Does Vegan Kefir Exist? Everything You Need to Know

December 13, 2025 •

4 min read

Kefir, a fermented milk drink with a rich history, is well-known for its tangy flavor and probiotic benefits. The good news for those with dietary restrictions is that vegan kefir can indeed be made, offering similar gut-boosting advantages without any dairy ingredients. This exciting possibility opens up a world of new, healthy beverage options for vegans and the lactose intolerant.

Quick Summary

Vegan kefir is a reality, made from fermenting sugary water or plant-based milks with kefir grains or a starter culture. Water kefir is completely dairy-free, while plant-milk versions use milk kefir grains adapted to non-dairy substrates. Different bases like coconut, soy, and nut milks produce varied tastes and textures for this probiotic drink. Commercial options are also available for convenience.

Key Points

Yes, it exists: Vegan kefir is available, both homemade and commercially, offering a dairy-free alternative to traditional milk kefir.
Two main types: It can be made with either water kefir grains for a fizzy, water-based drink or adapted milk kefir grains for a creamy, plant-based milk version.
Plant-based options: Popular vegan bases include coconut milk, almond milk, and soy milk, each providing a unique flavor and texture profile.
Revitalization needed: Milk kefir grains used in non-dairy milk may require periodic revitalization by being returned to dairy milk to remain active.
DIY or buy: Many commercial brands offer vegan kefir, but making it at home is a simple process that gives you complete control over ingredients.
Similar health benefits: Vegan kefir, like its dairy counterpart, is rich in probiotics that support gut health and offer anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting properties.
Not quite identical: While beneficial, vegan kefir may have a less diverse probiotic profile and different texture compared to traditional milk kefir.

Yes, Vegan Kefir is Real and Ready to Drink

The short answer is a resounding yes: vegan kefir does exist. It can be made using two primary methods, each yielding a unique probiotic beverage. The first method involves using water kefir grains to ferment sugar water or fruit juice, creating a fizzy, light, and tangy drink known as water kefir. The second approach uses milk kefir grains adapted to ferment plant-based milks such as coconut, almond, or soy milk, resulting in a creamy, yogurt-like consistency. While traditional dairy kefir relies on lactose for fermentation, vegan alternatives use other sugars found in fruit juice or added sweeteners like maple syrup to feed the cultures.

How is Vegan Kefir Made?

Creating vegan kefir at home is a straightforward process, regardless of the base you choose. For water kefir, you simply combine water kefir grains with sugar water, cover the mixture, and let it ferment at room temperature for 24–48 hours until it becomes bubbly and tangy. The strained grains can be reused for future batches. For creamy plant-milk kefir, you introduce milk kefir grains or a specific vegan starter culture to your chosen non-dairy milk. Because plant milks lack lactose, some recipes recommend adding a small amount of sugar to the batch to provide a food source for the grains.

Water Kefir (Tibicos)

Ingredients: Water kefir grains, sugar, water, and optional dried fruits for flavor.
Process: Combine ingredients in a jar, cover with a breathable cloth, and let ferment for 1-2 days. The grains will feed on the sugar and multiply. Strain the grains and store the finished kefir.
Final Product: A light, tangy, and naturally carbonated beverage. It can be flavored with fruit juice during a second fermentation.

Plant-Milk Kefir

Ingredients: Active milk kefir grains or vegan starter culture, plant-based milk (coconut, soy, almond), and optional sugar.
Process: Place grains in plant milk and let ferment for 24-48 hours. For coconut milk, this may take less time. Milk kefir grains used with non-dairy milk need to be revitalized in dairy milk periodically to stay active.
Final Product: A thick, tangy, and probiotic-rich drink similar to dairy kefir but with the unique flavor of the plant milk used.

