Live or dried kefir grains: how to choose
In short
Both make proper kefir. Live grains arrive in their own milk and make kefir from day two or three. Dried grains arrive in a sealed sachet, keep for months in a cupboard and need a few extra days to wake up. Choose live to start this week; choose dried as a reserve or a gift to keep. Both grow and keep going once they are working.
Side by side
| Live grains | Dried grains | |
|---|---|---|
| Arrive | In their own milk, sealed pouch | Dry, sealed sachet |
| First good kefir | Day 2 to 4 | After about a week of feeding |
| Keeping before use | Start within a week | Months in a cool cupboard |
| Once working | A litre a day, they grow | A litre a day, they grow |
| Best for | Starting straight away | A reserve, a holiday home, a gift |
When to choose live grains
When you want kefir this week. Live grains are already in their rhythm: strained on the morning of dispatch, they pick up again in your kitchen within a few days.
When to choose dried grains
When you want a reserve on the shelf, or you are not ready to start yet. Dried grains wait patiently, then wake up with a week of daily fresh milk.
Waking up dried grains
- A small glass of milk
The grains in 250 ml of whole milk, lid resting on top, room temperature.
- Every 24 hours
Strain, fresh milk. The first days the milk barely changes.
- When it thickens
Move up to half a litre, then a litre once it sets in 24 hours.
Start this week with live grains
20 g of live milk kefir grains by Natural Probio, packed in their milk on the day of dispatch and tracked across the UK. Guide and e-book included, money-back guarantee.
Order live milk kefir grainsGrains from time-honoured methods, unique and resilientDelivery across the UK, trackedMoney-back guaranteeOver 20,000 customers
Questions on live and dried
Is a kefir powder the same as grains?
A powder starter makes a batch or a few, then you buy again. Grains, live or dried, keep going and grow.
Can I dry my own grains as a backup?
Yes. Spread a few on baking paper for two to four days at room temperature, then keep them in a closed jar in the fridge.
Do live grains survive a hot summer post?
Yes. Their milk turns more sour on the way and protects them. A parcel locker or a collection point avoids a sunny doorstep.
