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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 Gio at 7/2/11 9:26 AM
- From JJ at 7/7/11 3:07 PM
- Is your milk kefir grains as same as Starter? Thanks.
- The milk kefir grains are live and contain about 30 strains of bacteria and yeast. They can be re-used indefinitely. The starter is dried, powdered kefir, containing about 6 strains, and can only be re-used a few times.
- Do you find this question helpful? Yes No
- From JJ at 7/7/11 5:28 PM
- Thank you for your quick response.I will be taking a trip for at least two weeks next month. I am wondering what should I do with the kefir grains, so I can reuse it after coming back from the trip. Thanks!
- We have a great article in our advice section on keeping cultures on hold while you are away. Basically you just put the grains in a jar of milk, cover the jar, and leave it in the refrigerator. They will hibernate happily for a couple of weeks!
- Do you find this question helpful? Yes No
- From JJ at 7/10/11 9:10 AM
- Do you mean with milk in the jar? I tried to find your Advise section, but I couldn't find it. Thanks!
- Yes, in a jar with milk. Here is an article on how to keep cultures dormant while you are away: http://www.culturesforhealth.com/safely-holding-starter-cultures-vacation
- Do you find this question helpful? Yes No
- From Alex at 7/13/11 4:03 PM
- Hello, I would love to purchase some of your milk kefir but I've just read an older post saying that you have to use dairy milk to refresh the grains from time to time. I'm a vegan and would really not like to do this. Would they not last very long in that case if I used them in soya or coconut milk all the time? Thank you.
- The milk kefir actually contains casein as part of the grain body, and lactose is its natural food, so the grains must be refreshed in dairy milk periodically. They would probably be able to produce kefir from soy or coconut milk for a couple of weeks, but would eventually starve and die.
- Do you find this question helpful? Yes No
- From RB at 7/19/11 12:23 PM
- Can i use refrigerated cold milk to make kefir, when i add the grains to the milk or does it have to be warm / room temperature milk
- Hello,
Yes you can use milk out the the refrigerator directly in your milk kefir! However, it does give a little shock to the grains, and it is best for the grains if you let it warm up to room temperature. But, out of the refrigerator never caused any problems for me! ;) - Do you find this question helpful? Yes No
- From Amy Hoffman at 7/19/11 3:13 PM
- Can you sweeten kefir? If so, what is best to use and at what stage of the process?
- Hello Amy,
You can sweeten and flavor kefir. You would do it after the kefir has cultured. If you visit this page there are many links to information about flavoring your kefir. There is even a free kefir ebook! http://www.culturesforhealth.com/milk-kefir-grains.html - Do you find this question helpful? Yes No
- From Lottakids at 7/20/11 11:06 PM
- I was just wondering if you could use the kefir in almond or rice milk. If a person is lactose intolerant would milk kefir still cause a problem?
- Milk kefir can be used successfully in almond or rice milk, but must be refreshed periodically in dairy milk to keep the grains alive. The almond or rice milk kefir may have a much thinner texture than kefir made with dairy milk, but will still have a probiotic content.
Part of the action of kefir grains is to eat up the lactose that is in milk. The longer it ferments, the less lactose remains in the kefir. A two- or three-day ferment would use up nearly all of the lactose. If you have concerns about drinking kefir with lactose intolerance, you should consult with your health professional. - Do you find this question helpful? Yes No
- From kj at 7/22/11 6:20 PM
- I am alergic to cow milk (lactose intolerant) and I have access to organic goat milk, not pasturized. how would i use the milk kefir grains with goat milk???? Thanks oh and will they re-populate.
- Milk kefir grains will work in any sort of dairy milk - raw, pasteurized, goat, cow, sheep, etc - EXCEPT ultra-pasteurized. Goat milk makes a great kefir, and no special treatment is required. The grains should grow and reproduce.
- Do you find this question helpful? Yes No
- From Anne at 8/5/11 12:09 PM
- I would like to make thick kefir yogart (thick like greek yogurt). Is this possible?? If so, what are the steps needed to produce a thick final product.
- Some of the factors involved in getting a good thick kefir are: Use a high-fat milk, or even add some cream to the milk. A higher fat content will give a thicker kefir. Also, you can let the kefir culture for a longer time. The longer it cultures, the thicker it will be. If you stir it up a few times as it is culturing, it will give a nice consistency.
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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)Price Value Quality
- 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)Quality Value 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.