Comparing Vegan and Dairy Kefir


Feature	Vegan Kefir	Dairy Kefir
Base Ingredient	Sugar water, fruit juice, or plant-based milk (coconut, soy, almond).	Animal milk (cow, goat, sheep).
Starter Culture	Water kefir grains, adapted milk kefir grains, or vegan starter culture.	Milk kefir grains.
Lactose Content	100% Lactose-Free. All lactose is absent as the base is dairy-free.	Very Low Lactose. Fermentation converts most lactose to lactic acid, making it suitable for many with mild intolerance, but it is not dairy-free.
Texture	Varies widely. Water kefir is thin and fizzy. Plant-milk kefir is often thinner than dairy kefir, though coconut milk can produce a creamy texture.	Thick, creamy, and yogurt-like.
Flavor	Can range from tangy and sour to sweet, depending on the base and added fruits.	Tangy, sour taste with a distinct dairy flavor.
Revitalization	Milk kefir grains used with plant milk need occasional revitalization in dairy milk to stay active and healthy. Water kefir grains are sustainable in sugar water.	The grains continuously thrive in dairy milk without needing revitalization.
Nutrient Profile	Varies significantly depending on the base. May contain less protein and fat than dairy kefir.	Rich in protein, calcium, and B vitamins.
Probiotic Diversity	Contains a robust, but sometimes less diverse, range of bacteria and yeasts than traditional milk kefir.	Highly diverse, containing up to 61 strains of bacteria and yeast.

Health Benefits of Vegan Kefir

Like its dairy counterpart, vegan kefir is a potent source of probiotics, offering numerous potential health benefits. A diverse and healthy gut microbiome is linked to improved digestion, enhanced immunity, and even better mental health. The fermentation process of vegan kefir populates it with beneficial microorganisms that contribute to this positive gut balance. Beyond probiotics, the nutritional profile depends on the ingredients. For example, coconut water kefir provides electrolytes like potassium, while soy milk kefir offers complete protein. Plant-based kefirs are also a viable option for those with lactose intolerance or a dairy allergy, as they are completely dairy-free.

Choosing and Making Your Own Vegan Kefir

For those new to vegan kefir, deciding whether to buy or DIY depends on your goals. Commercial brands like GT's Living Foods and Forager Project offer convenient, ready-to-drink options. However, making your own at home provides full control over the ingredients and allows you to enjoy the process of fermentation. If you choose to DIY, selecting the right base is key. Coconut milk yields a creamier product, while water kefir is a light, fizzy alternative. Regardless of your choice, introducing vegan kefir into your diet is a simple and delicious way to boost your probiotic intake.

Conclusion

Vegan kefir is more than just a substitute; it's a diverse and valuable addition to the world of fermented foods. Whether you prefer a creamy plant-based milk version or a refreshing water-based beverage, options are readily available for those avoiding dairy for ethical, health, or dietary reasons. With its significant probiotic content, homemade or store-bought vegan kefir can offer a tasty and effective way to support your gut health. Its versatility in base ingredients and flavors makes it a highly customizable beverage that can easily fit into any vegan diet. It is a testament to the fact that you can enjoy the benefits of this traditional superfood without any dairy at all.

AUTHORITATIVE OUTBOUND LINK Learn more about the science behind kefir's health benefits from this comprehensive article published in Medical News Today: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/318353

Frequently Asked Questions

The main difference is the base ingredient: regular kefir is made with animal milk, while vegan kefir is made using plant-based milk or sugar water, making it completely dairy-free.

Yes, water kefir is a type of vegan kefir made by fermenting water kefir grains in sugar water. It is a light, fizzy, and tangy alternative to the creamy, milk-based versions.

Yes, but with a caveat. You can use milk kefir grains in non-dairy milk, but they need to be 'revitalized' by being cultured in dairy milk periodically to stay healthy and active.

Plant-based milks naturally have a different composition and lack the specific proteins that cause dairy kefir to thicken significantly. The resulting texture will depend on the plant milk used, with coconut milk often yielding a thicker result.

Yes, for both water and plant-milk kefir. The kefir grains need a sugar source to ferment. Water kefir uses added sugar, while plant-milk kefir may require added sugar since plant milks have no lactose.

Store-bought vegan kefirs are convenient and offer probiotic benefits. However, homemade kefir gives you full control over the ingredients, allowing you to avoid added sugars and additives found in some commercial products.

Vegan kefir is an excellent source of probiotics that can improve digestion, balance the gut microbiome, and boost the immune system. Specific benefits can vary based on the base used, such as electrolytes from coconut water.

Coconut milk is often recommended for those seeking a thicker, creamier vegan kefir. The fat content in coconut milk helps create a richer texture similar to dairy kefir.