Frequently Asked Questions About Kefir Soda

orange juice

 Which Liquid Should I Use?

Use 100% Fruit juice (homemade, or store-bought with the least additives possible) or coconut water. Make sure that the coconut water or juice you purchase has at least 20 carbohydrates per 8 ounces, more is better. If it has 11 carbs or less for 8 ounces then it needs a little more food for the microbes. You can add 2 teaspoons of sugar to increase the amount of carbs. This is what the good yeasts need as food to make the drink bubbly. The sugar isn't for you it is for the microbes. The sugars are reduced by over 85% in the first couple of days and even more as they ferment in the fridge.

You will also need water, lightly filtered or spring. (not fizzy) We don't recommend using distilled, reverse osmosis, or any water that has had the minerals removed. Fermentation needs the minerals!

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Kefir soda starter 3 bottles

 Can I use a canning jar to ferment in?

No, you can not use canning jars to make kefir soda. It will leak out the carbonation.

 

kombucha bottles

What kind of bottles should I use?

Use thick 32-ounce flip-top bottles made for brewing. Do not use craft store-bought bottles. These may not handle the pressure as well and may explode. You can also use recycled kombucha bottles.

Kombucha ginger

 Do I need to burp the bottles often?

Fermentation produces strong carbonation which creates pressure in the bottle. Recultured batches carbonate even stronger and faster. Gently "burp" them often, even when in the refrigerator.

kefir soda package

How long does an unopened sachet culture keep in the refrigerator?

The Best By Date is printed on the pouch and on each sachet. Keep the starter culture refrigerated or frozen.

christmas kefir soda

How long will the bottle keep in the fridge?

It will be good for 1-2 weeks in the refrigerator. Flavor and fizz may change or weaken over time.

 

Kefir Soda Glass

Can I use less than  1/2 cup from my previous soda to ferment a new bottle?

You can but you'll need to experiment. If the results are weak than extend the fermentation time.

kefir soda

 Is fermentation affected by the temperature in my house?

Yes, warm temperatures will accelerate fermentation (carbonation), while cooler temperatures will slow it down. The ideal temperature is 70 -75°F. If you house is cold its going to take longer and espeically on the first bottle. Five to six days is the average for the first bottle but then a day or two or the second ferment using this bottle as a starter.  Find a warmer place if you can and it will ferment faster.

 

kefir soda2

How many times can I reculture?

For as long as the bottle comes out pleasantly fizzy and tangy. I have recultured over 30 times and it just keeps going. Re-culturing from a fresh batch can take less than a day, depending on the temperature of your home.

Kefir soda starter 3 bottles

Can I make larger quantities?

Absolutely! You can use this starting with the second batch, with all the ingredients in proportion. For example to make 2 bottles, just double the quantities: use 1 cup of kefir starter, 4 cups of juice or coconut water, and just under 3 cups of water.

Mix well and pour evenly into your brewing bottles.

christmas kefir soda2

What could affect the fermentation (carbonation)?

Ambient temperatures: the warmer the temperatures the faster and stronger the carbonation.

Strength of the starter: the stronger the starter the faster and stronger the carbonation.

Amount of natural sugar in the mixture (from the juice): The sweeter the faster and stronger the carbonation.

Ratios of water-starter-juice: the more starter and sweet liquid there is, the faster and stronger the carbonation.

Duration: There's a sweet spot during fermentation where your bottle is nicely carbonated, pleasantly tangy, and has lost quite a bit of its initial sweetness. That's when it needs to go into the fridge. Any longer on the counter and the fermentation weakens or, conversely, over-fizz. Gently open your bottle to release pressure.

 

Listen To My Podcast

Kefir Soda is a great bubbly probiotic drink and the perfect substitute for sugary beverages that aren't good for you. It is super easy to make, and I can give you extra tips in this podcast to make it super easy. Tune it to learn more!

References I talked about:

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