Is any store-bought kefir made from kefir grains instead of starter?

August 19, 2021 2:22 PM

I like kefir regardless of how it's made, but if it's done with kefir grains it supposedly contains a much broader range of cultures (and a larger quantity) than if it's done with a freeze-dried starter. Is this actually the case? And if so, is there any store-bought dairy kefir available in the US that's made from real kefir grains? I know kefir can be made easily at home -- I'm asking for the times when that's not feasible and when it can't be sourced from local dairies.
posted by theory to Food & Drink (2 answers total)

Best answer: I can't give you a definitive answer but I think it's a big fat 'no', I'm afraid, because of the delivery issues and scale. Maaaaybe in a local store in California or somesuch where there's a massive demand for health food, but I doubt it because it can't be stored.

The store quality varies though. Some stuff seems to taste higher quality than Lifeway. Go with a high fat content as a rule of thumb.
posted by TheGreenRye at 11:56 PM on August 19, 2021

Best answer: Small-scale dairyperson here. Seconding the almost-certainly no. As TGR says, there's a chance you might find local folks doing it at a farmers' market/co-op but even that is highly unlikely.
posted by youarenothere at 5:41 AM on August 20, 2021