How To Make a Homemade Blueberry Kefir Smoothie

This blueberry kefir recipe is creamy, sweet, and packed full of health-promoting bacteria! Kefir is fantastic for gut health and digestion. The addition of blueberries makes this smoothie an antioxidant-packed super breakfast. This recipe contains no added sugar and even your pickiest eater will love the creamy, smooth texture of this morning shake. In this post, I break down how to make kefir from scratch so you too can reap all the health benefits of fermented kefir!

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Your New Favorite Quick Breakfast Treat

One of my kid’s favorite breakfast foods is KEFIR. For the longest time, I was purchasing organic kefir shakes from my local grocery store for my kid’s breakfast. I didn’t love the added sugar, but I really wanted them to get the beneficial bacteria in their little tummies.

Did you know kefir may be more beneficial for gut health than yogurt?! There is also significant data showing that kefir bacteria is more likely to survive through the stomach, into the gut than yogurt bacteria! But more on that later…  

The organic kefir pouches I had been buying were $3 a pouch… I just knew there had to be a better way!

Thus began my kefir journey and it is now a product I make in our home every week and sometimes twice a week! My kids LOVE this stuff. We usually drink a big cup of kefir drink at breakfast but we also repurpose it into popsicles, parfaits and more!

What is Milk Kefir?  

Milk kefir is a fermented milk drink renowned for its probiotic properties and nutritional benefits.  

It is made by the fermentation of milk by a symbiotic culture of bacteria and yeast (SCOBY), resulting in a thick, tangy drink with a unique set of microorganisms.

Scientific studies have highlighted the potential health advantages associated with regular consumption of milk kefir. A research article published in the “Journal of Dairy Science” (Korsak et al., 2016) emphasized the rich probiotic content of kefir, with a diverse range of lactic acid bacteria and yeasts contributing to its microbial profile (source).

Kefir Versus Yogurt

So, how is kefir different from yogurt? And which is better for digestion?

These were just a few of the questions I had when I started making kefir.

I had been eating yogurt for years due to the beneficial bacteria and the high protein content so I wanted to make sure kefir was really worth the trouble to make!

Both kefir and yogurt are fermented dairy products known for their probiotic content, but kefir may offer certain advantages in terms of delivering probiotics to the intestine. Research published in the “Journal of Applied Microbiology” (Chen et al., 2017) has suggested that kefir contains a broader spectrum of probiotic strains compared to yogurt… Potentially enhancing its ability to survive the harsh conditions of the digestive system and reach the intestine intact (source).

While both kefir and yogurt are great for gut health, these scientific findings suggest that the unique composition of kefir may enable more probiotic strands to reach the gut, improving digestion and dairy tolerance.

Cool, right?!

How to Start Making Homemade Kefir

Whether you are a fermentation pro or this is your first time fermenting anything, kefir is one of the EASIEST probiotic foods you can make in your very own kitchen! In this blueberry kefir recipe, I’ll teach you exactly what you need to know!

To get started you only need two simple ingredients:

– Kefir Grains (HERE are the ones I used)

and

– Milk (any kind will do! I use grass-fed organic milk for my kiddos)

Once your kefir grains arrive, you’ll be ready to start making your own delicious kefir smoothies!

Acclimating Your Kefir Grains

If it is your first time using your new kefir grains, it’s important to understand that they may need to acclimate to their new environment before they start producing really good kefir.

The first 1-2 batches may take longer to thicken and ferment, or may not taste the greatest.

My recommendation is to make 1-2 batches of kefir right away as a means of acclimating the grains to their new home. Plan to dispose of these batches or feed them to pets as they may not be very impressive taste-wise to family and kiddos.

In these first 1-2 batches of kefir, use a small amount of milk (approx 1 cup to 1 TBS of grains) and let it sit out for 24 hours instead of 36. Strain the grains out after 24 hours and put them in a fresh batch of milk.

If the milk is getting thickened, yellow whey is forming on top and the milk has a tangy flavor you’ll know that the grains have acclimated and are ready to start making kefir!

