by WTN Staff

The latest sign of the kombucha trend's gathering momentum is the appearance this month of Honest Tea's fizzy brews on Whole Foods Market shelves. 

The Bethesda, Md.-based maker of tea-based bottled beverages announced last year that it was developing a kombucha line. Now, it's official: As of this month, Honest Kombucha is available at Whole Foods Markets around the U.S. Starting in March, it will also be available in other stores, including Dierberg's, Nugget Market, Molly Stones, Henry's Jimbo's Mothers Market, New Seasons and Metropolitan Market .

Honest Tea's initial kombucha line retails for a suggested $3.49-$3.99 per 16-ounce bottle and includes Berry Hibiscus, Lemon Ginger and Peach Mango flavors. Other flavors are in development, according to a statement. The company describes the drinks as low sugar (14 grams per bottle), "lightly sparkling" and "brewed with organic, Fair Trade Certified tea, raw culture and a touch of organic cane sugar for an effervescent blend of active enzymes, organic acids and polyphenols."

The statement also references kombucha's purported health benefits, such as its probiotic properties. In the statement, Honest Tea President and CEO Seth Goldman said the company was "looking forward to invigorating (consumers') bodies and their taste buds with the new line."

He also described the drinks as "a new and very different taste for Honest Tea consumers."