Coconut kefir is a great alternative for people looking for a non-dairy kefir. And even if you love milk kefir, coconut milk kefir is a tasty change of pace. Coconut kefir is as easy to make as regular kefir, there are just a few hurdles to keep in mind.
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INGREDIENTS AND EQUIPMENT AVAILABLE AT CULTURES FOR HEALTH
Milk Kefir Starter Kit
Milk Kefir Starter Kit
$39.74
Designed for beginners, this kefir starting kit contains our Milk Kefir Grains plus 3 tried-and-true culturing supplies to make it easy to get started making milk kefir at home. Just add milk!
Packaging and Equipment in the kit may appear different than pictured.
Milk Kefir Grains
Milk Kefir Grains
$20.24
Milk Kefir grains are live probiotics in the form of soft, jelly-like ‘grains’. They are grown in milk, thus giving it their name. The term "kefir grains" describes the look of the culture only, but they aren’t actually grains.
When healthy and fed, these grains will continue to grow and multiply.
Milk Kefir has many health benefits and is one of the richest sources of probiotics!
Just one pouch of grains will culture 4 cups every day. Drink it up, or enjoy your Kefir in smoothies, ice cream, baked goods, and other recipes.
*Milk Kefir is Excluded From Discounts
Kefir Starter Culture Powder
Kefir Starter Culture Powder
$11.24
Our kefir starter culture makes both milk and water kefir. It's a kefir powder culture, which means each packet can be recultured a few times. Kefir starter is a great choice for beginners, kefir experimenters, and those who don't want to maintain kefir grains.
Water Kefir Starter Kit
Water Kefir Starter Kit
$32.24
This beginner-friendly kit contains our Water Kefir Grains plus 4 hand-picked supplies to get you started, including our favorite culturing sugar. Just add water.
Packaging and Equipment in the kit may appear different than pictured.
Coconut Kefir Options
There are three options for making coconut milk kefir. The first two contain minimal dairy. These are great if you're just looking to reduce your dairy consumption or if you're sensitive to lactose. However, the third option is completely nondairy coconut kefir, making it a real vegan alternative. All of these options are great ways to make coconut kefir at home!
THE MAIN COCONUT MILK KEFIR RECIPE
This first option uses Milk Kefir Grains and coconut milk. We find that this method repeatedly and sustainably produces solid coconut kefir. You can use homemade coconut milk or a canned variety. If using store-bought coconut milk, remember to avoid brands with additives and sweeteners, as they can be hard on the kefir grains. Guar gum, which is a typical additive, does not seem to be problematic.
Download our Milk Kefir Recipe Book today to start making your own Coconut Milk Kefir at home. It’s easy and fun, and you’ll love the taste!
INGREDIENTS IN MAKING COCONUT MILK KEFIR:
- Activated Milk Kefir Grains
- Coconut Milk
INSTRUCTIONS FOR COCONUT KEFIR RECIPE:
- To make coconut milk kefir, place the milk kefir grains in coconut milk. Usually 2-4 cups.
- Stir with a non-metal spoon.
- Cover with coffee filter or cloth, secured by a rubber band.
- Culture the coconut kefir at room temperature, 68°-85°F
- After 12 hours, begin checking the coconut milk kefir every few hours, up to a maximum of 24 hours. Remove the milk kefir grains once the coconut kefir reaches the desired consistency.
COCONUT KEFIR RECIPE NOTES:
Sometimes kefir grains will require an adjustment period, so the first batch of coconut milk kefir may not culture as desired. Use the coconut milk from this batch for cooking and place the milk kefir grains in fresh coconut milk. An adjustment period isn’t uncommon whenever kefir grains are switched from one type of milk to another (cow to goat, pasteurized to raw, dairy to coconut, etc.).
Milk kefir grains can be cultured in coconut milk regularly but should be revitalized in dairy milk for 24 hours once every few batches to keep them healthy.
Note that dehydrated milk kefir grains should be rehydrated and fully activated in non-Ultra Pasteurized dairy milk for at least 3 weeks before being used to culture coconut milk.
OPTION 2: USE KEFIR STARTER CULTURE IN MAKING COCONUT KEFIR
This option is not completely dairy-free, but contains very little dairy and is much simpler than using milk kefir grains. Use a Kefir Starter in coconut milk. Simply follow the instructions for making kefir included with the kefir starter culture.
These kefir starter cultures contain the same cultures as regular milk kefir, but they're not grains. Instead the cultures are added directly. As a result, they can't be re-cultured indefinitely. Instead, you can sometimes have success using a portion of your first culture to start a second culture, but after a couple times re-culturing the coconut kefir, it will lose potency and need a new starter culture.
OPTION 3: USE FINISHED WATER KEFIR FOR THE COCONUT KEFIR RECIPE
This option is completely dairy-free.
- Add ¼ cup water kefir (finished kefir, not the water kefir grains) to 2-4 cups coconut milk.
- Cover loosely and culture for 24 hours. The cultures in the water kefir will culture the coconut milk. It's not exactly the same cultures, but they're similar and will produce a perfectly acceptable coconut milk kefir.
Learn to make Coconut Milk kefir at home and download our Milk Kefir recipe book today to get started.
Coconut kefir can be made in a ton of different ways but the 3 we’ve listed out in this post are the best ways. These are the easiest methods and give you the best-finished product.
Now that you know how to make coconut kefir, it’s time to start making your own at home, and Cultures for Health is here to help.
We have the best selection of fermentation and kefir grain products to choose from in our store. We also have all of the tools you’ll need to start fermenting and making your own food in your kitchen.
If you’re ready to start making coconut kefir, our Milk Kefir Grains are the best option for you to use to start making your own coconut kefir now! It contains a packet of dehydrated traditional, heirloom-style milk kefir grains and detailed instructions in case you need more help in the process.
Click here to check out our Milk Kefir Grains now!