Tips for Making This Kefir Smoothie Recipe

• For best results, let your kefir ferment for at least 36 hours. My kids think it’s too sour if I let it go much over 36. Less than 36, I find the consistency too runny.
• Set a weekly schedule for making kefir based on when you’ll run out. I like to start a half gallon on Sunday night so it’s ready for use by early Tuesday.
• If you or someone in your household doesn’t like the texture of the seeds, use a metal sieve and strain out the blueberry seeds/skins.
• If you prefer, store in the fridge as plain kefir and make single-serve smoothies throughout the week.
• Well-cared-for kefir grains will last for years! No need to replace them as long as the grains are being fed regularly.
• Milk kefir grains may multiply and swell if they are “fed” regularly with fresh milk! You can sell them or give them away.
• As with most fermentations, if your house temperature is cold, it may take longer to ferment, while a warmer home will speed up ferment time.
• It is normal for the whey to start separating from the kefir. Simply mix it in when you are done fermenting.
• Avoid using metal utensils or bowls when making kefir. There is some evidence metal isn’t good for the health of kefir grains.

What You’ll Need to Make This Blueberry Kefir Recipe:

• 1/2 gallon glass jar with lid
• tea towel
• strainer/sieve
• blender

Ingredients:

• kefir grains
• Milk
• Blueberries ( fresh blueberries, wild blueberries, or frozen blueberries are fine. I used frozen organic blueberries for this recipe).
• maple syrup or raw honey

How To Make a Blueberry Kefir Smoothie:

This blueberry kefir recipe is so delicious. Let’s get started!

Place a few TBS of kefir grains into your 1/2-gallon glass jar. I have about 3-4 TBS of kefir grain currently and they successfully ferment a half gallon of milk within 36 hours. If you only have 1-2 TBS of grains, you may want to start with a smaller quantity of kefir such as a quart- at least until the grains start multiplying! 

Pour milk over the grains and almost to the top of the jar. I like to leave a few inches for when I add my blueberries since they add a bit of volume to the jar. Stir.

Cover the jar with a tea towel or coffee filter and place on the counter to start fermenting. Let the milk beverage sit out on the counter until it becomes thick and tangy. This usually takes between 12-36 hours. The longer ferment produces healthier strands of bacteria so I prefer to leave mine out for 36 hours. 

After 36 hours, strain the kefir grains out of the milk. There may be some liquid separating from the thickened kefir but that is totally normal for fermented foods.

After all kefir grains have been strained out, you are ready to make your kefir smoothie!

Add about 1.5 cups of blueberries and 1/4 cup of maple syrup to a blender. Pour the kefir into the blender and blend until smooth and creamy.

If you prefer to have no seeds or skin, you can strain them out with a sieve. 

Store kefir smoothie in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. We usually power through a half gallon within 1 week. 

You can start your next batch of kefir right away, or store your kefir grains in a mason jar with a splash of milk to cover in the fridge. Grains can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 weeks.  

Add-ins With Immune System Boosting Effects

Kefir is already packed with beneficial bacteria so why not make it even more immune system-friendly with these healthy add-ins!

• Chia seeds
• Fresh Fruits
• Hemp Seeds
• Flax Seeds

FAQ about Kefir:

What does drinking kefir do for you?

Drinking kefir can offer several health benefits due to its rich nutritional profile and the presence of probiotics. Here are some potential benefits:

1. Probiotics: Kefir is a fermented dairy product that contains a variety of live bacteria and yeast cultures. These probiotics can promote a healthy balance of gut bacteria, which is beneficial for digestion and overall gut health.
2. Nutrient Content: Kefir is a good source of various nutrients, including protein, calcium, vitamin K2, and B vitamins.
3. Lactose Digestion: The fermentation process reduces the lactose content in kefir, making it easier to digest for some individuals who are lactose intolerant.
4. Immune System Support: Probiotics in kefir may contribute to a stronger immune system by promoting a healthy gut microbiota.
5. Anti-Inflammatory Properties: Some studies suggest that kefir may have anti-inflammatory effects, potentially benefiting conditions related to inflammation.

Is kefir or yogurt better for you?

Both kefir and yogurt are fermented dairy products containing probiotics, but the specific strains of bacteria and yeast may differ. Kefir tends to have a more diverse microbial composition.

Should I drink kefir by itself?

Whether you drink kefir by itself depends on personal preference. Some people enjoy it on its own, while others use it as an ingredient in smoothies, dressings, or other recipes.

How much kefir a day should you drink?

The recommended amount of kefir to drink per day varies. Generally, starting with a small amount and gradually increasing is advisable, especially if you are new to consuming fermented products. About one cup (240 ml) per day is a common recommendation, but individual tolerance may vary. It’s always a good idea to listen to your body and consult with a healthcare professional if you have specific health concerns or conditions.

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I hope you enjoyed this creamy blueberry kefir recipe. What is your favorite kefir treat? Let me know below!

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