Live Milk Kefir Grains – Grown in Organic Milk

Bring a little everyday brewing magic to your kitchen with our live milk kefir grains, naturally grown in organic milk. Lovingly cared for and allowed to mature before packing, these reusable cultures turn milk into a creamy, tangy kefir drink you can make at home, batch after batch.

Choose your starting size

• 5g (1 × 5g): for approximately 250ml of milk per brew.
• 10g (2 × 5g): for approximately 500ml of milk per brew.
• 15g (3 × 5g): for approximately 750ml–1 litre of milk per brew.

These are starting guides rather than fixed yields. Brewing time and results depend on temperature and how settled your grains are. As your grains grow, you can gradually increase the amount you make.

For your first 3 to 5 brews, use only 250ml of milk, whatever size you have. New grains need a little time to settle in after their journey.

Grown with care

Our grains are grown in Soil Association-certified organic milk from Hook and Son Dairy, produced by grass-fed Holstein Friesian cows. We nurture the cultures, check their pH daily and pick and pack them to order.

• Live grains supplied drained in a sealed sachet, ready to pop straight into fresh milk.
• Food-grade, heat-sealed packaging.
• Printed instructions, plus access to online instructions and tutorial videos.
• Reusable grains that can keep making kefir with ongoing care.
• Friendly brewing support when you need a helping hand.

What to expect when they arrive

Your grains are alive and will need time to adjust to their new home. Allow around 3–5 settling-in brews, using just 250ml of milk each time and following the supplied instructions. As a rough guide, a brew takes about 48 hours, or around 36 hours if your home is on the warm side. If it isn't ready after 48 hours, change the milk anyway. That's normal with new grains.

Start small, get to know your grains and enjoy finding a brewing rhythm that suits your kitchen. There is no need to begin with a large quantity: your culture can grow with you.

Which milk can I use?

These are milk kefir grains, grown in dairy milk. The existing culture can be used with different dairy milks, including cow’s, goat’s and sheep’s milk. If you would like to try plant-based milk, please ask us for guidance before switching, as it needs a different care routine.

A helping hand with your brew

We want you to enjoy making kefir, not feel left to figure it out alone. Start with our Help & Advice pages, or get in touch through live chat, WhatsApp or our web form if your grains need a little extra attention. Please keep your grains while we help you troubleshoot rather than throwing them away.

Buying a gift, or not ready to start straight away? Choose our dehydrated grains instead.

Quick answers

How long does milk kefir take?
As a rough guide, about 48 hours, or around 36 hours if your home is on the warm side. Milk kefir likes it warm, just not hot. If it isn't fermenting within 48 hours, especially when it's cold, move it somewhere warmer so the milk doesn't go off before the bacteria can ferment it.

What else do I need?
A clean glass jar, fresh milk, a plastic sieve, a cloth or loose lid, and a plastic or wooden spoon.

How much milk do I use?
Use 250ml of milk for every 5g (1 heaped teaspoon) of grains, after your first few settling-in brews. As your grains grow, our Happy Brew Buddy calculator works out how much milk to use.

Should I make one big batch?
No. Little and often is better than big batches. Your grains need fresh milk at least every 48 hours, so once they're established you'll have a new batch every couple of days. Only make as much as you can actually drink.

My first brews are thin. Is that normal?
Yes. New grains behave differently from established ones. Keep them at a steady temperature and allow at least 3 to 5 brews before you expect a change.

How do I know my grains are alive?
Dead grains break down and disappear. If your grains are still there and you're getting curds and whey, they're alive.

I'm not ready to start yet. How do I store them?
Keep your grains in the fridge. They'll keep there up to the best before date on the pack. The further past that date you go, the lower the chance they'll wake up.

How much should I drink?
Start with a shot-sized glass a day.

Find out more about milk kefir and caring for your grains, or read our milk kefir guide.