Types of Kefir

Types of Kefir

You’ll be happy to know that even if you cannot tolerate having any dairy, there are types of kefir that are still rich in probiotics and have plenty of healthy kefir benefits, but that are completely lactose and dairy free. There are essentially two main types of kefir, and they differ in multiple ways.
The two types of kefir are: milk kefir (made from cow, sheep, or goat milk but also from coconut milk) and water kefir (made from sugary water or coconut water, both of which do not contain any dairy).
While the base liquid used in different types of kefirs vary, the process for making kefir is still the same and the health benefits are thought to be present in both types. All kefir is made using kefir “grains”, which are a yeast/bacterial fermentation starter. All types of kefirs are similar to kombucha (another healthy probiotic-rich drink favorite) in that they must have sugar either naturally present, or else added, in order to allow the healthy bacteria to grow and for the fermentation process to take place. However the end result is that both kombucha and kefir are very low in sugar, because the live active yeast essentially “eats” the large majority of the added sugar during fermentation.
Here is more information about how the different types of kefirs are made and how their tastes and uses differ:

Milk Kefir (made with goat, cow, or sheep’s milk)

Milk kefir is the kind that is normally most well-known and widely available, usually sold in most major supermarkets and nearly all health food stores. Milk kefir is most often made from goat’s milk, cow’s milk, or sheep’s milk, but certain stores also carry coconut milk kefir, which again means it does not contain any lactose, dairy, or real “milk” at all.
When buying milk kefir made from goat, cow, or sheep milk, you want to always look for a high-quality organic brand to ensure you are getting the most benefits and avoiding any harmful substances found in conventional dairy.
Traditionally, milk kefir is made using a starter culture, which is what ultimately allows the probiotics to form. All probiotic-rich beverages use a starter kit of “live” active yeast which is responsible for creating the beneficial bacteria.
Once fermented, milk kefir has a tart taste that is somewhat similar to the taste of Greek yogurt. How strong the taste is depends on how long the kefir fermented; longer fermentation usually leads to a stronger tarter taste and even yields some carbonation which results from the active yeast.
Milk kefir is not naturally sweet on its own, but other flavors can be added to it in order to boost the flavor and make it more appealing. While some people prefer to have kefir plain, many like to have vanilla or berry-flavored kefirs, similarly to how you will find yogurts flavored and sold.
Most store-bought kefirs will be flavored with additions like fruit or cane sugar, but you can sweeten and flavor your kefir yourself at home by adding pure honey (preferably raw), pure maple syrup, pure vanilla extract, or organic stevia extract. Also try adding pureed fruit to your plain kefir (like banana or blueberries) to boost the nutrient content even more.
Beyond just drinking milk kefir, there are other ways to cleverly use it in recipes. Milk kefir can make a great base for soups and stews that would otherwise call for regular buttermilk, sour cream, heavy cream, or yogurt. You can substitute plain or flavored kefir for any of these in ingredients in your favorite recipes for baked goods, mashed potatoes, soups, and more in order to boost the nutrient content.

Water Kefir

Water kefir tends to have a more subtle taste and a lighter texture than milk kefir does. Water Kefir is normally made using sugar water or fruit juice.
Water kefir is made in a similar way as milk and coconut kefirs. Just like milk kefir, plain water kefir can be flavored at home using your own healthy additions, and makes a great healthy alternative to drinking things like soda or processed fruit juice.
You will want to use water kefir differently than you would use milk kefir: try adding water kefir to smoothies, healthy desserts, oatmeal, salad dressing, or just drink it plain. Since it has a less creamy texture and is less tart, it is not the best substitute for dairy products in recipes.
If you’d like to drink water kefir on its own, make sure you buy a kind that is low in sugar and then consider adding your own fruit or herbs to give it more flavor. Try having water kefir with fresh squeezed lemon and lime juice, mint, or cucumber to flavor your water kefir naturally, or make a healthy soda alternative by combining water kefir with club soda or seltzer for a virtually sugar-free carbonated drink.
No matter the type of kefir you choose to consume, look for a high-quality brand that is preferably organic. Choose kefirs that are low in sugar and added flavors, and then try flavoring it yourself at home where you have control over the amount of sugar being used. All types of kefir should be refrigerated and it’s best to keep them in glass bottles, so that plastic or any BPA that might be present, cannot leach into the kefir


resource:Dr. Axe