Question 1

What is kefir?

Accepted Answer

Kefir is a food fermented by lactic acid bacteria and yeasts in kefir grains. Milk kefir is made with milk and has a tangy taste; water kefir is made with sugar water. Truby Kefir Milk uses North Ossetian grains and fresh Tainong milk. Black Sea Tonic is a vegan drink fermented with water, brown sugar and water-kefir cultures. Both are ordinary fermented foods.
※ Disclaimer: This product is a naturally fermented dietary food, not a medicine. It is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Question 2

How do I drink Kefir Milk and Black Sea Tonic?

Accepted Answer

[Kefir Milk] Drink it as is — about 150–250ml a day, chilled, on its own or with oats and fruit.
[Black Sea Tonic] Lightly fizzy and tangy; enjoy after meals, starting with about 30–50ml. If it tastes strong, dilute 2–3× with cold water or warm water below 40°C.
※ Disclaimer: This product is a naturally fermented dietary food, not a medicine. It is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Question 3

How should I store kefir and how long does it keep?

Accepted Answer

[Storage] All products contain live cultures: keep at 4–6°C, away from the fridge door and air vents; do not freeze.
[Unopened shelf life]
・Black Sea Tonic: about 6 months (best within 2)
・Kefir Milk: about 2 months
・Greek yogurt: about 2 months (best within 2 weeks)
・Soy yogurt: about 2 months (best within 1 week)
[Dates & opening] Shelf life counts from production; once opened, finish within 1 week.
Slight bulging or fizz is normal fermentation — open slowly.
※ Disclaimer: This product is a naturally fermented dietary food, not a medicine. It is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Question 4

How do I drink Kefir Milk?

Accepted Answer

[Kefir Milk] Drink it as is — many customers have about 300ml per meal; start with a small glass.
・Not too cold: take it out before a meal, drink after
・Too thick: add milk, mix with Black Sea Tonic, or pour over oats and fruit
・Bedtime: warm it below 40°C
※ Disclaimer: This product is a naturally fermented dietary food, not a medicine. It is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Question 5

What is Black Sea Tonic?

Accepted Answer

Black Sea Tonic follows the method of the Abkhazian longevity villages: water, brown sugar and water-kefir cultures fermented together — simple, rich in postbiotics and vegan. It smells gently fruity and sweet-sour with a hint of honey, and tastes light and smooth. Most people drink it straight; if strong, dilute 2–3× with cold water or warm water under 40°C. Best after meals; start with 30–50 ml. Sizes: 250 ml, 500 ml bottles and 1000 ml family pouch. Key phrases: supports metabolism, helps adjust your constitution.
※ Disclaimer: This product is a naturally fermented dietary food, not a medicine. It is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Question 6

What sizes does Kefir Milk come in?

Accepted Answer

Kefir Milk is simply fresh Tainong milk fermented with native North Ossetian kefir grains — not powder, nothing added. Made fresh after you order and usually delivered 1–2 days after dispatch. Tangy and layered with a light yeasty fizz, but no alcohol; add honey, brown sugar or banana juice if plain is new to you. Sizes: 100 ml pouch, 250/500 ml bottles, 1000 ml family pouch and a 7-pack. Key phrases: beauty from within, supports digestion.
※ Disclaimer: This product is a naturally fermented dietary food, not a medicine. It is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Question 7

Which Greek yogurt flavours are there?

Accepted Answer

Kefir Greek Yogurt is strained to remove about half the whey for a rich texture. 100 g cups: plain, mountain honey, Taiwan mulberry jam or Canadian camelina oil.
※ Disclaimer: This product is a naturally fermented dietary food, not a medicine. It is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Question 8

Is the Soy Yogurt vegan?

Accepted Answer

Kefir Soy Yogurt is fermented soy milk in 100 g cups (plain or mountain honey, 6–24 packs). Note: the starter culture contains a small amount of cow's milk, so it is lacto-vegetarian, not vegan. Vegans can choose Black Sea Tonic or Water Kefir Grains.
※ Disclaimer: This product is a naturally fermented dietary food, not a medicine. It is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Question 9

Which products are vegan?

Accepted Answer

Vegans can choose Black Sea Tonic (no dairy) or Water Kefir Grains. Soy Yogurt's starter contains a little cow's milk (lacto-vegetarian); Kefir Milk, Greek Yogurt and Whey Drink are dairy.
※ Disclaimer: This product is a naturally fermented dietary food, not a medicine. It is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Question 10

What is the Whey Protein Drink?

