LIVE Active, Heirloom, Organic Milk Kefir Grains with Digital Quick Start Guide & How to Video Included
$22.00
FREE Canada-Wide Shipping
Makes 1 ½ cups to start and keeps growing!
Our Milk Kefir Grains are extremely hardy and always fresh. Each order is packed with a little organic milk for their journey to your home. Your Kefir Grains will continue to grow with each new batch.You can use any dairy milk – including Goat!
In stock
Description
LIVE Active, Organic Water Kefir Grains with Quick Start Guide
$22.00
FREE Canada-Wide Shipping
Comes with a generous 1/4 cup of water kefir grains to get you started. Will produce close to 1 liter of water kefir. Your quick-start guide comes with a variety of options to help stimulate your unique flavor combinations!
Our water kefir grains are carefully grown and selected. We want each customer to have wonderful experiences creating their own bubbly probiotic drinks! This is why we know the value of a good foundation! We use the best ingredients we can source in growing our kefir grains 🙂
In stock
👋 Welcome to our shop!
We are very passionate about our customers and improving their gut health!
We started our business because our kefir grains healed our twin daughters' severe lactose intolerance and my husband's horrible candida overgrowth. We firmly believe in kefir's ability to heal your gut, and we want all of our customers to experience this change as well! 🥰
Over the years, we have heard the wonderful stories of our customers venturing out and learning more about their bodies, gut health, and restoring their vitality. We feel very humbled that we were able to play such a small role in their great journey. We are grateful that you would consider our little kefir grains as well. 💗
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What is kefir?
Kefir is commonly known as a fermented probiotic milk beverage made from milk and milk kefir grains. The word Kefir is traditionally pronounced “Kuh fear” and the anglicized version sounds like “key-fur".
What is water kefir?
Water kefir is a probiotic beverage made from sugar, water, and water kefir grains. The beneficial bacteria and yeasts consume the sugar and leave a splendid, slightly tart, yet sweet drink that is full of probiotics.
Water kefir is not as strongly flavored as kombucha when finished. For this reason, many customers do a second ferment by placing their water kefir in another jar or bottle and then adding fruit juices or fruit for another 24 hours.
This creates a flavored probiotic soda that is very tasty!
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Why Our Kefir Grains are Great for you! 🥳
✔ Our kefir grains make tasty water kefir; just ask our customers!
✔ No Need To Rehydrate; use right away!
✔ Always Live, Active, Organic, and Always Fresh
✔ Each order comes with a simple and easy-to-use guide.
We guarantee that your organic water kefir grains will be extremely hardy and always fresh! If they get damaged in transit we will always replace them. 👌
Your water kefir grains will continue to grow with each new batch. Seeing them multiply is always so beautiful 😭
We want to give you the highest quality grains possible, and that means made with only organic ingredients. 😘
To further help our customers have a great experience, we are always happy to help if you have any questions! 🍁
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All orders receive:
Our Water Kefir Quick Start guide to get you up and running in no time!
We are excited about all of your flavor combinations! In your guide, you will find some suggestions on flavoring. But we know our customers are very creative and we look forward to your messages about your ideas and suggestions!
26 reviews for LIVE Active, Organic Water Kefir Grains with Quick Start Guide
156 reviews for LIVE Active, Heirloom, Organic Milk Kefir Grains with Digital Quick Start Guide & How to Video Included
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best kefir product I have used till now
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I am pleasantly surprised in how quick the grains arrived in my mailbox! Thank you for the prompt service and for calming my worries about the delivery time.
I look forward to the effects of the kefir on my gut health!
Gladis F -
Perfect…The shipping is really fast. After only 5 days, I drink my first Kefir. I prefer with Maple sirup than Honey.
Parfait…La livraison est tres rapide. Après seulement 5 jours, Je bois mon premier Kefir. Je dois dire que je le prefert avec du sirop d’érable plutot que du miel.
