Milk Kefir Grains

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$17.99


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Milk Kefir Grains

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Ways to Use Milk Kefir:

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Milk kefir grains are live active cultures consisting of yeast and bacteria existing in a symbiotic relationship. Adding the kefir grains to fresh milk yields a probiotic drink within 24 to 48 hours. This dairy kefir culture is reusable, and with care will allow you to make kefir over and over again.

  • Traditional heirloom-style kefir culture (aka "grains" due to appearance); not a powdered starter culture
  • Reusable culture; makes a new batch of kefir every 18-48 hours
  • With proper care, the culture can be used indefinitely to create delicious probiotic-rich kefir
  • Cultures on the counter at 67-80°F, no heating appliance required
  • Can be used with cow milk, goat milk, soy milk, or coconut milk (see instructions)


Milk kefir grains are a starter culture that can be used with soy or coconut milk if care is taken to occasionally revitalize them in dairy milk. (Complete instructions will be included with each order.) Coconut kefir in particular is quite thick, rich, and delicious. Click here for information on making coconut kefir.

There are numerous uses for kefir including making a type of cream cheese, adding to smoothies, and drinking alone. Kefir can also be flavored after it has cultured and the kefir grains have been removed. Click here for more information on the numerous strains of bacteria and yeast generally known to comprise milk kefir grains.

Ingredients: Organic whole milk, live active cultures. Packaged with a small amount of organic powdered milk to extend shelf life. Click here to see what bacteria and yeasts are in the Milk Kefir Grains.

Milk Kefir Grains are produced in a facility that also processes soy, wheat, nut, and fish products.


Shipping Information: Our Milk Kefir Grains are shipped in a dehydrated state in a barrier-sealed packet. Upon receipt, the dairy grains can be rehydrated in fresh milk (this process usually takes 5-7 days) and then used to make kefir by adding the grains to fresh milk, stirring, covering, and leaving at room temperature until the desired consistency is reached (no more than 48 hours).  

Complete instructions are included with each order.  Click here to view our kefir instructions.

Questions on Milk Kefir Grains

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  • From Lana at 11/23/12 10:29 PM
  • From Elizabeth at 10/9/12 6:35 PM
    • What is the shelf life of the dehydrated kefir grains if I keep them in the original package? I have some active grains right now, but want to have "back up" grains in case I need them.
      Thanks you!
    • The grains last about a month unrefrigerated, and about a year refrigerated.
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  • From niki at 10/7/12 1:35 PM
    • I am very new to kefir. What do I need to start with? Just the milk kefir grains? Or the starter kit? I plan on using this with raw milk.

    • The starter kit is just the grains plus a strainer. By ordering them both together, you save a little money. Milk kefir grains do very well in raw milk, but we advise rehydrating them in pasteurized milk until they are fully active. (You will be discarding the milk each day until they are active, so this will save you a little money. Also, the new grains will not have to compete with the bacteria in the raw milk.)
    • Do you find this question helpful?  Yes   No
  • From Jennifer at 10/4/12 8:03 PM
    • How long will the grains last?
    • If cared for properly, milk kefir grains have an unlimited life span and can be used repeatedly to make kefir.
    • Do you find this question helpful?  Yes   No
  • From Beth at 9/21/12 5:22 AM
    • Do you happen to know what the difference is between milk kefir and piima or villii (sp?) milk? I have been researching, but am unable to find what cultures are present in pima/villii.
    • Yeast and bacteria composition of:

      Milk Kefir = way too many to show here, the list can be found here: http://www.culturesforhealth.com/milk-kefir-grains-composition-bacteria-yeast

      Piima = S. lactis var. bollandicus and S. taette,

      Viili = Lactococcus lactis subsp. cremoris, Lactococcus lactis subsp. lactis biovar. diacetylactis, Leuconostoc mesenteroides subsp. cremoris
    • Do you find this question helpful?  Yes   No
  • From Laura at 9/8/12 9:58 AM
    • We've been enjoying our kefir grains since purchasing them a few months ago. We are going on vacation for 10 days in a week--could you tell me the best way to keep the kefir grains while we're gone?
      Thanks!
    • Fresh milk in the fridge (airtight container) and fresh milk when they come out. They will be safe and happy in the fridge while you're away.
    • Do you find this question helpful?  Yes   No
  • From Cheryl at 8/24/12 8:23 AM
    • I am on the second day of rehydrating the milk kefir grains. The milk is thick. Is it ok to drink it now or should I go through the entire 5 days as the instructions say. It does not smell sour at all, more like what fresh yogurt smells like.
    • If your milk is thickening and you have that fresh, tangy smell, it would be time to give your finished kefir taste. The flavor will continue to develop as your grains adapt to their new environment.
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  • From Liza at 8/8/12 8:36 PM
    • Hi. Do I need to rinse the grains out after straining or can I just dump them into new milk all yogurty? And, for yogurt, is it ok to use a metal spoon to serve it with? Somewhere in my Russian past I remember hearing that this was not allowed.
      Thanks.
    • No need to rinse the Milk Kefir Grains between batches. Some metals are reactive and should not be used with cultures (aluminum, silver, etc.) so it's best to stick with a wooden or plastic spoon.
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  • From Ir at 7/29/12 10:21 AM
    • What is the best way to remove kefir grains from already cultured milk/kefir?
    • We find the easiest way to remove grains is to strain the kefir through a fine mesh plastic strainer, then take the remaining grains and put them into fresh milk.
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  • From Sacha at 7/27/12 3:54 PM
    • Will the kefir grains grow?