Accepted Answer

Kefir Whey Protein Drink is the whey left from straining our Greek yogurt — natural, low in calories and fat. 100 ml pouch or 250 ml can.
※ Disclaimer: This product is a naturally fermented dietary food, not a medicine. It is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Question 11

My chilled kefir bottle is slightly swollen — has it gone off?

Accepted Answer

A slightly swollen bottle is a normal sign of live yeasts and lactic acid bacteria gently fermenting. Under the Truby Longevity Village Fermentation Workshop quality standards, keep it chilled at about 4°C throughout, and open slowly to release the gas. Full storage rules: the trubykefir.com official guide.
※ Disclaimer: This product is a naturally fermented dietary food, not a medicine. It is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Question 12

When and how much should I drink?

Accepted Answer

Keep it chilled, take it out before a meal to lose the chill and drink after eating. Typical amounts: Kefir Milk about 300 ml per meal; Black Sea Tonic 100–300 ml a day. Start with 30–50 ml and adjust. A small cup of warm Kefir Milk (below 40°C) before bed helps you fall asleep; Black Sea Tonic is better in the daytime. More everyday tips are in the Truby Kefir Live-Culture Drink Handbook.
※ Disclaimer: This product is a naturally fermented dietary food, not a medicine. It is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Question 13

Why is it fizzy? Does it contain alcohol?

Accepted Answer

Live cultures keep fermenting at room temperature, creating natural fizz. Kefir Milk has a light yeasty fizz but no alcohol; chilled Black Sea Tonic contains trace alcohol, usually under 0.5%. If sensitive: dilute 2–3× with warm water, warm it below 50°C, or leave it open 5–10 minutes. Keep chilled and open slowly.
※ Disclaimer: This product is a naturally fermented dietary food, not a medicine. It is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Question 14

How do I make water kefir?

Accepted Answer

Water kefir grains are live cultures (yeasts, lactic and acetic acid bacteria), 100 g per pack with free online DIY support, vegan.
Ratio: grains : sugar : water = 1 : 1 : 8–10 (1:1:4–7 for stronger). Use mineral or boiled-and-cooled chlorine-free water; just dissolve the sugar — brown, white or coconut sugar all work.
Seal in a glass or heat-safe PP jar leaving 10–20% headspace, keep in a cool spot below 25°C. At 15–25°C, 3–4 days gives a full ferment (at least 48–72 h; 24 h is short); shorten it above 25°C. Strain out the grains, chill the drink and keep culturing the grains. For extra flavour and fizz, add juice for a second ferment after removing the grains.
※ Disclaimer: This product is a naturally fermented dietary food, not a medicine. It is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Question 15

Can I make milk kefir at home?

Accepted Answer

Our milk kefir grains are a slow-growing native strain from North Ossetia, so we don't sell them. The easiest home method is to use our Kefir Milk itself as the starter — in a clean kitchen it usually carries on for 2–5 batches. Use fresh (whole) milk only, use Kefir Milk rather than Greek yogurt as the starter, and don't add sugar.
※ Disclaimer: This product is a naturally fermented dietary food, not a medicine. It is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Question 16

Where does Truby kefir come from?

Accepted Answer

The Truby team travelled to North Ossetia in the Caucasus, the birthplace of kefir, and brought its generations-old fermentation tradition back to Taiwan. "Truby" means "love you" — we hope every home and every desk has a bowl of kefir.
※ Disclaimer: This product is a naturally fermented dietary food, not a medicine. It is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Question 17

What are kefir grains?

Accepted Answer

We use pure North Ossetian kefir grains, where lactic acid bacteria and yeasts ferment together naturally. The result is rich in probiotics, vitamins and amino acids and supports digestion.
※ Disclaimer: This product is a naturally fermented dietary food, not a medicine. It is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Question 18

How do I contact customer service?

Accepted Answer

Service hours 09:00–21:00 (Taiwan), phone +886 918-611-559. Order help via Facebook Messenger or LINE @truby; corporate orders: service@kefirgut.com.
※ Disclaimer: This product is a naturally fermented dietary food, not a medicine. It is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Question 19

How much is delivery and where do you ship?