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Amazing customer service, Evelyn really supported me, I am a first time Kefir maker and consumer. I can’t believe that my gut issues are starting to really improve after just a couple of weeks. Thank you, I’m so grateful 🙏
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I cannot believe that I am now making kefir on my own – of course with the help of the milk kefir grain starter from Kefir Garden. The packages came within a week and then I started my quest to create homemade kefir. I chose A2 milk from a local source in Ontario. It has a bit of cream at the top. I kept the bottle warm through the 24 hours. When I saw the curds and whey forming I put in the fridge for the next 12 hour. The resulting kefir is delicious. I have made to servings already and now I can cut down on store-bought kefir.
I did write Kefir Garden on the bacterial strains that are contained in the grains. They will soon be analyzing this through a University lab. Cannot wait.
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Ordered it Couple of months ago and was very happy with the results. Ordered it again a few days ago and I am excited to start making my own kefir once more. It arrived very fast and packaging was amazing.
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This is the second time I have ordered. After more than a year of working with my original kefir grains, in all sorts of uncontrolled temperature conditions, as I live off grid much of the year, someone, I won’t say who, left my grains in their milk home, exposed in our cabin while we attended a weekend festival. It was unseasonably warm that weekend and the kefir just got too funky…..poor thing….and I had to compost her. But now the cold-time has arrived again, and I am back with a new baby kefir. Very exciting! Also, as others have said here, this company’s customer service is top drawer. Thank you!
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Recieved my kefir grains and have started my first batch as per instructions. The instruction booklet is very helpful, with great tips on how to troubleshoot your kefir if it doesn’t show signs of life right away. Just passing the 24 hour mark, and thinking I will need to try the oven light trick. We’ll see how it goes….
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The customer service is fantastic. I appreciate a company that puts its customers ahead of profits and this one does!
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I purchased these grains in late September. I put off reviewing them until now, because I was hoping to be able to give a better review. Unfortunately, this is just not working out for me. I have followed the instructions to the letter, including using thermometers, moving the kefir to different areas of the house, using different varieties of milk (organic, 2%, etc.) using different sized containers, etc. No matter what I do, I end up with a bitter, watery kefir with disgusting curdled lumps. I reached out for advice and was referred back to the same instructions I’d been following. That said, it does seem the grains are alive so I can’t in good conscience give fewer stars as I did receive what was advertised. It’s always possible I’m just very stupid and can’t make this work. Overall, this has been a very disappointing experience.
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This is my first dealing with milk kefir so the start up video is much appreciated and extremely helpful!
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1 month in and I am enjoying my kefir journey. The milk kefir grains came quickly, and the quick start guide was super helpful. Looking forward to water kefir grains next!
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just received my grains and it was so easy to get started! Can’t wait to see how it looks tomorrow!
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Well, it’s been several months now since receiving my kefir milk grains. I made some mistakes at first, re-read the ‘how to guide’….. and started again….. and again. But now I’m pretty good at making milk kefir. I start my day with cereal with some fruit on it and milk kefir. Gotta say…. all is good! I know my stomach like’s it. Happy camper 🙂
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Oh wow! I really did not think that I would ever be the sort of person interested in, and capable of, making kefir! But I jumped in and ordered the grains, and have been successfully and enthusiastically making amazing kefir for about a week now! I don’t know if it’s possible, but I have felt so much better since I started making and drinking kefir. I didn’t realize it is recommended to take it slowly when starting, so I’ve been having 1-2 cups a day, and have had no ill effects – in fact, I’m feeling better emotionally and physically than I have for years! I’m looking forward to developing my kefir making skills, and am excitedly waiting for my little grains to grow! :). I highly recommend Kefirgarden! And when my friends and family stop laughing at me enough to realize that I’m serious, I’m sure they will be interested to try it, too! 😉 A+++
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Grains arrived alive. Excited to start my journey!
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Awesome services she was kind enough to re- send me a new batch when my first kefir failed. Absolutely reccommend her !!!
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Grains arrived in excellent condition with nice packaging. Fast Delivery. Great product. Thank you!
