How to Make Kefir at Home and Save Money Forever: The Easiest, Cheapest DIY

Better Health‍

Image Source: FreeImages‍

Kefir is a fermented drink made from kefir grains (also called kefir cultures) and water. It’s a probiotic-rich drink with a yogurt-like consistency. Kefir has been around for thousands of years and is still popular in Eastern Europe, Asia, and Africa. It’s so popular that many countries produce their own kefir variants. If you love the tangy flavor of yogurt or the smoothness of Greek yogurt but can’t afford to buy it on a regular basis, then you will love making your own instead. Not only is homemade kefir healthier than store-bought brands because it doesn’t contain added sugar, preservatives, or artificial sweeteners — Using homemade kefir is also more affordable than purchasing it at the grocery store.

We also have another article discussed a lot more about Unlocking the Surprising Health Benefits of Kefir

How to Make Kefir at Home: Step-by-Step Guide

You’ll need kefir grains (also called kefir cultures), kefir grains-based starter kefir grains, a jar or container, a spoon, a strainer, a non-metal bowl, a glass or stainless steel bowl, a thermometer (optional), a jar lid, a cloth, a cup or glass jar, and some clean water.

To make kefir at home, you’ll need to:

• Pour a few tablespoons of kefir grains in enough water to cover them by at least one inch.
• Once the grains are hydrated, cover them with more clean water and store them in a warm, dark place.
• Allow the grains to ferment for 24 to 48 hours until a creamy layer forms on top.
• Once the grains have fermented, strain the liquid through a coffee filter or paper towel until you have a smooth, tart liquid.
• Pour the kefir into a container (you can also store it in the fridge).
• To make more kefir, combine 1/2 cup of starter liquid with 1/2 cup of clean water and allow it to ferment for 24 hours.

If you want to make milk kefir, the steps are basically the same, and the ratio is similar too. Just replace milk with water. Please note, the water kefir grains are different from milk kefir grains. So make sure you are getting the correct seed kefir grains. Here is another video which explains the step very well too:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aHJpJ23iaSc

Benefits of Making Kefir at Home

• Kefir is a probiotic-rich drink that has many health benefits.
• It can help boost your immune system and fight off infections, improve your digestion, and support healthy gut flora.
• It’s tasty and refreshing, and you can substitute it for milk or water in many recipes.
• It’s also a source of probiotics for animals, especially for your pet!

What You Need to Make Kefir

• Kefir grains: To make Kefir at home, you’ll need a few tablespoons of kefir grains for each batch of kefir you make. You can buy them online or from your local health store, or make your own.
  I normally get it from Amazon as below: https://amzn.to/3WU3PrH
• Stovetop: You’ll also need a stovetop for making the kefir.
• Fermentation jar: You’ll need a jar to store your kefir.
• Cup or glass jar: You’ll need something to store your kefir in.
• Water: You’ll need some water to make your kefir.
• Cleaning supplies: You’ll also need a few cleaning supplies to make your kefir, like a coffee filter, paper towel, and strainer.
• Jar lid: You’ll need a jar lid to seal your jar.

Making a Probiotic Kefir Recipe

You can make a probiotic-rich kombucha-like probiotic drink at home using kefir grains as a starter. It’s a great way to get probiotics into your diet and can be made easily at home.

To make probiotic kefir, you’ll need – 1/2 cup of kefir grains (store-bought or homemade kefir). – 1/2 cup of water. – 6 to 8 fresh organic strawberries, sliced. – 1 cup of organic, unheated filtered water. – A clean, medium-sized glass jar. – A clean strainer. – A clean coffee filter.

Probiotic Kefir Recipe Steps

• Soak the kefir grains in water for 24 hours.
• Mix the grains and water in a clean glass jar.
• Add the sliced strawberries, cover the jar with a lid, and place it in a warm place.
• Once the kefir grains are fermented, strain the liquid through a clean strainer and discard the solids.
• Pour the kefir into the clean glass jar and add the filtered water.
• Add the fresh strawberries and seal the jar.
• Store the kombucha on a countertop or in the fridge.

FAQs for kefir beginners

• How long does it take to make kefir at home?
• A week for the grains to ferment, about 4 days for the grains to ferment and then about 24 hours for the kefir to form.
• What if it doesn’t seem to be fermenting?
• Your grains might not be fully fermented, so try again if that happens. You can also try adding more starter liquid or more water.
• What’s the best way to store homemade kefir?
• Cold storage is best, so place it in the fridge and try not to leave it out too long.
• Is it healthy to drink?
• Yes, it’s a probiotic-rich drink that’s great for digestion, immune system support, and improving gut flora.

Final Words

We hope you loved our guide to make kefir at home. We’ve included everything you need to know to make great-tasting kefir for a low cost. If you have questions about any of the steps, feel free to leave a comment below!

You can also check out other homemade probiotic drinks, like kombucha – another easy and inexpensive probiotic drink available for purchase at most grocery stores.

Kefir and other fermented drinks are great for boosting your immune system and improving your digestion thanks to the probiotic bacteria in them. You can also use them to improve gut flora and prevent gut diseases like leaky gut syndrome. They’re also delicious and refreshing, so you can substitute them for milk or water in recipes or drink them on their own as a healthy, probiotic-rich drink.