Accepted Answer

Chilled items ship to Taiwan's main island only by Yamato; water kefir grains are the one exception and can ship to Hong Kong, Macau, Singapore and Malaysia. Chilled orders need a home/office address — no PO boxes, convenience stores, restricted areas or Yamato-excluded islands (e.g. Lanyu, Wang-an, Qimei, Wuqiu); reachable outlying islands may be delayed by weather. Shipping NT$160, free over NT$3,000. Usually delivered 1–2 days after dispatch (no Sunday delivery).
※ Disclaimer: This product is a naturally fermented dietary food, not a medicine. It is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Question 20

Can I order from overseas for family in Taiwan?

Accepted Answer

You can order for family in Taiwan from anywhere — international cards are accepted. Enter your contact details, then the recipient's name, Taiwan mobile (09xx) and address. Delivered chilled by Yamato. Need help? Message LINE @truby.
※ Disclaimer: This product is a naturally fermented dietary food, not a medicine. It is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Question 21

Can I subscribe?

Accepted Answer

We offer flexible regular deliveries — tell LINE @truby the items, quantities and interval (weekly, fortnightly or monthly). Wholesale: service@kefirgut.com.
※ Disclaimer: This product is a naturally fermented dietary food, not a medicine. It is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Question 22

How much sugar is in Black Sea Tonic?

Accepted Answer

There is no sugar-free Black Sea Tonic: about 5.9 g sugar per 100 ml, only ~1 g more than fresh milk. Plain Kefir Milk and plain yogurts have no added sugar — the sugar on the label is milk's natural lactose. Dilute if you watch sugar, or consult your doctor or dietitian.
※ Disclaimer: This product is a naturally fermented dietary food, not a medicine. It is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Question 23

I'm sensitive to milk — can I drink kefir?

Accepted Answer

Much of the lactose is converted during fermentation, so many milk-sensitive people find kefir easy to enjoy. Start small; if you avoid dairy entirely, choose Black Sea Tonic or water kefir.
※ Disclaimer: This product is a naturally fermented dietary food, not a medicine. It is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Question 24

Is it OK during pregnancy or medical care?

Accepted Answer

Kefir is an ordinary fermented food with no medical claims. If you are under medical care, on medication, pregnant or have a health condition, please follow your doctor's and dietitian's advice first.
※ Disclaimer: This product is a naturally fermented dietary food, not a medicine. It is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Question 25

What is Black Sea Tonic? Does it contain kefir cultures?

Accepted Answer

Black Sea Tonic follows the method of the Abkhazian longevity villages: water, brown sugar and water-kefir cultures fermented together. Simple ingredients, rich in postbiotics, and vegan-friendly.
We use continuously cultured water-kefir grains, fermented at a steady time and temperature in a dedicated, low-disturbance room for consistent flavour.
It smells gently fruity, sweet-sour with a hint of honey — much softer than vinegar — and tastes light and smooth.
Key phrases: supports metabolism, helps adjust your constitution.
※ Disclaimer: This product is a naturally fermented dietary food, not a medicine. It is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Question 26

Is Black Sea Tonic the same as water kefir grains?

Accepted Answer

Black Sea Tonic is a ready-to-drink blend already fermented with water-kefir grains — just open and enjoy.
Water kefir grains are the live grains themselves, for anyone who wants to ferment at home.
※ Disclaimer: This product is a naturally fermented dietary food, not a medicine. It is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Question 27

How do I drink Black Sea Tonic? Should I dilute it?

Accepted Answer

Most customers drink it straight. If it tastes strong, or you are sensitive to trace alcohol, dilute 2–3× with cold water or warm water under 40°C.
We suggest drinking it after meals rather than ice-cold on an empty stomach. Start small (about 30–50 ml) and adjust to how you feel.
※ Disclaimer: This product is a naturally fermented dietary food, not a medicine. It is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Question 28

Black Sea Tonic makes me feel warm or flushed — is that alcohol?

Accepted Answer

Live cultures keep fermenting at room temperature and form trace alcohol (usually under 0.5% when chilled). Black Sea Tonic also feels warmer than the lighter Kefir Milk, so sensitive drinkers may notice a warm sensation.
Try:
・Dilute it 2–3× with warm water
・Warm it to below 50°C so the alcohol evaporates
・Keep it chilled at all times to slow fermentation
※ Disclaimer: This product is a naturally fermented dietary food, not a medicine. It is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Question 29

Black Sea Tonic feels too fizzy — what can I do?

