About Kefir
What is Kefir?
Kefir is a fermented milk. It dates back over 5000 years and originated in eastern Europe and the middle east, supposedly firstly in the Caucasus mountains where it was seen to be sacred. Traditionally kefir is made with animals milk and kefir grains (SCOBY - symbiotic colony of bacteria and yeasts), these grains are the the key asset to making kefir. They eat up the sugars (lactose) in milk and in turn transform the milk to kefir and pack it full of beneficial bacteria and yeasts.
In ancestral times, this method was used as a means of preservation, little did we know the amazing benefits that come from such fermented foods!
What are the benefits of drinking it?
Luckily there are now many studies investigating the human microbiome which means we are now beginning to understand the integral role it plays in a healthy lifestyle free from disease. These studies are showing that our microbes are responsible for a great host of functions such as:
- a healthy digestive system. It helps to break down and assimilate the nutrients from the foods we eat.
- the production of vitamins which in turn plays a role in the regulation of our immune system.
- our metabolism.
- the health of our skin.
- the production of certain chemicals such as serotonin, which in turn plays a role in our mental health.
- vaginal health.
- Oral health.
Our modern day lives sadly kill off some of our internal bacteria and so it is important we try and repopulate our gut with a diverse selection of bacterial strains. These can be bought in pill form, however our body assimilates these much better from a natural food source. All fermented foods offer a wide selection of bacteria. Traditional kefir offers up to 60 different beneficial strains of bacteria and yeasts, therefor giving our body the best possible chance to help our microbes support the host of functions it is responsible for. It also offers a source of magnesium, calcium, b12, k2, biotin and tryptophan so it really is a powerhouse food that has so many great qualities. Kefir has been linked to significantly improving IBS and other digestive issues, dramatically improving eczema and other skins issues such as psoriasis, rosacea and also the elimination of bacterial overgrowth infections such as thrush, candida and many more.
Visit our benefits page for full details on kefir benefits.
When should i drink kefir and how much should i consume daily?
We recommend drinking kefir on a regular basis, ideally every day but if no 3-4 times a week. If it is new for you start off with smaller servings, building up to your daily of between 100ml-200ml. It can be drunk morning, noon or night. As bacteria pass through our body it is important to stay consistent with the regular consumption.
What is kefir meant to look & taste like?
When kefir is bottled it will still continue to ferment, so you may notice over time it will become slightly more tart in taste, separate or have a slight fizz. All of which are completely normal and are signs your kefir is fermented with traditional methods using living cultures. Before drinking give your bottle a little tilt (rather than shake) to remove any separation. We also recommend keeping the bottles air tight.
How do i care for my kefir?
Be sure to keep your kefir refrigerated as heat will speed up the fermentation making it tart in a very quick period of time. Keeping kefir cold helps to keep it tasting great for longer. Do not shake the kefir, as movement also creates further fermentation.
How long does the kefir keep?
We put a 3 week shelf life on our kefir, however this is simply due to the fact that fermentation continues on the bottle which results in the taste becoming a little stronger after this point. However we have lab tested the product for 6 weeks and it is totally safe & still filled with millions of the good stuff. Taste is really personal and so if you like your kefir strong, you will most likely find after week 3 it's great. However if you are someone who likes it a little on the milder side, if you have some left at week 3 we recommend adding it to a smoothie, baking or using as a salad dressing as adding additional ingredients will help balance out the tartness.
Does kefir contain lactose?
The living microorganism’s that make up the kefir cultures actually consume the Lactose within the cows milk. There are trace amounts of lactose in the finished product and in such microscopic levels that it won’t have any effects on you.
What does kefir taste like?
What is the nutritional content of Ki Kefir?
per 100ml
Energy - 260KJ/62kcal
Protein - 2.8g
Carbohydrates - 4g
(of which sugars) - 2.6g
Fat - 3.9g
(saturated) 2.6g
Do you make non dairy kefir?
Can i consume kefir after cancer treatment?
Can i consume kefir if pregnant?
I have a question that is not listed
If you have a question that has not been answered here, please get in touch by sending us an email to hello@kikefir.com
Subscription & Delivery
Where do you deliver?
We deliver across mainland Britain, excluding the Highlands and Islands.
Which delivery option should i choose?
Our local delivery if for those based in central London only and is based on your postcode. All other areas must use our courier option.
When should i expect my kefir?
Our kefir is made fresh to order every week. We bottle every week and send out every week on a Wednesday or Thursday for delivery next day. If you are based in London we use a courier called Zedify who will also collect your empty bottles each week. If you are outside central London, your kefir will be sent on an overnight delivery with APC courier, who will send an email the morning of delivery with your tracking number and approximate eta. Please note we use chilled packaging to keep your kefir chilled, should your kefir not make it within the 24 hour window, is it safe and healthy to drink so long as it reaches you within 48 hours.
How will my kefir arrive?
We send out your kefir with chilled packaging which will keep your kefir cold for upto 48 hours. Upon arrival please put it into the fridge as soon as you can.
I am not going to be in on delivery date what do i do?
Once your order has been left us, it is extremely hard for us to recall it or delay delivery. As our products are made fresh and being delivered chilled. There must be somebody in to accept your delivery or you must notify us of a safe place as your order cannot be taken away and re-delivered at a later date. When you receive your tracking information via email from APC, you will have an option to add delivery instructions should you not be home. Should you be based in central London your kefir will arrive via Zedify, please get in touch with Ki directly with your safe place, should you not be home on a Thursday so we can notify them.
My kefir has not arrived what should i do?
We send all our parcels on a 24 hour delivery window. However we can ensure that your kefir is healthy & safe to drink so long as it reaches you within 48 hours of leaving us. Should you not have received your delivery within 48 hours please send us and email to let us know. If your kefir was arriving via APC, look out for your tracking number sent to your email the day of delivery. Please contact them with your tracking number for any updates before reaching out to us as this helps speed up the process. Our email address is hello@kikefir.com. We do request you try to be at home to recieve your delivery, as we can not refund parcels that go missing if they have been left in a safe place. We are also unable to refund parcels that have spoiled due to a requested delay as you were not home.
How does a subscription work?
Joining our subscription service means you save a minimum of 10%. You can customise your own subscription by changing the amount of bottles, the size of bottle and the frequency you receive it. Your kefir will be delivered regularly as per your desired frequancy.
Can i cancel my subscription anytime?
Yes. You can cancel your subscription at any time so long as it is not 5 days within your next delivery is due. If you are going on holiday or need a break your subscription can be paused at any time by logging into your account.
I'm going on holiday how do i pause my subscription?
If you are going away or would like to pause your subscription or skip a delivery, simply log into your account, head to manage my subscription and select reschedule to change the date, or skip to miss a delivery. We will then be automatically notified. You don't need to let us know.
I need to change my delivery address or card details.
Please log into your account and change your details accordingly. Please note we do not have access to be able to change your details.