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4.9 from 186 votes

How To Make Milk Kefir (Easy Tutorial!)

Breaking down the simple basics of how to make easy homemade milk kefir, a probiotic-rich fermented drink that’s soon to be a staple in your kitchen!

Prep Time
5 mins
Fermenting time
1 d
Total Time
5 mins
Servings: 4 cups
Calories: 162 kcal
Course: Drinks
Cuisine: Turkish

Ingredients

  • 1 Tbsp kefir grains
  • 4 cups whole cow's milk 960 mL

Instructions

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  1. Clean: Clean everything well with regular soap (avoid antimicrobial soaps). I’m talking the hands, glass jugs, spoons - everything!
  2. Assemble: Add 1 Tbsp (ish) of the kefir grains and 4 cups of whole milk to a large glass jug. Cover the jug with either a few layers of paper towels or a few paper coffee filters. Secure with a rubber band to prevent any bugs or dust from getting in.
  3. Ferment: Set in a warm, dark spot (65 to 85°F / 18 to 29°C) for about 24 hours. You’ll know your kefir is done when it has slightly thickened and smells fermented. If you kefir has separated into yellowish watery-looking whey, that’s fine! It’s just a sign that you can either reduce the length of fermentation next time or use more milk next time.
  4. Strain: Place a wide non-metal* bowl under a fine-mesh non-metal colander. Pour your finished kefir into the colander, stirring with a plastic or wooden spoon to gently force kefir through. The grains will be left.
  5. Start new batch: Rinse out the large jar that you fermented the grains in, then add the grains back into it. Add 4 cups of fresh milk to start the process over.
  6. Store fresh kefir: Transfer the finished kefir that collected in the wide bowl and transfer it to a sealable jar. Store in the fridge for around 2 weeks.

Notes

  • *Brief contact with metal is okay, but letting the kefir touch metal for extended periods, as the acidic nature of the kefir can leach heavy metals into your kefir.
  • Flavor kefir by blending in fresh fruit (¼ cup), chocolate (1 Tbsp cocoa powder), vanilla (¼ tsp vanilla extract), or dates (1 pitted date).
  • ¼
  • ¼
  • Where do you get kefir grains? Unless you have a friend who makes kefir, it's easiest to get your grains online. Find them on Amazon.

Nutrition Information

Serving 1cup (depends on fermentation length) Calories 162kcal (8%) Carbohydrates 15g (5%) Protein 8g (16%) Fat 8g (12%) Saturated Fat 5g (25%) Cholesterol 30mg (10%) Sodium 125mg (5%) Potassium 0mg (0%) Fiber 3g (12%) Sugar 12g (24%) Vitamin A 0IU (0%) Vitamin C 0mg (0%) Calcium 220mg (22%) Iron 0mg (0%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 4cups

Amount Per Serving

Calories 162

% Daily Value*

Serving 1cup (depends on fermentation length)
Calories 162kcal 8%
Carbohydrates 15g 5%
Protein 8g 16%
Fat 8g 12%
Saturated Fat 5g 25%
Cholesterol 30mg 10%
Sodium 125mg 5%
Potassium 0mg 0%
Fiber 3g 12%
Sugar 12g 24%
Vitamin A 0IU 0%
Vitamin C 0mg 0%
Calcium 220mg 22%
Iron 0mg 0%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.