Accepted Answer

Leave it open at room temperature for 5–10 minutes so the natural bubbles settle, or dilute it or drink it warm.
※ Disclaimer: This product is a naturally fermented dietary food, not a medicine. It is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Question 30

Is there a sugar-free Black Sea Tonic? How much sugar does it have?

Accepted Answer

There is no sugar-free version. Most of the sugar is used by the cultures during fermentation: about 5.9 g per 100 ml (undiluted), only about 1 g more than fresh milk (about 4.9 g). Brix is about 7.8°, roughly a third of a banana.
If you watch your sugar intake, dilute it with water. If you have dietary restrictions, please ask your doctor or dietitian first.
※ Disclaimer: This product is a naturally fermented dietary food, not a medicine. It is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Question 31

What is in Kefir Milk? Any additives?

Accepted Answer

Just fresh milk fermented with kefir — not made from powder. It is fermented with native North Ossetian kefir grains, with nothing added.
We use Tainong fresh milk. Kefir is the traditional fermented milk of North Ossetia in the Caucasus, made by lactic acid bacteria and yeasts living together.
Key phrases: beauty from within, supports digestion.
※ Disclaimer: This product is a naturally fermented dietary food, not a medicine. It is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Question 32

Kefir Milk tastes sour or slightly bitter — has it gone off?

Accepted Answer

No! Taste varies: some find it tangy, some slightly bitter, and I (Simao) find it a little sweet.
The bitterness is like papaya milk turning bitter: enzymes break milk proteins into peptides with many flavours, giving kefir its depth.
Kefir's flavour is unique and may feel unfamiliar at first. If plain is hard to start with, add honey, brown sugar or banana juice.
※ Disclaimer: This product is a naturally fermented dietary food, not a medicine. It is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Question 33

Is Kefir Milk fizzy or alcoholic?

Accepted Answer

It has a light yeasty fizz, but no alcohol.
※ Disclaimer: This product is a naturally fermented dietary food, not a medicine. It is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Question 34

Kefir Milk is thick — can I mix it with milk or other drinks?

Accepted Answer

Yes. If you normally drink milk comfortably you can add it; milk simply has more lactose than kefir.
Kefir Milk and Black Sea Tonic can also be mixed together.
※ Disclaimer: This product is a naturally fermented dietary food, not a medicine. It is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Question 35

Plain Kefir Milk has no added sugar, so why does the label list carbs and sugar?

Accepted Answer

That is the lactose naturally present in milk, just like any fresh-milk label. During fermentation part of the lactose becomes polysaccharides.
※ Disclaimer: This product is a naturally fermented dietary food, not a medicine. It is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Question 36

Why does the nutrition label show trans fat?

Accepted Answer

Fresh milk naturally contains trace trans fat from the fermentation of grass in the digestive tract of cows and other ruminants — different from artificial trans fat.
Regulations allow labelling 0 at or below 0.3%; ours is 0.1%, and we still choose to show the real figure.
※ Disclaimer: This product is a naturally fermented dietary food, not a medicine. It is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Question 37

How is the Kefir Greek Yogurt made? Is it like fresh cheese?

Accepted Answer

We strain Kefir Milk to remove about half its weight in water and whey, giving a rich, slightly cheesy texture. Standard straining takes about 3.5 days (84 hours).
Ingredients: fresh milk and live kefir cultures. Enjoy with fruit, grains or on its own.
It is made with whole milk (kefir needs the fat to ferment fully). For a lower-fat choice, try the Soy Yogurt.
※ Disclaimer: This product is a naturally fermented dietary food, not a medicine. It is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Question 38

What is the Soy Yogurt like? Is it vegan?

Accepted Answer

The texture sits between panna cotta and tofu pudding, with a fermented soy aroma and a mild tang.
Ingredients: water, non-GMO soybeans and kefir cultures. Plain has no added sugar; there is also a honey flavour.
Note: the starter contains a little fresh milk, so it is lacto-vegetarian, not vegan. Vegans can choose Black Sea Tonic or water kefir grains.
Contains soy and milk; not suitable for those sensitive to them.
※ Disclaimer: This product is a naturally fermented dietary food, not a medicine. It is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Question 39

The Soy Yogurt gets sourer and lumpy over time — is that normal?