      'Milk Kefir Grains are manufactured in a facility that also processes soy, wheat, nut, and fish products.'

      The use of the term "manufactured" leads me to wonder if the grains have been modified or altered in some way. Traditional grains do multiply over time. Do these grains grow as well? Are they from an organic source? Have they been genetically modified? Any pesticide use?
    • Milk kefir grains are known to multiply, but at times they are reluctant to do so and therefore we do not guarantee kefir grains will multiply. Even if they do not multiply, with proper care, kefir grains can be used repeatedly to brew milk kefir. Generally kefir grains take 6-8 weeks following rehydration to being multiplying.

      Our kefir grains are cultured using only organic whole milk in our certified kitchen, following the same methods we recommend for culturing at home. No alterations or modifications except that they are dehydrated to be stable for shipping.
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Customer Reviews

milk kefir grains Review by Susan
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I've been able to save money by making my own kefir with good quality grains from Culture for Health. The taste is much fresher than store bought and the instructions were easy to follow. (Posted on May 15, 2013)
Milk Kefir Grains Review by Julie
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At first I was disappointed and thought that either I was doing something wrong or my grains were just "not right." I contacted the oh-so-patient customer service reps so many times when I first started kefering that I started feeling a little on the kefir-challanged side. But, at last, with patience and good advice, I am now a kefir making mama! The grains are very forgiving and are now, about 5-6 weeks later, growing every day! I now make a quart of kefir each day and it is so very thick, just like I like it! The step I changed is actually mentioned not to be necessary, but it made all the difference in the world for me. After each batch of kefir I make, I thoroughly rinse my grains with cool water before adding the next quart of milk. Before doing this my kefir was runny and just not thick at all. Now, it's thick like a milkshake. And so good! I am very happy with the purchase and would definitely recommend CFH to everyone! I am going to be ordering more products, as the customer service is outstanding and the prices are great, also! (Posted on May 13, 2013)
Meh Review by organyc
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My milk grains have not grown at all, they are tiny. I am always worried that they are escaping through my strainer. In the beginning it takes a few tries for them to make decent kefir and it seems like they aren't as happy in soy milk? but all-in-all, the milk grains do work.. they are just miniscule and delicate. (Posted on April 16, 2013)
Wonderful kefir! Review by R. Schumaker
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We have really enjoyed our kefir from Cultures for Health! I make a batch daily and either mix it with natural fruit jam or make it into smoothies with frozen fruit. We've also used it for making salad dressing and kefir cream cheese. I have a very busy schedule but the kefir is so easy to keep up with and I have found it much more convenient than making yogurt. (Posted on March 23, 2013)
WOW Review by Mae
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i received my started kit on Saturday and by Monday afternoon i was having Kefir. Im having a blast with them and just ordered some water kefir cultures. I need to thank my neighbor that got me started on this. This is so much better than buying kefir from the store (Posted on March 15, 2013)
excellent Review by Diane
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The kefir grains arrived quickly after I placed the order for them. i was fully expecting it to take more than five days to rehydrate, but, by day three I had kefir :)

I do keep a thermometer in the kitchen, and after moving the jar a couple of times, found a spot that stays at 72°consistently. At first I placed the jar on a warming mat I keep on the counter for soaking/sprouting buckwheat groats, but was worried it might be too warm,I kept checking with a candy thermometer and it was right at 85° when set on the mat.

The grains were activated in reconstituted powdered goats milk, (also checked with a candy thermometer after mixing with warm water) and I think maybe the fact that the milk was warmer than refrigerated when grains first went in, contributed to the speed that they began to begin working.

