wild and seasonal ingredients shape our creativity. We refine each recipe through extensive tasting, sometimes adding subtle touches like spices or aromatic plants – cinnamon, ginger, mint – when the balance feels right.” In 2026, the first non-flavoured, specialty tea kombucha will hit the market.

Each kombucha works well as a food pairing beverage, similar to dry cider or natural wine. “They’re an ideal alternative to alcohol and go particularly well with cheese, Nordic dishes, Asian-inspired cuisine, and plant-based meals,” says Mantero. “Step by step, we want to bring our kombuchas to new audiences as we expand southwards – first Oslo, then beyond Norway.”

Wild Animals Kombucha: Kombucha with the flavours of Norway

Web: www.wildanimalskombucha.com
Instagram: @wildanimalskombucha

Read the feature on issuu