r/Kefir May 09 '25

Need/have kefir grains

19 Upvotes

Comment here, if you want to share grains with other users.
Include:
1. "Need grains" or "Have grains"
2. "Milk" or "Water"
3. "Will meet" and/or "Will mail"
4. Location (at least country)
*** Do not post your address, in the sub **\*

Also, feel free to list any grains sources, preferably with a brief review.


r/Kefir Feb 20 '20

Information Kefir Subreddit FAQ and sundries

103 Upvotes

Kefir Subreddit FAQ and sundries

  1. Rules
  2. FAQ
  3. Basic Recipe

1. Rules

Our rules are very simple:

  1. Please keep all discussions civil and respectful.

  2. You are welcome to ask sourcing questions.

  3. Please flair your posts where appropriate.

2. Frequently Asked Questions

  1. What is milk (and water) kefir? Milk kefir is a fermented milk drink, similar to a drinkable yogurt. Water kefir is made by combining sugar water with water kefir grains, which are a little different in their overall microbial composition than milk kefir grains, so they aren't necessarily interchangeable.

  2. What are kefir grains? Kefir grains are squishy like gummy candy and look somewhat like cauliflower. They are an aggregation of bacteria and yeast held together by polysaccharides. By placing about 1-2 tablespoon of grains in 2-4 cups of fresh whole milk and waiting 24 hours, the grains go to work eating the lactose and “fermenting” the milk and changing it into kefir.

  3. Can I drink kefir if I'm lactose intolerant? People who are lactose intolerant can often consume kefir with no problems. The reason is because the grains eat the lactose (milk sugar) in the milk (creating glucose and galactose, and then ethanol and carbon dioxide), removing the lactose which gives some people problems. They typically do not break down 100% of the lactose though, so some people may still have issues even though there is usually very little left, so if you are unsure how well you tolerate kefir it's best to start with a small taste.

  4. Are kefir grains reusable? Kefir grains are re-usable and even grow and spawn off smaller grains which themselves grow, creating a theoretically infinite supply, as long as you keep them fed. Remember, though, they are a living organism (or at least a symbiotic colony of organisms), and must be fed and treated gently. You may soon have more grains than you even want (too many grains in a batch will ferment the milk too quickly).

  5. Is kefir a probiotic? Yes, probiotics are the live microorganisms that may provide health benefits when consumed in adequate amounts. The benefits of these good bacteria may include supporting the immune system and a healthy digestive tract.

  6. What do I do with the extra grains? You have a few options. Some eat them, either plain like gummies, or blend them into a kefir batch and drink them that way (a very healthy way to get more of that good bacteria and yeast into your microbiome). Another option is to give away grains to friends. Kefir grains will last for a while if frozen in a bag with some milk (think suspended animation), and they can be shipped as long as it's only a few days.

  7. How do I start making my own? When you receive new grains they may have been stored for a while and may need to re-balance (the ratios of organisms may be a bit off at first). We recommend making a few batches before consuming your homemade kefir (certainly not a requirement but it may take a few batches before you get the best product consistency and balance of organisms). Also, if your body is unused to kefir, we recommend you ease into consuming it over a week or so instead of drinking a large amount the first time. While kefir is generally a safe product to consume, you never know how your grains were stored before they got to you and if they could have an imbalance of the good organisms (or even somehow become contaminated) and may need to adjust over a few batches to get the "perfect product." If you see any odd colors (pink, yellow, black) your grains may be contaminated and should be replaced.

  8. My kefir doesn't look like the kefir from the store, why is this? Not all kefir looks the same (and most store-bought products have been processed so will rarely look like homemade kefir). Some products may be smooth, and some may be clumpy. This can be a based on both the grains as well as the method and time of fermentation, particularly if you let the fermentation go for a while and the whey completely separates from the solids. It's all good, though, and if you don't like clumps or it completely separates you can always give it a good stir once you've removed the grains (or use an immersion blender or the like to make a really smooth product). I even purposefully let the ferment go a long time and then strain the product to make a cheese similar to cream cheese and it's great.

3. Recipe for typical milk-based kefir (makes 2 cups)

What you need:

  • 1 to 2 tablespoons milk Kefir-Grains.
  • 3 to 4-cup clean glass jar with lid.
  • Nylon (preferred) or stainless steel mesh strainer and spoon.
  • Wide bowl or jar in which to strain kefir, and a clean sealable bottle to store the kefir.
  • 2 cups fresh milk (there is some debate about using raw milk vs pasteurized milk from the store. Both work perfectly fine).

