Kefir Grains or Culture – What’s the Difference?

If you’re getting into fermenting at home, you’ll likely come across both milk kefir and water kefir, each made with either kefir grains or kefir culture. So what's the difference between kefir grains and kefir culture?

Kefir grains, are live colonies of bacteria and yeast that resemble tiny cauliflower florets (for milk kefir) or crystal-like grains (for water kefir). They’re reusable, self-replicating, and the traditional way to make kefir, offering a rich probiotic profile and more complex flavour. However, you need to look after the grains continuously which may not suit those that are often away.

Kefir culture, on the other hand, usually comes in powdered form and is available for both milk and water kefir. It's a convenient, beginner-friendly option that removes the need for ongoing upkeep—ideal for anyone looking to enjoy the health benefits of kefir without the daily responsibility. However, unlike grains, the culture is only good for a certain number of batches and has fewer probiotic strains compared to the grains.

Main differences between kefir grains and culture