What is the best store-bought kefir? Your guide to top brands

The global market for probiotic-rich foods continues to expand, with kefir remaining a top choice for health-conscious consumers. But with countless options available, what is the best store-bought kefir to deliver on flavor and potent probiotic benefits?

Quick Summary

Compare leading store-bought kefir brands, evaluating factors like probiotic diversity, ingredients, flavor, and dietary options. Find the best kefir for your wellness goals.

Key Points

• Check Cultures: Prioritize kefirs listing high CFUs and specific bacterial strains for maximum probiotic benefits.

• Watch for Sugar: Many flavored kefirs contain high levels of added sugar; opt for plain versions to avoid this.

• Choose Your Base: Dairy, water, and non-dairy kefirs all offer benefits, but differ in probiotic profile and nutritional content.

• Consider Taste and Texture: Brands vary widely in tanginess and consistency; Lifeway is tart, while Green Valley is creamier.

• Go Dairy-Free if Needed: For lactose intolerance or vegan diets, brands like Forager Project (cashew) and KeVita (water) are excellent choices.

• Quality Ingredients Matter: Look for products with a short, simple ingredient list, avoiding artificial additives and thickeners.

Your Guide to Choosing the Best Store-Bought Kefir

Kefir, a fermented drink celebrated for its gut health benefits, has become a mainstream grocery item. While homemade kefir offers maximum control, the convenience of store-bought versions is undeniable. The key is knowing how to navigate the options to find a product that is both effective and delicious. The "best" choice depends on your individual health needs, taste preferences, and dietary restrictions.

Factors to Consider When Buying Kefir

When you stand in the dairy aisle, the labels can be overwhelming. Here's what to look for beyond just the brand name:

• Live and Active Cultures: This is the most important factor. Look for a label that states the number of Colony Forming Units (CFU) and lists specific bacterial strains. Kefirs made with traditional kefir grains, like some artisanal brands, often have a more diverse range of probiotics than those made with powdered starter cultures.
• Sugar Content: Flavored kefirs can contain a significant amount of added sugar, which can counteract the health benefits of the probiotics. Opt for plain, unsweetened varieties whenever possible. If you prefer a sweeter taste, choose a brand with low or no added sugar and add your own fresh fruit or a natural sweetener at home.
• Ingredients: Simplicity is key. The best kefirs will have a short ingredient list, typically just milk and live cultures. Avoid products with artificial flavors, colors, or stabilizers, which are unnecessary for a quality product.
• Dietary Needs: Consider your milk source. Milk kefir is the most traditional and has the highest probiotic diversity. However, for lactose intolerance or vegan diets, consider water kefir or non-dairy options made with coconut or almond milk. While still beneficial, these alternatives may have a different probiotic profile.
• Fat Content: Whole milk kefir is creamier and richer, while low-fat and non-fat versions are lighter. For those seeking maximum nutrition, whole milk provides additional vitamins and omega-3 fatty acids.

Top Store-Bought Kefir Brands Reviewed

Here are some of the most popular and highly-regarded kefir brands you can find in stores:

Best for Traditionalists: Lifeway Organic Whole Milk Kefir

Lifeway is one of the most widely available kefir brands and a solid choice for those seeking a classic, tangy experience. Their plain, organic whole milk kefir is famously tart and features 12 live and active probiotic cultures. It's thick enough to enjoy on its own or use as a base for smoothies and dressings. Lifeway also offers a range of low-fat and flavored options, but the organic whole milk version is a fan favorite for its purity.

Best for Flavor and Creaminess: Green Valley Creamery Organic Kefir

For those who find traditional kefir too tart, Green Valley Creamery offers an excellent, smoother option. Made with organic whole milk, it's rich and creamy, with a delightful balance of tangy and sweet, especially in the plain flavor. It's also certified lactose-free, making it a perfect choice for those with lactose sensitivity who still want the benefits of a dairy product.

Best for Dairy-Free: Forager Project Drinkable Cashewgurt

For a creamy, dairy-free alternative, the Forager Project's Cashewgurt is a standout. Fermented with live kefir cultures, this organic cashew-based drink is surprisingly smooth and refreshing. It's a great choice for vegans or those with dairy allergies and comes in delicious flavors like Wild Blueberry and Strawberry.

