HAPPY CULTURE WATER KEFIR – A DELICIOUS AND HEALTHY WAY TO HYDRATE

In this blog, we’ll dive into the world of water kefir – kombucha’s awesome cousin, and ally in good gut vibes !

KEFIR vs WATER KEFIR 

A lot of people get confused with the difference between these two, so, in case you are too, let me help shed light on this point as we begin.

“Kefir” refers to a  is a type of fermented drink, traditionally created by adding bacteria and yeast cultures to milk . The cultures feed on natural sugars in the milk, created a fermented drink filled with live cultures. Kefir has a tart and tangy flavour and a consistency similar to drinkable yogurt. 

Though traditional kefir is made with dairy milk, there are many other types of kefir. Kefir can be made using cow’s, sheep’s, or goat’s milk, nondairy milk, such as coconut or oat milk.

Kefir can also be made skipping the milk entirely, using a fruity water base. This kind of kefir being know as ‘Water Kefir’.

In this blog , we will focus on water kefir as this is the kind of kefir we make here at Happy Culture. It is made from only plant based ingredients, is naturally bubbly, and in our case, entirely sugar free ! 

HAPPY CULTURE WATER KEFIR – WHAT’s GOOD ? 

Happy Culture Water Kefir is a delicately fermented, lightly infused probiotic water, bubbling with life and delicious hydration. It is made with a base of fruit juice and mineral water, fermented together with a live culture.

The style is light, fresh, and fruity, complemented by an elegant effervescence.

It’s a great option for those who prefer something on the lighter side, but still want to enjoy the bubbly delight and probiotic benefit of fermented drinks.

The Happy Culture Water Kefir range is available in four delicious flavours, with options to suit any mood, moment or personality: Passion Fruit & Mint, Peach & Lemon, Wild Berries, and Apple Ginger.

Over an above the benefits of natural, sugar free, delicious hydration, consuming Happy Culture Water Kefir can also help improve gut health and various aspects of wellbeing. This is thanks to its probiotic and vitamin 12 content. 

Probiotics are good bacteria that help keep your digestive system healthy. When you drink Happy Culture Water Kefir, you are introducing these beneficial bacteria into your body, which can help improve your gut health.

Each bottle contains your daily recommended dose. of Vitamin B12, which may support your  bone health, red blood cell formation, energy levels, and mood.

WHEN TO DRINK IT ? 

Happy Culture Water Kefir can be enjoyed anytime, anywhere as a delicious, refreshing drink, and exciting alternative to sugary sodas and artificial drinks.

I personally love it most at lunch time as a pairing to my meal, or in the afternoon as an invigorating refreshment. 

This bubbly beverage is also a great option for those looking for an alternative to alcoholic drinks as a social refreshment or as an evening wind down (great option in the evening as it contains no sugar or caffeine).

The fermentation process creates a slight fizziness, which gives the drink a similar mouthfeel to champagne or beer. This makes it a perfect choice for anyone who is looking for a sophisticated drink to enjoy with friends, without the alcohol.

HOW IS IT MADE?

1. Happy Culture water kefir is handcrafted from a base of mineral water, natural fruit juices and extracts. 
2. A live culture is added to the liquid base, and the blend fermented together. 
3. The live cultures, through the fermentation alchemy, will transform the fruity water into a delicious, living, sparkling probiotic water, ready to invigorate the lives of those who enjoy its wonders ✨.

HOW DOES IT TATSE?

Water kefir has a slightly tangy, slightly sweet taste with a fizzy texture. Some people describe it as similar to a light, refreshing soda or a more natural, less sweet flavoured water. The flavour profile is much lighter than our kombucha, so it is a great option for those who are looking for refreshment with probiotic benefits, but without the stronger, more complex taste of kombucha. Each blend offers its own unique delicious expression of flavour and aromatic sensations.

HOW DOES IT COMPARE TO KOMBUCHA?

Like water kefir, kombucha is made by adding a symbiotic culture of bacteria and yeasts to a sweet liquid, creating a fermented, living, naturally sparkling drink.

Though the two share a lot of similarities, there are also some key differences.

The main differences between the two is in the starter cultures and base ingredients used.

While kombucha is made with a sweet tea base, Happy Culture water kefir is made from a base of mineral water and natural fruit juices. The fructose in the fruit juices are the food for the fermentation.

The culture used is also different from kombucha to water kefir. In the Kombucha SCOBYs, acetic acid bacteria are the dominant bacterial species while in Water kefir lactic acid bacteria are the most dominant type.

Kombucha has a stronger, more distinct flavour with a slight vinegar like tang, thanks to the presence of acetic acid.

Both drinks are great sources of probiotics and other beneficial compounds. Choosing between the two mostly comes down to personal taste preferences, and of course, feeling into which one makes you feel best.

Overall, Happy Culture Water Kefir is a delicious and healthy way to stay hydrated. With four different flavours to choose from, you are sure to find one that you love. Whether you are looking for a drink to enjoy with friends, a healthier, more sophisticated alterntive to sodas, or just want to improve your gut health, Happy Culture Water Kefir is a great choice. So, next time you are feeling thirsty, reach for a bottle of Happy Culture Water Kefir, and enjoy the bubbly delight and probiotic benefit of fermented drinks.

Feel free to visit our online store to shop our range of water kefir tastes and flavours and find one that suits your particular palate. 

FUN FACTS 

Water kefir is a fascinating drink with a long and interesting history. Here are some fun facts you might not have known about water kefir:

• The exact origin of water kefir is unclear, but it is believed to have originated in Mexico or the Caucasus Mountains in Eastern Europe.
• Water kefir is sometimes called tibicos, Japanese water crystals, or California bees.
• The bacteria and yeasts in water kefir grains can vary depending on the location and environmental conditions where the grains are grown, leading to slightly different flavours and compositions in different parts of the world.
• Water kefir can be made with a variety of sugars, including white sugar, brown sugar, coconut sugar, and even fruit juice.
• Water kefir can be flavoured with a wide range of fruits, herbs, and spices to create unique and delicious combinations.
• Water kefir can be made at home and used  as a natural, homemade soda replacement and can be a healthier alternative to store-bought sodas.
• Some people even use water kefir to make skincare products, such as toners and facial mists, due to its antibacterial and probiotic properties.