How is Kefir Made?

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If you’re confused about what organic kefir is or just want to learn more, then read on. In this article, we’re discussing the difference between non-dairy kefir and a dairy kefir drink, so you can get the best kefir for your health.

What is kefir?

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Kefir is a drink made from kefir grains, which are fermented with either milk or sugar water. Contrary to the name, kefir grains aren’t actually a grain from a plant. They are a combination of live bacteria and yeast with a shape that resembles cauliflower florets.

Kefir grains feed off the lactose in milk or the sugar in sugar water. The fermentation process involves microorganisms breaking down lactose or sugar into lactic acid and takes between 12 and 48 hours. The grains are then drained, leaving kefir milk which has a yogurt-like texture, or bubbly kefir water.

The difference between milk kefir and kefir water

Kefir grains are used to make all kefir drinks. However, the fermentation of grains with milk or water determines the final product.

Milk kefir

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Kefir grains feed off the lactose in milk to make kefir milk. After consuming all the lactose, the grains leave behind cottage cheese-like clumps. These clumps are then continuously strained and fed fresh milk for four to seven days.

Once the grains turn fresh milk into thick kefir within 24 hours, they are ready to undergo the fermentation process with a milk of your choice. For example, adding the fermented grains to cow or goat's milk for a kefir yogurt drink. You can also make coconut kefir milk, along with other nut milks.

Can I get kefir grains from a normal bottle of milk?

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No, you can’t make kefir grains from a bottle of milk. Kefir grains produce kefir clumps. However, the curdling you see in grain-free milk is the separation of whey and water, which emits a strong sour odour and contains bad bacteria. Therefore, you need to buy kefir grains and add them to milk to make milk kefir at home.

Kefir water

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Kefir water is made using sugar and water. The kefir grains break the sugar down into lactic acid, usually within 24 hours. This creates a naturally carbonated drink with a tangy taste.

You can add kefir grains to sugar and coconut water to make coconut water kefir, or use normal filtered water with sugar. Often, kefir drinks are infused with fruits, herbs, and spices to create different flavours. For example, ginger and blueberries for a refreshing bubbly drink.

Types of kefir grains

You can purchase fresh kefir grains or dried kefir grains. Fresh grains can’t live long without food, so you must immediately add them to milk or sugar water when they arrive. However, dried kefir grains are dormant and reactivate when added to milk or sugar water.

What are the benefits of kefir?

Kefir doesn’t just taste good, it also comes with a range of benefits to boost your mental and physical wellness.

Kefir is good for your gut

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Kefir drinks contain probiotics, which are ‘good’ bacteria. Kefir probiotics are extremely beneficial for your health because they feed the prebiotics (also good bacteria) in your gut. Your gut is like your second brain and helps stabilise hormones and mood, which impacts anything from focus and concentration to reproduction.

Kefir improves your digestion

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Kefir drinks aid digestion by balancing the microbiota in your gut. This reduces inflammation in your stomach and intestines, tackling bloating and constipation. The probiotics in kefir drinks also help break down and absorb nutrients efficiently, enhancing your vitamin and mineral intake for better energy.

Kefir supports bone health

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Kefir yoghurt drinks (made with dairy milk) contain vitamin K and calcium. These are essential for improving the density and strength of your bones. This is especially important in young children who need healthy bone development and the elderly to reduce the risk of osteoporosis.

Kefir lowers inflammation

Inflammation wreaks havoc in the body, causing anything from low moods and a disrupted menstrual cycle to headaches, acne, poor heart health, and hair loss. Inflammation often starts in the gut, which then impacts the rest of your body. Regularly consuming kefir probiotics may help lower swelling and tackle internal issues.

How to get raw kefir

You can make kefir at home by getting raw kefir grains from a kefir starter kit. This allows you to make endless kefir drinks, which is helpful if you and your family want the drink regularly. You can also buy kefir milk for a kefir probiotic drink or enjoy kefir water as a soda alternative.

Kefir FAQs

We’ve dedicated the following section to answer frequently asked questions about kefir.

Is kefir better for you than regular milk?

Kefir yogurt drinks contain probiotics, whereas milk does not. However, milk is still excellent for your health as it’s bursting with calcium, potassium, vitamin K, and B vitamins.

What’s better: Dairy kefir or non-dairy kefir?

Dairy kefir has more nutritional value because the milk contains additional vitamins, minerals, and fats compared to plant milk kefir or kefir water. However, you can still gain the benefits of probiotics from non-dairy kefir options.

Can vegans have kefir?

Yes, you can have vegan kefir by using coconut milk as a non-dairy alternative, or drinking kefir water. Vegans cannot have kefir yogurt drinks as these contain dairy.

Is it okay to drink kefir every day?

How often you drink kefir depends on your tolerance. If you’re just starting, then begin slowly and gradually add more to your diet. However, generally speaking, it’s safe to drink kefir daily.

Enjoy the health benefits of kefir

Whether it’s an organic kefir yogurt drink or non-dairy kefir water, you can enjoy it any time of day. Make your own using a kefir starter kit or stock up on kefir drinks for a healthy, and tasty, probiotic.

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