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Grains arrived in good health. Proper packaging. Shipping was on time. Good product and a good company!
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It was taking a little while for my grains to come so i contacted customer service and they where very helpful in making sure i got my shipment. I am excited to see the benefits for my family.
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Great company. I received my grains and in 2 days I had kefir. I’m so
Happy. I couldn’t be more pleased with the service I have gotten. -
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Short version: 1- Great product!
2- Awesome support team, with prompt respond!
3- Unbelievable results!
4- A very happy customer!Longer version: Professional packaging, 1st time kefir maker here, rinsed them a couple of times with fresh milk, and then followed the guide, 24 hours later got my 1st batch of kefir. Very happy with it. I couldn’t believe my runny nose stopped after 2 days of slow starting (2 tbsp/day). My runny nose started a week after cov19vax and have had it every single day ever since for months! Very annoying! Thinking it’s a fluke, I didn’t have kefir for 2 days and boom, runny nose again! Tried this twice, same results. Now I know my body is benefiting in other ways I haven’t noticed yet.
After making kefir every day for a couple of weeks and more than doubling the grains, I thought I had killed the grains by keeping them in the jar in the fridge with the same milk for about a week. So I contacted Evelyn and got my questions answered promptly! Back on track again and I’m a very happy customer 🙂
Thank you Evelyn and the Kefir Garden team!
You people, your product, the support you provide are simply awesome and nothing less than awesome!
Will recommend to everyone I know!
Thank you,
Sargon. -
Arrived quickly in excellent packaging, now I am waiting on my first batch. Thanks for the e-book instruction and videos, very useful 👍
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Fantastic kefir grains! And it really works. Day by day I started to see more grains and the overall outcome is amazing. Also I got the package very soon, I was expecting to receive it in a week but arrived in 3 days. Thanksss
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I am a first time kefir maker. It was an adventure for me. The kefir grains grew slowly in the first week. Then it multiplied quite quickly. I was able to successfully brew great kefir. My stomach is a lot more settled. Thanks to Andy who guided me through step by step and answered all my questions. This is the best customer service I have ever had. Thumb up!
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I received my dairy kefir grains in less than two weeks and they looked like a few curds of cottage cheese when I first opened them. But, I put them into some fresh milk and they made kefir. Then, after the first few batches of kefir were made, I was able to tell that the grains were growing and multiplying. Needless to say, I am very pleased with my purchase. Thank you!
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Great packaging
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A quick note I would like to add to my 1st review. As a newby to kefir milk making, I made a few “Ooups” but with the fantastic support of Kefirgarden and their patience to answer back quickly my e-mails, I have seen my milk kefir grains multiply and grow bigger in no time.
It is sooo satisfying to make a “fast and easy” delicious creamy Kefir at home. I am a truly satisfied customer for the service and quality of the grains and I will not hesitate to recommend their products to family and friends! -
I’ve just received my order of milk kefir grains. This is an awesome Kefir starter kit! The instructions and video are very helpful. A very nicely and professionally packaged product, very good communication and service. I haven’t seen my grains grow yet, but it’s very early on still. I’m pretty confident they will grow fast and they are of high quality.
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I started making kefir three months ago from a previous seller with dehydrated grains. It did not work out, the grains disappeared over time and they never grew. Did some research online and bought live grains from Kefir Garden. Its been three weeks since I received the grains and they are growing like wild fire 🙂 and the kefir tastes amazing! Thank you Evelyn for such quality grains!
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Bravo Kefir garden for your “Excellent customer service” and consideration to answer back promptly to all my questions! Les vidéos sur votre site internet sont bien faits, très instructifs et nous mettent en confiance.
My milk Kefir grains arrived in Quebec within a few days in quality packages and no shipping cost.
I am excited to start my 1st batch and I know that Kefirgarden won’t let me down if I have issues with my grains!….Ils ont la recette gagnante!!! :)) -
Was able to buy the grains in Canada with no shipping cost which is bonus.
