Check out our guide to kefir, including where to buy it and plenty of recipe inspiration, then read about halloumi, buttermilk and crème fraîche.

What is kefir?

Kefir is a fermented milk drink that’s similar to a thin yogurt. It’s made from kefir grains, a specific type of mesophilic symbiotic culture, prepared by inoculating the milk of cows, goats or sheep with kefir grains. Kefir is a popular and affordable health drink, served at breakfast, lunch or dinner in countries such as Russia, Hungary and Ukraine. As well as a drink, kefir is also used as an ingredient in soup, as well as in place of milk on cereal, granola, milkshakes and smoothies. You can also use it to make sourdough bread or as a buttermilk substitute in baking.