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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 Karen at 5/5/11 1:28 AM
- Do these have some shelf life once shipped from your warehouse? how long? Would they go bad if I don't rehydrate them right away? Since I'm having a friend bring them to me from the U.S. in a month I'm a bit worried... should I order now or when the time is closer? Thanks!
- Our milk kefir grains are shipped dehydrated, and have a shelf life of several months when kept at reasonable temperatures. They generally hold up quite well in shipping and transport. If you refrigerate them once you receive them, they should stay viable for quite a long time.
- Do you find this question helpful? Yes No
- From Linda Mrowka at 5/11/11 8:16 AM
- Hello, I am having a hard time finding out the sugar content of 1 cup of kefir milk
I find the amount is zero in the grains but what is it in the milk after fermentation. - The amount of lactose (milk sugar) remaining in fermented kefir will vary depending on the amount of time the kefir is cultured. Ultimately the grains will consume all the lactose in the milk - after that, they will starve as lactose is their food. If you ferment the kefir to the point just before it begins to separate into curds and whey, virtually all of the lactose will probably be gone.
- Do you find this question helpful? Yes No
- Hello, I am having a hard time finding out the sugar content of 1 cup of kefir milk
- From Denise at 5/11/11 3:14 PM
- I forgot about my kefir and left it sitting out for about 2 1/2 weeks. Is it safe to dump out the kefir, rinse the grains, and start again? How can I tell if the kefir grains are still ok to use?
- Unfortunately after 2-1/2 weeks at room temperature the grains have probably starved. They can sometimes go for two or even three days, and can last in the refrigerator in milk for a couple of weeks, but you are probably going to have to start over with new grains at this point.
- Do you find this question helpful? Yes No
- From Marissa at 5/14/11 5:27 PM
- I have left my keifer on top of the fridge in milk about 4 days over. The keifer yogurt is very potent and I am not sure if it is safe to drink or not. The grains look a little fragile will they be ok? Thank you so much whom ever receives this message. Marissa
- That's a long time to leave kefir grains in milk, but there is still a chance they could be okay. Transfer them to fresh milk right away, and put the jar in the refrigerator for a couple of days. Then let them sit on the counter in a new jar of milk for 12-24 hours, and repeat the resting cycle. After that, if they don't properly culture a new jar of milk, you'll know they have starved... but if they do culture the milk, then they're fine.
As far as drinking the four-day kefir... trust your eyes, nose, and tongue. Don't consume anything that smells or tastes bad. - Do you find this question helpful? Yes No
- From Linok at 5/17/11 11:55 PM
- What happened if you exedentaly eat the grains?
How many different types can kefir milk grains be? i got one on Amazon and they seems like good and working, but they are different from what I saw from my friend. Mine now kind of loose and soft and hard to find out in the kefir , while my friend has formed ball shape , very easy to find and pick up. Not sure if I have different type of it or they just too small and will be reshaping? - There is no problem if you eat the kefir grains.
Kefir is a very specific type of bacteria and yeast combination, so it should be the same no matter where you get it. However, different suppliers will treat the grains differently, so you will sometimes find kefir that looks different.
Your kefir grains should begin to grow in size and quantity as they become more mature. If you have trouble finding them in the milk, you can stir up the kefir before you strain it. Or, you can keep the grains in a muslin bag while they are culturing the kefir. If you do that, make sure the bag stays under the surface of the milk so it doesn't grow mold. - Do you find this question helpful? Yes No
- What happened if you exedentaly eat the grains?
- From Jill at 5/17/11 10:11 AM
- From Oksana at 5/19/11 4:49 PM
- Hello,
I've got kefir grains in April, they worked fine for a month and a half and then they stopped producing kefir. Could it be due to the change of temperature in the house? Is there a way to get the grains back to making kefir?
Thank you. - If the grains stopped working, there is a good chance they either became contaminated somehow, or perhaps starved. You can try resting them by putting them in a jar of milk and letting them sit in the refrigerator for a couple of days. If that does not revive them, they are most likely dead.
You don't say whether you were culturing them in dairy milk or in alternative milk. Kefir cultured in alternative milk must be refreshed with dairy milk occasionally. - Do you find this question helpful? Yes No
- Hello,
- From willie mitchell at 5/22/11 2:12 PM
- Health question: I am having a problem with constant diahrea....do you think Kefir will go toward helping this problem. Just had a colonoscopy so there is no problem there.
- Unfortunately we cannot comment or advise on medical issues or health benefits of our products. However, there is a considerable amount of information on the Internet for you to research, and you can also check with your doctor.
Other forum participants are also welcome to chime in with their own experiences and opinions. - Do you find this question helpful? Yes No
- From Julia at 5/30/11 2:46 AM
- Are your kefir grains the same thing as kefir buds? And how does one store the grains between batches?
Thank you! - Yes, kefir buds are another term for kefir grains. If you need to take a break from making kefir, you can just put the grains in a jar of milk and put it in the refrigerator (with a lid) for a couple of weeks. If you need a longer break, we have directions on our website for drying them out and freezing them.
- Do you find this question helpful? Yes No
- Are your kefir grains the same thing as kefir buds? And how does one store the grains between batches?
- From Jon at 5/30/11 10:03 AM
- I received fresh grains from another source and they were sitting in my outdoor mailbox and the weather has been very warm. I could not get them to culture the milk properly even after three batches. I think they might have been killed by the heat. Do dried kefir grains hold up better in warm weather?
- Our dehydrated grains are pretty shelf-stable, and should be good for a couple of months in the package. We do regularly ship them all over the world year-round. Occasionally there is a failure, in which case we replace the product, but it's not that common and doesn't seem to increase in the summer.
- Do you find this question helpful? Yes No
Ask Your Own Question
Back to the product pageCustomer 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)Price Value Quality
- 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)Quality Value Price
- 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)Value Quality Price
- 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)Price Value Quality
- 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)Price Value Quality
- 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 :)Price Value Quality
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)Quality Price Value
- 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)Price Value Quality
- 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)Value Quality Price
- 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)Quality Price Value
- 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)Quality Price Value
- 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)Price Value Quality
- 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)Price Value Quality
- 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)Price Value Quality
- 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)Quality Price Value
- 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)Quality Price Value
- 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.Value Quality Price
(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)Price Value Quality
- 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)Quality Price Value
- 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)Price Value Quality
Attention!
Starter cultures, rennet for cheese making and cultured vegetables, juices and condiments are sensitive to excessive heat. Once your order has shipped, an e-mail with tracking information will be sent to you. We encourage you to use the tracking information to anticipate the arrival of your items so they can be removed from the mail box and stored in the refrigerator promptly.