Received the grains in nice packages all sealed and ready to be used, that’s a bonus also. Grains where alive and well. -
Excellent customer service and quality. I made goat milk kefir with the grains and after the first batch they really fluffed up. I’m so happy to have found Kefir Garden as nobody in my hometown sells them. Excited about bettering my gut health!
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I followed the instruction manual and the kefir was great even through the room temperature was 81 degrees the whole week.
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Thanks Kefir Garden. I like the package and quality of the product is very nice.
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Kefirgarden has been a great experience from purchase, to learning how to make kefir.
My milk kefir grains were delivered when they said it would be, and have helped me by way of email to answer my questions and help me learn how to make kefir.
I just might try water kefir grains in the near future. -
Thanks Kefir Garden, I’ve been looking to restart for a while and it’s been a struggle to get quality grains. So far I’m happy with what you’ve sent and the Beverage tastes great. I’m also happy with some of the ideas you’ve posted online (the cream cheese idea is next for me).
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I’ve made milk kefir on and off for about 8 years now, and have experienced a big range of quality and flavor of kefir over those years.
These grains make the best kefir I’ve ever tried.
When my old grains had an unfortunate demise (being accidentally washed down the sink) I became a repeat customer and have just stopped looking to see if I can find better somewhere else. I know I won’t.First time around I was having some trouble with flavor, but honestly it just came down to me not following directions right out of the gate and not letting my new babies acclimatize to how I was used to making kefir.
Evelyn helped me trouble shoot right away and was just fantastic through the whole process. Thank you!
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Great product and service! For me when straining out the kefir grains after brewing I found it worked well to shake the strainer side to side to separate the brewed kefir from the remaining grains instead of stirring w/a spoon. I love my new probiotic and it’s so easy and inexpensive to brew at home!
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Kefir Garden has been a wonderful company to buy from. I was having issues with my kefir as my home is so cold. They went above and beyond to help me figure out how to get it to work.
I have been making kefir for a couple week now, and i can already notice an improvement in my difference health and also my mood. The only reason I didn’t give it 5 stars is because I am still experimenting to get the kefir to thicken properly, and am not having as good success with goats milk, which is my diary of choice.
overall very happy. -
Actual live kefir (not dehydrated) was able to make my first batch right away …More than tripled the size of my kefir grains in just a couple weeks (using full fat milk)… amazing been using in smoothies in place of yogurt as probiotic… so delicious 😋
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Hello, I order milf kefir around Jan-07-2022, received them quite quickly,and well packed. Left them in the fridge a few days, before actually started cultivating them. Once I started, they grew fast, when I got them they were about the tip of a teaspoon, by now Feb-22, I have about 4 spoonfuls, amazing! I will send a question regarding it, because it’s usually only me having it, how do I stop them from growing, lol. I highly recommend anyone, who’s looking to make their own kefir, to consider Kefir Garden as a good option, thanks.
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I recently ordered milk kefir grains from KefirGarden. The grains arrived promptly, and looked healthy. They came with a link to excellent instructions……. I may have skipped the reading instructions part 🙂 . My first few attempts flopped. I emailed Evelyn for support. With a bit of back and forth, patient and and friendly advice, I am now making beautiful kefir. Thank you!!
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Kefir garden is the best source of natural kefir grains. They support you throughout the process and provide you with instructions that guarantee your success (if you follow their simple steps). I highly recommend their grains. Thank you for being awesome!
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Amazing Product. Good quality kefir
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I am very happy with my kefir grains. I have found these kefir garden grains to be very resilient. Because we didn’t upgrade the shipping, it took almost 3 weeks to arrive. Then I placed them into my oven with the oven light on and the jar reached a temp of 40! That probably should have cooked them. I was afraid they were ruined because my next couple batches tasted like sour cream mixed with vinegar. So after a couple batches like that I started to do some research and realized back in the day before fridges. The milk would have been warm out of the cow and covered with a cloth rather than a metal lid. I decided I would start placing my grains into room temp milk and using a Muslim cloth to cover my jar instead of the screw on lid. I also started using a felt wool jar cover to help keep the chill off my glass jar. My kefir has been good since and my kefir grains have actually started to multiply. I am so happy with my purchase from Kefir Garden. Evelyn you have been so patient, concerned and helpful. I thank you so much for being so fantastic at customer service. I highly recommend Kefir Garden grains.
