Bryan McAllister’s personal reference notebook
July 27, 2026Short & citedBlog
Civic Viewpoint.
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Kept by Bryan McAllister — short guides, clear facts, and the Canadian angle when it matters.
Everyday Life • Food & Drink

Kefir

Kefir is a fermented milk drink made by adding kefir grains, a symbiotic culture of bacteria and yeasts, to milk.

Updated July 27, 20261 min readCited sources

Kefir is a fermented milk drink made with kefir grains. In Canada, it's widely available as a probiotic dairy option.

What it is

Kefir is a cultured dairy drink made by fermenting milk with kefir grains. It has a tart flavour and a thin, drinkable consistency, similar to a tangy, slightly fizzy yogurt.

How it is made

Traditional kefir is made by inoculating milk with kefir grains. The grains ferment lactose, producing acidity, carbonation, and a small amount of alcohol. The grains are then removed and can be reused.

Kefir vs. yogurt

Both are fermented milk products, but kefir uses a mix of bacteria and yeasts, while yogurt relies mainly on bacteria. Kefir is thinner and more effervescent than yogurt.

In short

  • Fermented milk drink made with bacteria and yeasts
  • Tangy, slightly effervescent, drinkable consistency
  • Contains probiotics, protein, calcium, and B vitamins
  • Widely available in Canada as a probiotic food
Canadian angle

Kefir is widely available in Canadian grocery stores and is often grouped with probiotic dairy foods and cultured beverages in Canadian diets.

Quick questions

What is kefir?
Kefir is a fermented milk drink made by adding kefir grains, which contain bacteria and yeasts, to milk.
What are the benefits of kefir?
Kefir is commonly valued for its probiotics and may provide protein, calcium, and B vitamins. It is often associated with digestive benefits, but the evidence for specific health claims varies.
What is the difference between kefir and yogurt?
Kefir is made with bacteria and yeasts and is usually thinner and more effervescent. Yogurt is generally made with bacteria only and has a thicker texture.

Sources

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kefir
    Supports: Definition, fermentation process, common milk sources, and general description of kefir.
  2. Mayo Clinic News Network — https://newsnetwork.mayoclinic.org/discussion/mayo-clinic-minute-what-is-kefir/
    Supports: Kefir as a fermented milk drink, nutrient content, probiotic association, and possible digestive benefits.
  3. Encyclopaedia Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/topic/kefir
    Supports: Description of kefir, microbial cultures, origins, and general nutritional and probiotic context.
  4. Michigan State University Extension — https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/what_is_kefir
    Supports: Difference between kefir and yogurt, ingredients, and basic nutritional notes.
  5. WebMD — https://www.webmd.com/diet/kefir-good-for-you
    Supports: General discussion of kefir, probiotic content, and differences from yogurt.