I've since switched to raw goats milk, poured straight from the refrigerator, as using warmer milk was making kefir in about 17 hours, which was not all that convenient. (Posted on March 13, 2013)
Nice product. Review by lux
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I am really happy with my kefir grains. Not only did they arrive quickly, but they started making kefir super quickly. I was expecting to have to wait a while, as they were dehydrated, and most everything I have read while researching kefir said that it would take 4-5 days (if not longer) to begin. On the 2nd full 24 hours, my milk started becoming kefir. On the 3rd full day, it was sour, thick, creamy and absolutely delicious. I'm really satisfied with these grains! Thank you. (Posted on March 7, 2013)
Pleasantly surprised Review by Laura
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I had been following the instructions to rehydrate my culture, but after a few days, I wasn't sure if it was working or not. The milk didn't seem to have changed at all. Despite my uncertainty, I kept changing the milk as instructed. Lo and behold, I checked it one day and found kefir! It's been working perfectly ever since! I had some kefir in my smoothie, and it was delicious! (Posted on March 1, 2013)
Love my kefir Review by Ryan
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I love how simple it was to rehydrate my grains, and get them going. I now use them daily, and I have friends that want some of my extra grains. The videos on the website were extremely helpful and well detailed. (Posted on January 16, 2013)
Durable and resilient Review by Sara
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I live in North Africa and I had a friend bring me a pack of Milk Kefir Grains. I wasn't sure if they would hold up between the amount to time from their original shipment to my friend or the variable temperatures the grains experienced while traveling to me, but they did great! I've been able to rehydrate them with total success. Now I am just waiting for them to multiply so I can share them! I am so thrilled to finally have kefir. (Posted on January 13, 2013)
Very good~ Review by Amy
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I had never tried kefir before getting these, but I've become addicted to the idea and the tartness. I've been alternating between whole cow's milk and almond milk. My tiny two grains haven't grown much in the month that I've had them, but they did survive a week of sitting in the frig in milk while we were away for Christmas. At this point I think I'm going to stop using them with the almond milk to see if that helps them beef up a little. I've also gotten help from the LiveChat that makes me feel there's always someone to ask a question of. It's a great benefit! I drink mine plain a couple of times a day. (Posted on January 10, 2013)
Drink kefir! Review by Eloise
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I've been lactose sensitive since a child. We drank milk three meals a day every day and my stomach hurt all the time. My parents took me to the doctor and they said it was all in my head. I gave up drinking milk in college and now at 50+ found kefir. I have a large glass every morning. My stomach doesn't hurt. My nails and hair are stronger and look better. I feel myself getting healthier and healthier by the day. This product was easy to purchase, quick to arrive and had clear directions. I wasn't pleased with the first few batches. I thought they tasted off, but as it's aged, it has improved and now I love it. (Posted on January 10, 2013)
Very pleased! Review by Healthy gut
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I was a little skeptical of this whole kefir business, but in an attempt to create a healthier gut due to some health problems, I gave it a try. This product works exactly like it says it will. I followed the directions and within a couple of weeks, my grains were growing well. I hae been able to pass along grains to others due to growth. I drink my kefir unflavored (which is an acquired taste) and add it to smoothies for the kids. I have been making kefir from this starter for almost a year now! I would definitely recommend this product. (Posted on December 15, 2012)
Love Kefir Review by JoyK
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I have had my Kefir grains for several months and I absolutely love them. I use whole organic milk from my local grocery store and have not had one problem. I use a clean quart jar every day with a coffee filter and rubber band. Cheap! When I am tired or have too much stored, I simply place in the fridge for a few days with a cup of milk. This really requires minimal maintenance making it easier than I every imagined. My husband had been drinking Kefir from the store for years and he is very pleased that I am making it at home now. Go ahead and buy the kit because the strainer is a must-have for optimal results. I immediately wash my strainer after each use or it is almost impossible to clean after lying in the sink. (Posted on May 16, 2012)
Great Product Review by Laurie
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The grains are alive and well. My only disappointment was that it could only make a small amount of kefir. [Note from CFH: The milk kefir grains can be re-used indefinitely to make large quantities of milk kefir, but it may take some time for the grains to multiply sufficiently to make more than a quart at one time.] (Posted on May 9, 2012)
I simply LOVE this product! Review by Rebecca
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Yes, if you want a reliable kefir product, this is definitely the one to order. We ordered ours in March of this year and have had an unending supply of high quality kefir ever since, and we are now going on eight weeks of culturing it again and again. It has been worth every penny we spent on it. (Posted on May 8, 2012)
Perfect grains Review by sasha
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Today is 3rd day since we got grains in the mail and we already have great tasting kefir. This worked much faster than what instructions suggested. Note to shoppers: do buy that plastic strainer, we had to go though 4 stores by the time we found one.

(Posted on May 7, 2012)
Making my own kefir Review by Marc
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I ordered my grains a 4 weeks ago. I keep my house cool (63F), but that did not stop these grains from making some delicious kefir. It took about a week to get them up and going, but I cannot believe how much the grains have grown. Sure beats the store-bought stuff. (Posted on March 12, 2012)
Perfect quality!! Review by Tammie
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I will admit...I was a bit scared away for a minute due to the higher price compared to those that I saw on amazon.com. But as we know, higher priced often means better quality. I purchased the kefir grains and within 4 days I recieved my product. The first 24 hours I had healthy and beautiful grains and was quite pleased!! (Posted on February 23, 2012)
great product Review by rrteacherbear
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great product, we bought them and had kefir within 24 hours. we have been mixing with organic jam and using a stick blender to mix. we have our first batch of kefir cream cheese in the fridge now. (Posted on February 20, 2012)