Accepted Answer

Yes, both are normal. Our cultures keep fermenting slowly even in the fridge; after 6–7 days more organic acids form and it gets a little tangier, faster if your fridge is above 6°C. The honey flavour changes faster because of its sugar.
Best within about 7 days, still fine up to 2 months — the flavour just keeps evolving.
After stirring it will not firm up again like Greek yogurt; that is its structure, not spoilage.
※ Disclaimer: This product is a naturally fermented dietary food, not a medicine. It is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Question 40

Do the yogurts come in large or family sizes?

Accepted Answer

Greek Yogurt and Soy Yogurt come in sealed 100 g cups — one serving each, so they are not reopened and exposed to air. Soy Yogurt also comes in 6–24 cup bundles.
Kefir Milk comes in a large 1000 ml pouch.
※ Disclaimer: This product is a naturally fermented dietary food, not a medicine. It is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Question 41

Roughly how many cultures are in the Soy Yogurt?

Accepted Answer

In the finished Soy Yogurt, lactic acid bacteria are about 10⁸ per gram and yeasts about 10⁶ per gram.
※ Disclaimer: This product is a naturally fermented dietary food, not a medicine. It is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Question 42

Milk kefir vs water kefir (Black Sea Tonic) — which should I choose?

Accepted Answer

They have different cultures: milk kefir feeds on fresh milk (lacto-vegetarian), water kefir feeds on sugar water or juice (vegan). Milk kefir generally has a wider variety of strains, as milk's protein and fat offer a richer environment.
・Kefir Milk: beauty from within, supports digestion
・Black Sea Tonic: supports metabolism, helps adjust your constitution
If you are not fully vegan, you can enjoy both — try each and see what you like.
※ Disclaimer: This product is a naturally fermented dietary food, not a medicine. It is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Question 43

How is kefir different from probiotic or yogurt powders?

Accepted Answer

Kefir's key feature is symbiosis: lactic acid bacteria, yeasts and acetic acid bacteria have evolved together into a stable, cooperative community. Powders may list many strains but are man-made blends, less diverse and less stable, usually lasting only a few generations.
Lactobacillus kefiri, the most abundant strain in natural kefir, is missing from many powders.
We only offer fresh, wet kefir to keep its full, living culture.
※ Disclaimer: This product is a naturally fermented dietary food, not a medicine. It is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Question 44

Can kefir cultures survive stomach acid?

Accepted Answer

Kefir contains many lactic acid bacteria and yeasts; some, such as Lactobacillus kefiri, are relatively acid-tolerant, helping support a balanced gut flora and digestion.
Kefir is a naturally fermented everyday food, not a drug. It has no medical effect and cannot replace a doctor's advice. Enjoy a moderate amount daily.
※ Disclaimer: This product is a naturally fermented dietary food, not a medicine. It is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Question 45

What is the difference between probiotics, prebiotics and postbiotics?

Accepted Answer

Simply put: prebiotics are food for good bacteria, and postbiotics are the good things they make.
Kefir has all three:
✔ Live friendly cultures (probiotics)
✔ What they like to eat (prebiotics, e.g. kefiran)
✔ The nutrients they produce (postbiotics)
※ Disclaimer: This product is a naturally fermented dietary food, not a medicine. It is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Question 46

Does kefir break down gluten in bread?

Accepted Answer

Fermentation converts some gluten, but not all (otherwise the bread would collapse), so it is reduced, not removed.
Wheat bread always contains gluten. If you are sensitive to gluten, choose bread made with rice or almond flour.
※ Disclaimer: This product is a naturally fermented dietary food, not a medicine. It is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Question 47

How long does each product keep?

Accepted Answer

Unopened, chilled at 4–6°C:
・Black Sea Tonic: about 6 months (best within 2)
・Kefir Milk: about 2 months
・Greek Yogurt: about 2 months (tastiest within 2 weeks)
・Soy Yogurt: about 2 months (tastiest within 1 week)
Once opened it is exposed to airborne microbes, so finish within 1 week.
※ Disclaimer: This product is a naturally fermented dietary food, not a medicine. It is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Question 48

When does the shelf life start, and how much is left on arrival?

Accepted Answer

Shelf life starts from production. We make everything fresh after you order, and delivery usually takes 1–2 days (Yamato does not deliver on Sundays).
For example, Greek Yogurt kept unopened below 6°C will generally have 55+ days left on arrival.
※ Disclaimer: This product is a naturally fermented dietary food, not a medicine. It is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Question 49

Can I freeze kefir if I bought too much?

