Tag: Pasteurized kefir

According to the CDC, from 1998 through 2018, 202 outbreaks occurred from drinking raw milk, causing 2,645 illnesses. When considering raw kefir, it's crucial to understand that it is made from unpasteurized milk, which carries significant risks of contamination by harmful bacteria.

While pasteurized kefir is the standard on most grocery store shelves, its raw counterpart is often touted for superior health benefits, particularly enhanced probiotic activity. Is raw kefir better than pasteurized kefir? The debate hinges on a detailed look at probiotic potency, nutritional differences, and crucial safety considerations.

According to food scientists, the milk used to create commercial kefir is almost always pasteurized before the live cultures are added. This preemptive heat treatment ensures the product is safe and free of harmful pathogens, a critical step that addresses the question: is grocery store kefir pasteurized?. However, it also means there are key differences between store-bought and homemade versions.

Did you know that commercial kefir often lacks the diverse probiotic yeast strains found in authentic, grain-fermented versions? Learn how to tell if kefir is raw by looking beyond the label to evaluate its unique texture, flavor, and fermentation signs.