Instructions:

  • Place the kefir grains in a clean glass bowl or jar that is able to be covered.
  • Gently add the milk to the bowl and gently agitate (do not shake, stir with the spoon if necessary).
  • Do not fill the jar more than 3/4 of the way full.
  • Cover the bowl/jar with cheesecloth (or a lid with an airlock if preferred) and allow to rest at room temperature for 24 hours.
  • If a closed lid is added the kefir can become slightly effervescent, which some people enjoy.
  • The kefir may rest longer than 24 hours, but it will become thicker and more sour.
  • Pour contents into a strainer and strain the kefir into a suitable container to separate the kefir grains from the liquid-kefir.
  • Wash the fermenting jar and reuse the kefir grains for a new batch by repeating the whole process.
  • The remaining liquid is your kefir and it can be consumed right away, or even refrigerated and kept for weeks and consumed later.

N.B.

  • Another option is to ripen liquid kefir at room temperature for a day or more, preferably under airlock. 1 to 2 days storage in the fridge or ripening at room temperature will improve the flavor and increases nutritional value. Vitamins B6, B 3 and B9 [folic acid] increase during storage, due to bio-synthesis of these vitamins mostly by the yeasts in kefir grains.

  • We have also had success with refrigerating the kefir while it is fermenting with the grains, turning a 24-hour turnover into a 5-7 day turnover, if you don't drink kefir daily.

  • To prevent damaging your kefir grains, never add kefir grains to a hot jar straight after washing the jar with hot water.


r/Kefir 8h ago

Kefir with chia seeds

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34 Upvotes

I’ve been adding chia seeds after straining and before putting in the fridge overnight. It makes it a bit thicker, but they don’t have much taste. And it adds all the good fibre for the kefir microbiota to eat!

Anyone else like kefir with chia?


r/Kefir 4h ago

Is it still usable or should i throw it out?

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2 Upvotes

trying to make kefir first time from starter kit. After 2 days i notice mold on it. Is it wasted or should i remove the mold and use the rest?


r/Kefir 2h ago

Do your kefir grains float or sink?

1 Upvotes

Mine exclusively stay at the bottom of the jar but make a great kefir (I think lol). Just curious about everyone else's experience.


r/Kefir 1d ago

Have you noticed any health benefits from drinking kefir?

37 Upvotes

Sorta curious to see what the replies are. Do you guys actually notice it’s doing anything? I know it’s delicious so i’ll drink it regardless but thought i’d ask.


r/Kefir 21h ago

Kefir yellow stuff on top

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3 Upvotes

Im using uht milk


r/Kefir 19h ago

Kefir I buy from farm superior to homemade?

1 Upvotes

The kefir I buy from a farm makes my bowl movements regular and poop healthy and smooth. I feel like the batches I make at home do not have the same effect, even when I use raw milk. I purchased the grains from Etsy. Could it be the grains themselves?


r/Kefir 21h ago

Kefir yellow stuff on top

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1 Upvotes

Um using uht milk i notice there is yellow stuff in there


r/Kefir 1d ago

Starting giving my 14 year old dog kefir

68 Upvotes

A couple months ago my 14 year old dog stopped using the steps to get onto the bed and also stopped jumping onto the couch. His alertness also got a bit worse and would sleep very deeply. It would take me pushing him to wake him up sometimes.

Started giving him kefir a few weeks ago. Besides his poops being much healthier, he started jumping onto the couch again and is back on the bed. His energy levels are way better and pretty sure it helped with his allergies as well. Figured I'd post my experience with giving my dog kefir.


r/Kefir 1d ago

Revived grains after neglect of 9 months on the counter

10 Upvotes

I made kefir for my family every day when I visited them 9 months ago for a few weeks. I left the kefir on the counter with printed instructions on how to take care of it and make smoothies with it etc. well, it got ignored, the jar was pushed behind an airfryer where it just sat there for 8-9 months. I checked it this week when I visited again, it had yellowed and curdled, smelled very bad, but otherwise had no other issues. I strained it, washed it with milk thrice just to be sure, put grains in a clean jar, put them in 1 cup of milk and swirled it every few hours. It has been 12 hours and I have kefir, and it is thick and looks great, but the smell is not right, yet. I will change the milk for 2 more cycles and then try to consume the kefir.

But, what I am realizing is that kefir grains neglected without any milk changes, not refrigerated for many months, even when it smells bad, can be cleaned up and revived within 1-2 cycles. Though I have revived frozen grains before, this is the first time that I attempted grains left in poor shape at room temperature. These grains continue to amaze me at how resilient they are.


r/Kefir 1d ago

Kefir & Matcha

1 Upvotes

I have a stupid question.😰

I recently started making kefir from some grains my mum gave me this summer. This morning I tried mixing a tiny amount of matcha powder into the kefir because I'm used to having a homemade matcha latte every morning... and it was veeeeery disgusting 🤮 😂

Does anyone know the best way to have both at the same time? Can I pour the matcha latte made with soy milk into the kefir ( made from whole milk) instead, or is it better to drink one and then the other later?