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I was super excited to make the Kefir using Water Buffalo milk. It turned out wonderfully and make a new batch every few days. I am even doing the second stage fermentation with some of the batches. The customer service has been outstanding and I reached out to purchase now the water kefir grains. They have just arrived and I am excited about trying this next.
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I have been on a long journey to health since my diagnosis with an MS label a couple years back. My journey has finally introduced me to healthy probiotic and fermented foods such as sauerkraut and the much beloved, kefir. Being someone who likes to educate himself on food items before purchasing I watched several videos on making and buying kefir. In the end, the price point and the availability through amazon won me over to kefir garden. I started my first batch tonight. Living in the maritime provinces of Canada late Fall feels like Winter to most so i’ve set it on the hearth beside the fireplace to help and activate the grains. With my own sauerkraut already made and kefir now in production, i’m looking forward to drinking this delicious homemade drink. The package arrived in a timely fashion with a kind note on the insert and professional packaging. When you can’t buy or find a product such as this locally, I am very pleased with the product I have received. Now to get my drinkage on!
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I was a little nervous about getting this packet through the mail (via Amazon) but there was no problem at all. I read the simple instructions, put the jar in a warm spot in my office, and waited. I was very surprised how simple it was. I made 3 cups on my first batch (that was the size of only jar I could find) so I waited a little bit longer than 24 hours. What came out was very interesting. It all separated nicely using a steel collander. I put the kefir grains back in the bottle and filled it again. I took the kefir, added strawberries and a bit of maple syrup. Put in a blender and had a GREAT smoothie. It got even better 12 hours the fridge. I highly recommend Kefir Garden. The hand written note was VERY much appreciated.
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We ordered the milk kefir grains to take with us from Canada to Mexico. Our order arrived in good time, well packaged. We did have questions before leaving and found these lovely people to be very helpful and friendly. Upon arrival in Mexico we followed the instructions that came with it and in a couple of days we had copious amounts of new grains and some very mild and pleasant tasting kefir. We are thoroughly enjoying this kefir and will most definitely be making this our regular plan for travel. It’s easy to make, easy to transport and tasty! A win win. Thank you!
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I bought the milk and water kefir grains from Kefir Garden because it was a Canadian small business. The results have been stunning! The quality of grains are superior to any ones that I have purchased before from other companies. My milk kefir is off the charts in appearance and taste. Blended with ice and frozen organic strawberries , it is a rival for any high priced beverage at any specialty store.
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I received my order promptly. After the first try my kefir wasn’t ready in 24 hrs, as my home t now is nowhere near 24 degrees. So, I decreased the amount of milk and in the next 12 hrs I had my kefir. It’s still small amount, but the grains are growing, very visible. E-book is very helpful and very well written.
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I ordered the Kfir grain and got them within 4 days. I followed the instruction on the video and got great Kefir first time .
Very happy with this purchase. Most important support our local producers. -
Awesome milk kefir grains ! Well packaged, received in less than a week when sent from Ontario to BC. Looked like a tsp of tapioca pudding when received but within 2 weeks I was making 3 quarts of creamy, thick and tasty kefir. I followed the instructions as set out on their excellent online video and study guide. When I had a question they responded within a few hours. Would highly recommend them.
Audrey –
I’m really happy with my purchase. great quality Product and AMAZING customer service. Will definitely recommand. Thanks !
Angel –
My water kefir just arrived and the grains look so plump and healthy! Can’t wait to get started!
Jillian –
I ordered these in mid-September and received them in late September. Since then, I have been able to brew a few batches of water kefir. The grains were definitely alive and active. It’s taking me some time to work out the optimal amount of fruit to use in the second fermentation — half a cup, as suggested, seems to over-ferment and I end up wearing more kefir than drinking it when I open the bottle — but I can’t complain about the product I received.
