Can you make kefir with non-dairy milk?
The one extension guide we could read, from the University of Guam, shows kefir made from coconut milk using milk kefir grains, water kefir grains or a kefir culture. We found no official ranking of the best non-dairy milk, so we cannot name one.
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In this article
Is there a non-dairy kefir?
Yes. The University of Guam Cooperative Extension bulletin TB001-19 describes coconut kefir and calls coconut milk a dairy-free milk alternative. Check labels if you must avoid dairy, because grains sold for milk kefir are activated in dairy milk first.
What do you use as the starter?
The bulletin lists three options: milk kefir grains, water kefir grains, and a powdered kefir culture that needs no activation. Water kefir grains are activated in a 10-15% brown sugar solution for 3-4 days, so that route does not need dairy milk.
How do you make coconut milk kefir?
- Pour hot water (90-95 C) over grated mature coconut meat at 1.5 parts water to 1 part coconut, blend, and strain through cheesecloth.
- Pasteurize at 85-90 C for 15 seconds, then cool to about 28 C.
- Add grains at 3-5% of the milk weight, or add culture.
- Ferment at 20-28 C for 24 hours, or until it thickens.
- Strain out the grains and refrigerate at 4 C (40 F), for use within 2 weeks.
Which non-dairy milk is best for kefir?
The bulletin only covers coconut milk. We found no official source that compares almond, oat, soy or other plant milks for kefir, so we do not rank them. Home fermenting carries food safety risks; discard anything that smells or looks off. Ask a doctor or pharmacist before using kefir if you have a weakened immune system.
People also ask
Is there non-dairy kefir?
Yes, the University of Guam extension describes coconut milk kefir made with milk or water kefir grains or a kefir culture.
How long does non-dairy kefir ferment?
The Guam bulletin ferments coconut milk at 20-28 C for 24 hours, or until it thickens.
What milk is best for making kefir?
We found no official comparison of milks; the extension guide covers only coconut milk.
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