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What is Water Kefir?

Water Kefir is a centuries-old fermented beverage made by combining filtered water with fruits, a small amount of sugar with water kefir grains.

The “grains” consist of bacteria and yeast existing in a symbiotic relationship and look like jelly crystals.

The term “kefir grains” describes the look of the culture only. Water kefir grains contain no actual “grains” such as wheat, or rye.

Tummy rumbling?


Try our Original Water Kefir

How is it made?

The kefir grains are left to ferment in water with organic lemon, ginger and a small amount of organic sugar for 48 hours.

What is gut microbiota?

The gut microbiota is the collection of microorganisms that live in our gut, where they help us in many ways.

The microbiota plays an important role in digestionweight managementblood regulation, and the immune system. No wonder it is called the “second brain”!

The microbiota is a complex research topic, but there is increasing evidence that eating fermented foods is beneficial to our health.

Indeed, studies have shown that some of the yeast and bacteria found in water kefir may colonise our gut and have a positive effect on our microbiota.

Tell us about the recipe for Agua de Madre?

Agua de Madre is vegan, sparkling water kefir, packed with billions of live cultures but gently pasteurised and with the addition of Organic Bacillus Subtilis, an organic probiotic that survives in your gut and in the bottles. The new recipe allows you to store the bottles outside the fridge and offers a longer shelf life of up to 12 months. 


More information on the Organic Bacillus Subtilis can be found here and here


Does Water Kefir contain alcohol?

As with all live cultured and fermented foods, a small amount of naturally occurring alcohol is a lucky bi-product of the ferment. Our Madres are under 0.5% ABV which is legally 'alcohol free'. 

Can i keep the Agua de Madre out of the fridge?

Yes! As it is gently pasteurised but we recommend to chill it before you drink it. 

Are we organic?

We are Soil Association Certified Organic

How is Water Kefir different from Kombucha?

While similar in concept (a fermented beverage made from a bacterial culture) and process, they are completely different cultures and therefore contain different strains of probiotics and different digestive enzymes. Kombucha is a fermented tea and is often caffeinated, water kefir has no caffeine.  Kombucha is slightly higher in digestive enzymes and water kefir is higher in probiotics.  While both fermented drinks are great digestive aids, they each contain different levels of acids and bacteria.  Kombucha is much more acidic than water kefir.

The taste is quite different also; kombucha has a slightly sweet, tart zing to it and depending on the brewing time can range from having a mild taste to having a strong-vinegar-like taste while water kefir has a mild, more mainstream natural soda flavour.

Water kefir is perfect for people who are sensitive to caffeine, or for those who wish to reduce their consumption.

Is there a lot of sugar in Water Kefir?
Can I keep Water Kefir out of the fridge?

As they are gently pasteurised you can keep Agua de Madre outside of the fridge, we do recommend you drink them chilled. 

Does Water Kefir contain dairy?
Nope.

Can you drink it if you are pregnant?
Some pregnant women thrive on it because of the digestive enzymes and probiotics. Because of the trace alcohol, we recommend that you exercise caution and confirm with your doctor before consuming.

Does Water Kefir contain gluten?
Nope.

Does Water Kefir contain caffeine?
Nope.

What is the difference between Water Kefir and Dairy Kefir?

Water kefir has a sweeter taste compared with milk kefir which is tart and strong flavoured. Water kefir is also dairy-free, making it a perfect choice for those who want to avoid dairy or are vegan. 


Water kefir is a lighter drink, making it easier to drink in larger quantities especially during warm weather for hydration. Both have similar numbers of live lactobaccillus cultures just different strains.


For more detail, read our blog post on the difference between water kefir and dairy kefir Water Kefir vs Dairy Kefir.

What is the benefit of taking Water Kefir instead of a probiotic supplement?

Fermented products such as water kefir are considered functional foods because they offer enzymes, pre-digested nutrients, amino acids, vitamins, minerals and billions of probiotics.


Probiotic pill supplements contain just one or a select variety of bacteria - typically that is all they contain.


It’s always better to consume something in its whole form when possible as it contains all the parts needed to assimilate nutrients correctly.

Is Water Kefir safe for diabetics?

Some diabetics have no problem as the bacteria and yeast produce enzymes that break down the sucrose (the double sugar that sugar is composed of) into fructose and glucose. Fructose is digested by the liver and does not spike the blood sugar in diabetics like sucrose or glucose. Because of the fructose, it makes this drink a lower GL. Also, the added acetic acids and carbonation from the fermentation process lower the GL.


Note: We advise that diabetics check with their doctor before consuming water kefir.

Can my kids drink it?

We would not encourage children under 12 to drink it because of the trace alcohol, although it can be diluted.

How much Water Kefir should i drink a day?

A 250ml glass a day is a great start, then slowly work up as your gut adjusts to the bacteria. As a replacement for a supplement, even this small amount contains billions of probiotics, the perfect amount for a daily dose.

Like what you’ve read? Have a browse of our products to see what tickles your (gut’s) fancy 😋

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