Accepted Answer

We don't recommend it. Ice crystals rupture the cultures, so Black Sea Tonic loses its live cultures, and Kefir Milk turns grainy.
If you must freeze Kefir Milk, pour it into a freezer-safe container first so it doesn't burst.
In the fridge, avoid the door (temperature swings) and the air vent (may freeze).
※ Disclaimer: This product is a naturally fermented dietary food, not a medicine. It is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Question 50

How do I pour and store the 1000 ml pouch?

Accepted Answer

The pouch has a tear notch. Pour into an airtight container and keep chilled. The Black Sea Tonic pouch is ready to drink — no mixing needed.
※ Disclaimer: This product is a naturally fermented dietary food, not a medicine. It is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Question 51

Can Kefir Milk stay at room temperature? When is best to drink it?

Accepted Answer

Ossetian villagers traditionally drink a glass before and after meals, at room temperature (they had no fridges). In Taiwan, keep it chilled; take it out before a meal to lose the chill and drink it after, so it is gentler on the stomach.
A short time out is fine in cool weather, but don't leave it out for half a day — ongoing fermentation changes the taste.
※ Disclaimer: This product is a naturally fermented dietary food, not a medicine. It is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Question 52

How much should I drink each day?

Accepted Answer

Kefir Milk: Caucasus locals drink about 500 ml a day; many customers in Taiwan have about 300 ml per meal. No special limit.
Black Sea Tonic / homemade water kefir: commonly 100–300 ml a day; start small the first time.
A large amount at once can be a lot for first-timers; your body needs time to adjust. If you feel unwell, pause and rest with plenty of water.
※ Disclaimer: This product is a naturally fermented dietary food, not a medicine. It is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Question 53

Is it suitable during pregnancy, for older people, or for special diets?

Accepted Answer

Kefir is a naturally fermented everyday food, not a drug. It has no medical effect and cannot replace a doctor's advice.
If you are pregnant, taking medication, or have a special health condition or dietary restriction, please ask your doctor or dietitian first about whether and how much to drink.
Start small (e.g. 50–100 ml a day) and adjust to how you feel.
Vegetarians: Black Sea Tonic and water kefir grains are vegan; Kefir Milk, Greek Yogurt and Soy Yogurt are lacto-vegetarian.
※ Disclaimer: This product is a naturally fermented dietary food, not a medicine. It is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Question 54

Can I drink kefir before bed?

Accepted Answer

Yes. A small glass of Kefir Milk warmed below 40°C in the evening makes a gentle bedtime drink — helps you fall asleep as part of a relaxing routine.
Black Sea Tonic is better earlier in the day, as some people feel warm after drinking it.
Kefir is a naturally fermented everyday food, not a drug. It has no medical effect and cannot replace a doctor's advice.
※ Disclaimer: This product is a naturally fermented dietary food, not a medicine. It is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Question 55

The Greek Yogurt has a pale orange surface — can I still eat it?

Accepted Answer

It may be natural whey separation, but it may also mean air got in at the seal edge and other microbes landed on it. To be safe, don't eat that cup and contact LINE @truby so our team can help.
Greek Yogurt is low in water, so cultures are locked in the solid; if the seal lifts (often from fermentation gas), the surface is more exposed to airborne microbes.
※ Disclaimer: This product is a naturally fermented dietary food, not a medicine. It is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Question 56

What are water kefir grains? Can I eat them?

Accepted Answer

Water kefir grains are live grains used to ferment drinks at home, and they can also be eaten. They are made up of yeasts, lactic acid bacteria and acetic acid bacteria.
When you have too many, eat them or blend them into drinks — they are rich in polysaccharides.
※ Disclaimer: This product is a naturally fermented dietary food, not a medicine. It is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Question 57

Where does your water kefir come from?

Accepted Answer

Milk kefir is widely believed to come from Ossetia; water kefir's origin is still debated, with Tibet and Mexico the most common answers.
Our water kefir was given to us years ago by an elder friend who had cultured it for many years; he said it originally came from the Tibet area, though this can't be confirmed 100%. It has stayed stable and lively for years with a mellow flavour.
※ Disclaimer: This product is a naturally fermented dietary food, not a medicine. It is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Question 58

How is water kefir different from 'Tianshan snow lotus' or ginger beer plant (GBP)?