Best for Artisanal Quality: Biotiful Dairy

Biotiful Dairy, a UK-based brand with growing availability, is praised for its authentic kefir made with grains. The founder, inspired by traditional Russian kefir, created a product that offers a genuine taste and a diverse spectrum of live cultures. Their product range includes drinks, protein-enhanced versions, and a kids' range, catering to various needs. The original is particularly recommended for its authentic flavor profile.

Best for Water Kefir: KeVita Sparkling Probiotic Drink

If you prefer a light, refreshing, and dairy-free option, KeVita is a popular choice for water kefir. These sparkling drinks offer a different probiotic profile than milk kefir and are a tasty, low-calorie alternative to soda. KeVita comes in numerous fruit flavors, making it an easy and enjoyable way to get probiotics into your diet.

Comparison Table of Top Kefir Brands

Feature	Lifeway (Organic Whole)	Green Valley (Organic Whole)	Forager Project (Cashewgurt)	Biotiful Dairy (Original)	KeVita (Sparkling)
Base	Cow Milk	Cow Milk	Cashew Milk	Cow Milk	Water
Key Feature	Widely available, classic tart taste, 12 cultures	Lactose-free, rich and creamy, smooth texture	Vegan, organic, creamy cashew base	Authentic, made with grains, diverse cultures	Dairy-free, sparkling, low-calorie, many flavors
Sugar	Low/No Added (Plain)	Low/No Added (Plain)	Low Added (Flavored)	Low/No Added (Original)	Low/Moderate Added
Dietary	Vegetarian	Lactose-free	Vegan, Dairy-free	Vegetarian	Vegan, Dairy-free

Conclusion: Making the Right Choice for You

Choosing the best store-bought kefir is a personalized journey that depends on your palate, dietary restrictions, and health goals. For the classic kefir experience, Lifeway is an excellent, widely available option. If you need a lactose-free dairy product with a smoother taste, Green Valley Creamery is a top contender. Vegans or those seeking a dairy-free alternative should explore Forager Project for its creamy texture or KeVita for a refreshing, sparkling option. The key is to prioritize products with minimal added sugar and a high count of live and active cultures. As you discover your favorite, remember that consistency is what counts for long-term gut health benefits. Experiment with different brands and types to find the one you'll love incorporating into your daily routine. For more information on fermented foods and gut health, visit the ZOE website for a wealth of science-backed articles: https://zoe.com/learn/what-is-kefir.

How to Integrate Kefir into Your Diet

• Smoothies: A classic use for kefir, blending it with fruits and greens.
• Oats: Use plain kefir as the liquid base for overnight oats.
• Dressings: It can substitute for buttermilk or yogurt in creamy salad dressings.
• Baking: Adds moisture and a slight tang to muffins, pancakes, and quick breads.
• Plain: Simply drink it straight or with a drizzle of honey for a refreshing treat.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is store-bought kefir as good as homemade?

While homemade kefir may contain a wider diversity of live cultures from fresh grains, many store-bought brands offer a high and consistent number of beneficial probiotics. The primary differences lie in the number of strains and the convenience factor.

Can I drink kefir if I am lactose intolerant?

Yes, many people with lactose intolerance can tolerate milk kefir. The fermentation process breaks down much of the lactose, making it easier to digest. Dairy-free options like water kefir or coconut milk kefir are also widely available.

How much kefir should I drink daily?

A common recommendation for reaping probiotic benefits is about one cup (8 ounces) of kefir daily. However, individual needs vary, so listen to your body and adjust accordingly.

Is all kefir gluten-free?

Yes, traditional kefir grains are not actual grains like wheat or barley, but a culture of bacteria and yeast. Therefore, both milk and water kefir are naturally gluten-free.

What is the difference between kefir and yogurt?

While both are fermented dairy products, kefir typically contains a wider variety of probiotics and is thinner in texture than yogurt. Kefir also involves both bacteria and yeast fermentation, while yogurt primarily uses bacterial cultures.

Does store-bought kefir contain alcohol?

Yes, the fermentation process can produce a small amount of alcohol, typically between 0.5% and 2%. The amount varies depending on the brand and fermentation time, but it is generally very low.

How should I store store-bought kefir?

Store-bought kefir should always be kept in the refrigerator. An unopened container can last for about two weeks past its expiration date, while an opened one is best consumed within 5 to 7 days.