What is the Difference Between Kefir and Kombucha?
If you are interested in fermented foods, you may have considered both kefir and kombucha. Of course, before you can decide which beverage to drink, you will have to know what makes these drinks different. These beverages clearly do not look alike, but they are both fermented foods. What sets them apart?
Whether you are trying to decide which beverage you should drink or are simply trying to learn more, you will find the information you need below or click here for more details about kefir products.
All About Kefir
The easiest way to describe kefir is to say that it is yogurt you can drink. It contains all the same healthy probiotics you can find in yogurt. It is home to other beneficial ingredients as well, including essential nutrients. Best of all, it can benefit your digestive system.
It can be hard to make yogurt at home, but producing homemade kefir is easier than you might think. All you really need is kefir grains. These grains are made from a combination of yeast and bacteria that is bound together by complex sugars and milk proteins. You can purchase these grains from many stores.
All About Kombucha
While kefir is like yogurt, kombucha is closer to tea. In fact, it does contain tea. It also includes sugar and healthy bacteria. Like kefir, it is a great source of probiotics. Some people claim that it smells like vinegar, but thankfully, that is not reflected in its flavor.
Just like it is possible to make kefir at home, you can prepare your own kombucha. You will need a symbiotic culture of bacteria and yeast and some tea. Combine those two ingredients and allow the beverage to ferment for around 10 days. When you are ready to drink your beverage, you might want to add a little sugar. This can really improve the flavor. Just like kefir, kombucha is great for the digestive system.
What is the Difference?
As you can see, kefir and kombucha have a lot in common. They are both beverages that are rich in probiotics. They are both great for your gut health. They can both be prepared at home. With all these similarities, you might be wondering what sets these drinks apart.
If you take a closer look, you will notice that there are several things that separate these beverages. There is a big difference in taste and consistency. Kombucha is smooth and is often fizzy. However, it can have a better flavor if it does not contain sugar.
Kefir has a creamy consistency and tastes like a dairy product. In addition to these differences, you’ll find that the microbes in these beverages isn’t exactly the same. Since kefir is made from milk, it contains a higher amount of lactic acid. Kombucha contains more bacteria that aids in digestion.
Kefir contains the same nutrients that milk does, such as calcium. However, in most cases, it contains lactose, which means it should be avoided by people that are lactose intolerant. Kombucha does not have these kinds of dietary concerns. However, depending on the type of tea it is made with, it may contain caffeine.
Which is Easier to Make?
Neither kombucha nor kefir is very difficult to make. With that said, the process can be time-consuming. You will also want to show some caution if you’ve never prepared these beverages before. Follow instructions closely and make sure you have everything you need.
If you are worried about trying to make these beverages from scratch, or if you do not have a lot of time, you’ll be glad to know that both beverages can easily be purchased. Kefir and kombucha are extremely popular, and you can find these drinks sold at many retail stores.
How Can You Choose the Right Beverage to Drink?
If you have issues with dairy, your choice is clear. You will want to opt for kombucha rather than kefir. It is possible to make kefir with coconut milk or other products that are lactose-free, but most kefir products will contain dairy.
If you do not have these kinds of concerns, however, it will largely come down to personal preference. Why are you interested in drinking these beverages? Are there certain benefits that you want to enjoy? It’s a good idea to look more closely at the bacteria and other nutrients these beverages contain so that you can make an informed decision.
Of course, you will also want to think about flavor. Do you prefer the bitter taste of kombucha, or the creamy taste of kefir? If you have not had the opportunity to try either beverage, you may want to sample them both so that you can see what you like best.
Now that you have a better understanding of kefir and kombucha, the choice is up to you. Whether you opt to try both drinks and just stick to one, you’re ready to take full advantage of all of the healthy bacteria these beverages contain.