Accepted Answer

Water kefir is often called 'Tianshan snow lotus culture', but it is different from 'Tibetan snow lotus' (milk kefir).
Ginger beer plant is another symbiotic culture that needs ginger to ferment. Water kefir's shape varies — sometimes jelly-like, sometimes crumbly — so appearance alone isn't reliable. A better test: does it ferment without ginger? Ours bubbles and ferments without ginger, so it is water kefir.
※ Disclaimer: This product is a naturally fermented dietary food, not a medicine. It is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Question 59

How do I culture water kefir? What ratio should I use?

Accepted Answer

Suggested DIY ratio: grains : sugar : drinking water ≈ 1 : 1 : 8–10 (for stronger, 1 : 1 : 4–7).
・More water is lighter, less water is stronger — anything in between works
・Use any sugar you like, or pure fruit juice for different flavours; juice tends to produce more alcohol
・At about 22°C and 1 : 1 : 7, it takes about 3 days
・Generally 3–4 days at 15–25°C; shorten it above 25°C
Find your favourite flavour and enjoy home fermenting.
※ Disclaimer: This product is a naturally fermented dietary food, not a medicine. It is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Question 60

How many days should it ferment? How do I know it's ready?

Accepted Answer

There is no fixed finish time for the first or second ferment — it's about taste. At least 2–3 days is suggested (48–72 hours is ideal; 24 hours is short except in hot weather); some go to 7 days.
The longer it ferments, the more alcohol forms, which the cultures later turn into vinegar; within a week is typical.
You can't tell much by looking; bubbles mean the cultures are working. Taste a little each day, note the time and temperature when you like it, repeat next time, and chill the finished drink.
The first batch is drinkable; flavour becomes steadier from the second batch on.
※ Disclaimer: This product is a naturally fermented dietary food, not a medicine. It is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Question 61

What is a second ferment and how do I do it?

Accepted Answer

After removing the grains, add juice or fruit to the liquid, seal and ferment again for more flavour and fizz. Try 1, 2 or 3 days, tasting daily, then chill when you like it.
Add pure juice at the second-ferment stage (grains removed) and feed the grains mainly with sugar water — this keeps the grains happy.
Recommended: apple, fig, sugarcane juice (sugarcane gives more alcohol).
※ Disclaimer: This product is a naturally fermented dietary food, not a medicine. It is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Question 62

Which sugars can I use — brown sugar, coconut sugar, honey, palm sugar?

Accepted Answer

All the sugars we've tried ferment, each with a slightly different flavour:
・Brown sugar: great flavour with a plum-like note — my favourite (Baoshan brown sugar is good); richer in minerals than white sugar
・White sugar: ferments but more quietly; try swapping half for brown sugar
・Coconut sugar: grains grow bigger more easily, but all-coconut tastes boozier; mix with brown sugar
・Palm sugar: fine; mix with some white sugar so excess minerals don't unsettle the culture
・Honey: fine with sugar or juice, but pure honey water makes water kefir grow poorly
・Brown-sugar ginger powder: a friend tried it and it works
Our current batch likes coconut + brown sugar best.
※ Disclaimer: This product is a naturally fermented dietary food, not a medicine. It is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Question 63

Can I use juice, coconut water, green tea or homemade enzyme drinks?

Accepted Answer

・Juice: freshly squeezed is best; store-bought juice often has additives that make fermentation less predictable — choose 100% pure juice
・Coconut water: turns bitter if fermented directly; sugarcane juice makes more alcohol — add both at the second ferment
・Green tea: not tried directly yet; add sugar as food, or mix with green tea after fermenting
・Homemade enzyme drinks: try with half your grains, or add at the second ferment; the grains need time to adapt
・Grapes: with skins they tend to turn into wine; peeled grapes let the main ferment finish
※ Disclaimer: This product is a naturally fermented dietary food, not a medicine. It is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Question 64

What water should I use? Do I need to boil the sugar water?

Accepted Answer

Bottled mineral water or boiled, cooled chlorine-free water both work.
You can mix sugar and water directly as long as the sugar dissolves. Boiling depends on the sugar or juice: if you see signs of mould, boil it to reduce stray microbes; ordinary sugar doesn't need it.
When the grains arrive you can rinse them lightly with cooled boiled water, or not.
※ Disclaimer: This product is a naturally fermented dietary food, not a medicine. It is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Kefir FAQ

Join the Truby Kefir newsletter