Alisa –
Got my Beautiful chubby grains in the mail within 2 days. ( I live close by) Within 5 days I am already consuming my first amazingly fizzy cherry juice kefir. Took 3 days for first ferment, 2 days for second. I used tart cherry juice. Thanks Kefir Garden I am one very happy customer and so is my tummy. 😀
Joe –
I have tried and am using the milk kefir. Fabulous. So now I am trying the water kefir. So far….. so good. Well, kind of. I second fermented with coconut and found it a bit ‘pale’, then I tried with some crushed blueberries…. not a huge fan. So I have started a new batch and I will attempt another fruit and see how that one turns out. All in all…. thumbs up!
Mark –
Just received my Water Kefir Grains. They look good and fresh. Never tried to make Kefir before and I am looking forward to the first batch and many more afterwards!
Karen E –
I am now waiting for my second batch to mature and have just drank a bottle from my first batch. I like it a lot and I am hoping that this daily fermented refreshment helps my IBS. Evelyn is incredibly helpful and has coached me from start to finish and all the while taking care of her newborn baby. Best customer service ever!!
Cameal –
Just received my water kefir grains, I followed the directions and now I’m waiting….so far so good!
Rose –
The grains I received in the mail rehydrated easily and have been going strong over the past month I have had them. I’ve been having lots of fun experimenting with different flavours. I would recommend these grains for anyone to try.
Amanda –
This is my first time making kefir water and the support has been awesome from the Kefir Garden team. I’ve yet to sample my first batch but I’m super excited and found the process so far very straight forward and the communication excellent!
Reyna Rose –
These babies are so vibrant! They are already making bubbly lively ferments on the first round. SO very happy to be brewing water kefir again. Thanks so much!
James –
excellent service
Bayan –
Making water kefir is not an exact science so i had a few hiccups but I got an excellent support from Kefir Garden’s team. All my questions and concerns were addressed promptly in addition to getting beautiful and healthy grains.
Overall very happy with my experience!!
Heather –
I have made kefir many times in the past, but decided to get back into it. Water Kefir is my favourite because I believe it is the cleanest. This is a great source of Kefir grains as they are reasonably priced, arrive quickly and the quality of the grains is first rate.
Pierre –
Can’t wait to drink my first batch. It arrived very quickly. It seems so simple. Now i have to decide between cherry, blueberry or raspberry. Why not all 3
Yvonne Boudreau –
This is my second purchase from
Kefir garden and will not be my last. The communication, packaging, instructions, quality of the product all ensure that you’ll be successful in your kefir making!
ron green –
I took awhile for the grains to cross the country, but when they arrived, amidst the cold of January. They were in wonderful condition ! I had purchased grains before from another company and they were small and dried out looking. These were pump and moist and well sealed in their envelope. Have been working with them for a month now love it !
Kate –
I’m so glad to have found a local, Ontario source for water kefir grains! The price is great in my opinion. The shipping was fast and it was packaged beautifully. I will definitely recommend you to others.
Arthur –
Hmm… when I saw that kefir garden now sells kefir water grains I couldn’t believe my eyes. No more store bought coconut water kefir for this guy! Now I can make my own in the pleasure and comfort of my own home. And the best part? I don’t have to worry I don’t know what I am doing or something doesn’t seem right because Kefir garden has your back! I am still growing my kefir grains before I start experimenting! So far, I am feeling highly ambitious thanks to your support!
Margaret Van Der Heide –
Wonderful sellers! They are so supportive, and their grains are optimum quality! They upgraded my shipping at no extra cost, and even though it took a couple of weeks for my grains to travel across the country, they were packed well enough that even on the first batch they made delicious water kefir! Highly recommended!
Marina Brawner –
I recently purchased the starter kit for the water Keffir and only have positive views.
Evelyn was very communicative during my purchase, taking the extra time to confirm my address.
