Fermented drinks have become a favourite for anyone interested in gut health, and milk kefir is one of the easiest and most rewarding to make. Traditionally made with dairy, kefir can also be created with plant-based milks like coconut, almond, and soya. At Happy Kombucha, we love helping people enjoy healthy, homemade ferments — whether you’re dairy-free, vegan, or just looking for something new and nourishing.
Why Try Plant-Based Kefir?
Plant-based kefir has the same probiotic benefits as traditional kefir but without the dairy. It’s smooth, slightly tangy, and full of live cultures that support digestion and wellbeing. Each milk brings its own twist: coconut milk kefir is creamy and tropical, almond milk kefir is light and nutty, while soya milk kefir creates a thicker texture thanks to its natural protein content.
The beauty of making it yourself is that you control everything — from ingredients to flavour. At Happy Kombucha, our kefir grains and starter kits make it simple for anyone to get started.
How to Make It
Creating your own kefir at home is easy and takes just a few minutes of preparation:
- Choose your milk base. Use plain coconut, almond, or soya milk with no added sugars or stabilisers.
- Add kefir grains or a starter culture. Pop them into a clean glass jar, stir gently, and cover with a breathable cloth.
- Ferment. Leave the jar at room temperature (around 20–24°C) for about 24 hours. You’ll notice the mixture thicken and develop a pleasant tang.
- Strain and enjoy. Remove the grains, refrigerate your drink, and enjoy your fresh homemade kefir.
If you’re new to fermenting, soya milk is a great place to start — it supports grain growth and gives a lovely creamy consistency.
Tips for the Perfect Kefir
- Keep your jar out of direct sunlight and away from drafts.
- Avoid metal utensils — wooden or plastic tools are best for live cultures.
- For a thicker drink, extend fermentation slightly.
- Add fruit or flavouring during a second fermentation for a touch of natural sweetness.
How to Enjoy Your Homemade Kefir
Your freshly made kefir can be used in countless ways:
- Enjoy it chilled on its own for a refreshing probiotic drink.
- Blend it with fruit for a creamy smoothie.
- Pour over cereal or granola as a healthy breakfast twist.
- Use it as a base for dairy-free salad dressings or sauces.
The Happy Kombucha Way
At Happy Kombucha, we’re passionate about making gut health simple, natural, and fun. Our live kefir grains, starter kits, and brewing equipment are carefully sourced to help you create perfect results at home. Whether you’re fermenting coconut, almond, or soya milk, our products are designed to give you consistent, delicious results every time.
Making your own milk kefir is one of the easiest steps you can take toward better wellbeing — and with a little help from Happy Kombucha, you’ll be sipping your own homemade probiotic drink in no time.
