Many people are looking for healthy alternatives to processed foods seeking to improve their overall health. While this is important, people are falling prey to altered foods claiming to be wholesome and organic.
One of the foods gaining popularity today is Kefir. Like other fermented products, it is an ideal replacement for sugary drinks and snacks. But, how do you know that the one you get is indeed right and nutritious? In this article, you will learn where to get Kefir in Australia. You will also understand exactly what Kefir is and its benefits.
Table of Contents
Where to Buy Kefir Online in Australia
1. Woolworths
If you are looking for kefir grains in Australian supermarkets, Woolworths online is ideal. Woolworths Kefir is available in different variations so you can be sure to find a favourite. The good thing about buying products on Woolworths is the next day delivery when you order before 6 pm. Also, you earn points as you shop.
2. Amazon Australia
Amazon Australia has a variety of products to choose from, and Kefir is one of those. You can find kefir kits to make yours at home or get ready-made Kefir. The best thing about shopping on Amazon is the secure payment system and the easy-to-use search engine.
3. eBay
eBay is also a large marketplace where you can find different products. You can buy Kefir in Coles through eBay or choose from the range available. You can pay with PayPal for easy check-out. Also, you can land sales and discounts on the site, saving you some coins.
4. Kefir Culture
Kefir culture is the home of organic kefir grains. Kefir Culture stocks both kefir water and kefir milk grains to suit the needs of everyone. They cultivate the Kefir using a wide range of organic sugars and trace minerals. This ensures that the Kefir has as many probiotics as possible.
What Is Kefir
First, what does the name mean? Kefir comes from a Turkish word Keyif that explains the good feeling a person gets after drinking it. It is a popular drink in some parts of Europe and widely around Asia for years. But, recently, it started gaining popularity in the United States, Australia, and the rest of the world.
Most people have a growing interest in probiotics and gut health hence the need to use Kefir among other fermented foods. So, what is Kefir, and how does it compare to other fermented foods like kimchi?
Kefir is a combination of bacteria and beneficial yeast fermentations. It is different from yogurt, which is a combination of bacteria in fermented milk. Kefir is made using kefir grains, unique from others such as wheat and rice. Kefir grains do not contain gluten making the drink ideal for people with gluten intolerance.
The kefir grains are mixed with milk and stored in a warm area. The warmth facilitates fermentation, producing the kefir beverage after some time. Kefir has a tangy, sour flavour, and the consistency is similar to that of yogurt. Also, due to the fermentation process, the drink might be slightly carbonated.
It is important to note that although this fermented drink is typically made from cow’s milk, it can also be produced using milk from other animals. You can get some from goats or sheep milk as well as non-dairy milk. These are soy milk, almond milk, and coconut milk.
Health Benefits of Kefir
Kefir is packed with a number of nutrients that are essential to the body. It is packed with protein, calcium, phosphorous, vitamins, and magnesium. The quantity of these nutrients depends on the fermentation process and the type of milk used. For example, Kefir made from coconut milk has less calcium than that made from cow’s milk.
Kefir has more probiotics than regular yogurt. Since Kefir is made up of a colony of bacteria and yeast, it is rich in probiotics like other fermented drinks such as kombucha. If you are looking to add probiotic foods in your diet, you should consider Kefir in addition to other sources.
Kefir has potent antibacterial properties that promote the fight against infections. For example, it has the probiotic Lactobacillus kefiri that is unique to Kefir. This probiotic can help inhibit the growth of harmful bacteria in the gut [1].
Kefir made from organic milk can help improve bone health and lower the risk of developing Osteoporosis. The high calcium content supports bone health and slows the progression of Osteoporosis in adults.
The probiotics in Kefir can help solve some digestive problems. The probiotics can help restore the balance of good bacteria in the gut promoting the normal function of the intestinal tract. The probiotics can also help treat diarrhea, indigestion, among other issues.
One of the things that make Kefir a suitable drink for adults is its low content of lactose. During fermentation, the lactose in milk breaks down into lactic acid, which is much easier to synthesize. Additionally, the fermentation process yields enzymes that help break down lactose even further.
Kefir vs. Yoghurt
Most people lump up yogurt and Kefir as identical, but this is not accurate. Yes, the two have a lot in common but are different in many other ways too. One, they both have a tart yet creamy taste. Also, they are traditionally made from organic milk and can also be made using alternative kinds of milk. The two also have plenty of calcium, protein, B Vitamins, and probiotics.
On to the differences, milk kefir has more fat, more protein, and more probiotics than yogurt. It is also thinner than yogurt and works well as a drink. The two are made differently. Kefir ferments at room temperature while most types of yogurts ferment under heat. Also, Kefir contains a larger number of different bacteria types than yogurt. This is why it is recommended for gut health.
To see which yoghurt to buy, check out our article on the best probiotic yoghurts.
The Bottom Line
Kefir is a great alternative to juices, tea, and coffee. It is packed with probiotics that are essential for gut health. It also has additional nutrients that support bone health, immune system, and overall health. If you are looking for places to buy Kefir online, the above stores are ideal.