The product was received in a nicely sealed package, 1/4 of grains in great condition. The started quick guide was essential to helping me brew my first batch. Looking forward to purchasing more and highly recommend this product and local company for all your Keffir needs.
Thank you Kefir Garden
Kim E –
I wanted to add an update to my previous review. It’s been two days now since I bottled up my water kefir with some grated ginger for a second ferment. I tried opening it while it was warm, and realized it was so bubbly it would overflow, so I put it in the fridge for an hour before trying again. Wow – it is really bubbly and delicious. It’s been decades since I’ve had ginger ale, but that’s sure what it reminds me of. Everyone in the family loves it. I’m going to leave it out for a few more days to see how it develops – I am curious to see if the sugars will further digest. Meanwhile, the two jars I started a few days ago on their first ferment are bubbling away. The sun caught one of them in its path, highlighting the golden color and all the bubbles. It was really beautiful. Now I am wishing I had caught it on video to share! It’s been a fun adventure and I am looking forward to seeing the health benefits of drinking it on a regular basis.
Nicolas –
Water kefir first-timer here. After a review of local providers, kefir garden seemed like the better choice.
I have not been disappointed! I had only one question: I was wondering about the timing of shipping versus the grains’ health. Before I even got to ask, I received an email explaining why they would ship only ship on the nearest Monday in order to avoid having the package waste transit time over the weekend.
I was delighted to hear this! I received the grains a few days after they were shipped, and got them working right away. That was about 4 weeks ago, and since, those grains have quadrupled in volume and made delicious kefir.
This happy camper would definitely recommend. Thanks for everything!
Kim E –
So far so good!! This is my first time making water kefir, and it seems quite simple.
I received my water kefir grains last week and got right to work. I used well water that is filtered with a countertop gravity feed water filter. In theory, the filter doesn’t remove many minerals, but I used a darker turbinado sugar to be certain. We don’t have central heating, so our temps vary a lot in the winter across 24hrs. so I placed the jar inside a stainless steel yogurt incubator / thermos with a little bit of warm water to keep it from getting too cool at night. I let it go for 2 days and couldn’t see or taste any change. Based on an email exchange with the owner prior to purchase, I knew it might take a couple rounds for the grains to “wake up”. So I put the grains in fresh sugar water, and after 24 hours I noticed a couple grains floating on the surface and some bubbles! Based on the temperature chart in the instructions (which is super helpful, thank you!) I decided to leave it for 3 days – lots of bubbles!! The kefir grains have doubled in volume, and the taste is slightly sweet and pleasantly fermented. I bottled the first ferment in a growler with some grated ginger and will see what it is like in a few days. Meanwhile, I now have TWO new jars started, one in my thermos incubator and another on the countertop. It will be interesting to see how they differ.
I am quite excited to try the final product! I need mine to be quite tart, and I assume the second ferment will eat up a lot of the remaining sugar, but I will make some for my son with fruit in the second ferment to experiment with other flavors.
I also want to add that I emailed the owner with questions before I placed my order, and she was very responsive. I have no doubt that had I had trouble getting things going (or have questions in the future) she’d be right on it. I love that it is a family business making and selling something that helped them in their own health journey.
Paula Burchart –
I bought both the water and milk kefir granules from this Canadian small business, Kefir Garden. The grains are of the highest quality. I had made water kefir using another brand, but stopped because the fermentation was never effervescent. I was overjoyed to see the bubbles in my bottle after 3 days of the first fermentation using Kefir Garden grains. I have been making kombucha for 12 years and at times the alcohol level, although low, causes me to have hot flashes. The water kefir is just as delicious and satisfying with no unpleasant side effects. Knowing that the majority of your immune system is housed in your gut, drinking active, live probiotics and digestive enzymes is just what you need in a pandemic when your saving grace is, and always will be, your immune system. Thank you Kefir Garden.
Patti –
On my 3rd batch, it has worked really well. Have only done the double fermentation with ruby red grapefruit juice but it is really good and will try some other juices for variety.