Water kefir grains consist of bacteria and yeast existing in a symbiotic relationship. The term "kefir grains" describes the look of the culture only. Water kefir grains contain no actual "grains" such as wheat, rice, etc.

There are three primary differences between water kefir grains and powdered kefir starter: Water kefir grains have a larger number of probiotics than powdered starter culture. With proper care, water kefir grains can be used indefinitely to make water kefir. Powdered starter culture can be reused for a number of batches, but will eventually stop culturing. Powdered kefir starter culture has a smaller initial investment cost than do water kefir grains; however, you will need to continue to purchase new culture.

Our water kefir grains are grown in mineral water and organic sugar.

Water kefir contains fewer strains of bacteria and yeasts than milk kefir. On the other hand, water kefir contains far more than other cultured products, like yogurt or buttermilk.

While the probiotics can vary with each batch made with water kefir grains, a list of bacteria and yeasts generally found in water kefir grains can be found in our article.

Yes! Water kefir contains no dairy and are grown in mineral water and organic sulphur-free sugar.

No, water kefir grains do not contain gluten.

Yes, water kefir grains are reusable. Once a batch of water kefir is finished culturing, simply remove the water kefir grains and place them in fresh sugar water. (Although reusable, it is not advisable to use your only set of grains in juice/coconut water, as this can be very hard on them. It's best to use a separate set of grains.) The powdered kefir starter culture may also be reused several times for sugar water, juices and coconut water.

If cared for properly, water kefir grains have an unlimited life span and can be used repeatedly to make water kefir. Kefir made with a powdered kefir culture can often be re-cultured from around 10 times. The exact number of successive batches will depend on the freshness of the kefir and hygienic practices employed.

Water kefir can be made using a starter culture or reusable water kefir grains. When you receive water kefir grains from us, you will also get an instruction set along with the grains.

Water kefir generally takes 24-48 hours to culture. The exact time will vary depending on environmental factors, the most important of which is temperature. Allowing the water kefir grains to over-ferment puts you at risk of starving the grains and potentially damaging them.