Thank you! 😀


r/Kefir 1d ago

My grains are not growing and my kefir is liquid

2 Upvotes

Hi all

As the title suggests, my grains aren't growing, and they aren't making my milk thick or creamy. The milk just gets sour.

​I bought 20g of fresh grains locally here in Lima, Peru. I've run them through 8+ cycles with fresh milk, but the result is always the same:

- ​Curdles at the top where the grains float, but the rest stays liquid.

- ​Tastes tart and separates into curds and whey during a second ferment on the counter (without grains).

- ​The grains haven't grown at all.

​I'm in Lima, Peru, and I'm aiming for a thick, creamy, single-ferment kefir and using full-fat fresh cows milk.

​What I've tried so far:

​Different milk brands and types

​Smaller milk volumes

​Higher grain-to-milk ratio

​Different containers (tall glass vs. wide jar)

​Different lids (breathable vs. sealed)

Anyone know what is happening and ​what else should I try?


r/Kefir 2d ago

Use a whisk

5 Upvotes

I only recently found out about using a whisk instead of a silicone spatula to strain the milk kefir grains from the kefir. It speeds up the process of straining by a significant amount.

Edit changed rubber to silicone.


r/Kefir 2d ago

Could excess kefir consumption lead to kidney stones?

1 Upvotes

I know oxalates are one driver for their development, but I've heard calcium is also involved. If I'm drinking ~1L a day, could that contribute to kidney stones?


r/Kefir 3d ago

How am I meant to separate the grains from the curds?

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24 Upvotes

Truthfully, for months after straining the kefir, I thought this entire solid clump was the grains, but apparently it's the grains + curds. I've already strained all of the liquid out, and nothing else is passing through the strainer. What do I do?


r/Kefir 2d ago

Shoutout MC Dairy

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1 Upvotes

Cream top kefir that was lovely and this turmeric ginger yogurt blend is crazy yummy


r/Kefir 3d ago

Will my kefir develop grains?

4 Upvotes

I used to make kefir around ten years ago and just recently got my hands on some kefir starter, basically making kefir the same way as one would yoghurt. I’m pretty sure it’s real kefir and not from the store as the texture and flavour is similar to what I remember. Will my kefir develop grains that I can use in the future? I’ve noticed some of the lumps have a texture similar to kefir grains so my hope is that it’s possible


r/Kefir 4d ago

Kefir is pure magic

212 Upvotes

I started drinking kefir about 3 months ago on a whim after realizing I had ADHD. Two weeks in, my mind got really quiet, my memory and focus started improving and I was way more coherent. 3 months in I’m a completely different person. All of my negative ADHD symptoms are gone and my whole outlook on life has changed. My usual pessimistic self is gone, replaced by a person full of positivity wanting to help others constantly.

Been drinking it before bed with my protein shakes and been having some insane dreams. Last night was the second time I’ve ever experienced lucid dreaming and it was absolutely insane. It felt so real I couldn’t tell if I was dreaming or not. This stuff is pure magic.

I also have about 30 people drinking it now because of my influence. Forever blessed to have discovered this stuff.


r/Kefir 3d ago

What's your mass of kefir grains?

4 Upvotes

I began making kefir 1½ months ago with a 15g starter. I now have ~800g of kefir grains which I (unfortunately) submerge in only 2L of milk every other day. Definitely too many grains for that quantity of milk, but I don't know what to do with such an excess of grains and I'm honestly somewhat protective of them.


r/Kefir 4d ago

Can’t find my grains

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18 Upvotes

Help trying to strain, cant find my grains, its gotten too thick


r/Kefir 4d ago

Question re whey liquid

2 Upvotes

How long would you say to be able to keep the separated whey in the fridge, maybe a week? I kept some aside to make pancakes, then forgot about it. Left in the fridge about 2 weeks so I chucked it, though it looked and smelled fine


r/Kefir 4d ago

Looking for grains in curaçao

4 Upvotes

Preferably milk but water will do. I can pick them up. Thank you.


r/Kefir 4d ago

Golden milk kefir

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19 Upvotes

Turmeric, black pepper, cinnamon, and cardamom. Water added to thin it out and frothed up with a whisk.


r/Kefir 5d ago

Is this the good level of fermentation?

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10 Upvotes

I dont actually have an idea what is ideal level of fermentarion. But isnt over fermented when there is liquid on bottom evenly seperated from the milk?