FAQS
What is water kefir?
Known by many names like tibicos and japanese crystals, water kefir (pronounced: keh-feer) is a probiotic sparkling beverage, traditionally fermented using water kefir grains, which are not grains at all but a scoby (symbiotic colony of bacteria and yeast), sugar and water.
Water kefir is rich in beneficial bacteria that’s great for your gut health and general wellbeing.
It is a dairy-free, gluten-free, and caffeine-free beverage, making it a perfect natural alternative to sugary soft drinks and artificial cocktail mixers.
What does it taste like?
Piqi water kefirs are lively, delicate and crisp, offering a refreshing sip that is not too sweet! We often say that water kefir has a taste of a slightly tart natural soda.
As with all fermented foods depending on the length of fermentation the taste can range from fruity to tangy and tart.
Check out our delicious flavours, all brewed with the finest organic ingredients that have been sustainably sourced.
Why must water kefir be kept cold?
We want you to get the most out of our”living” piqi drinks, so we do not heat treat or pasteurise them. Pasteurisation kills gut-friendly live cultures that naturally occur during the fermentation process.
Water kefir is very lively and will continue to ferment if left out of the fridge, which can result in extremely high carbonation and alteration in flavour.
Please store your kefir in the fridge at all times, until you’re ready to enjoy it!
Does it contain alcohol?
Similar to kombucha and other fermented beverages, water kefir contains trace amounts of alcohol. However, the amount is usually very low, below 0.5% abv. However, fermented products continue to ferment slowly even in the fridge and can reach up to 1% ABV.
If you are sensitive to alcohol please ask your doctor before consuming any fermented products.
How much should I drink?
If you’re new to fermented foods or have a sensitive stomach, it’s best to start enjoying kefir in small quantities to allow your body time to adjust. We suggest a shot or two to start with, and you can work your way up to 1 bottle (250ml) a day.
What are the benefits of drinking water kefir?
Did you know that over 80% of your immune system resides in our gut?
Water kefir is rich in beneficial bacteria that are great for gut health! It is a dairy-free, caffeine-free beverage that’s naturally packed with essential vitamins and minerals and billions of gut-friendly cultures to help support your immune system and overall being.
It is also a perfect replacement for sugary drinks, as much of the sugar gets metabolised during the fermentation process.
I’ve tried kombucha before, what’s the difference?
You might be familiar with kombucha drinks, which are naturally fermented sparkling tea beverages. Kombucha is traditionally brewed with tea, sugar, water and kombucha scoby (symbiotic colony of bacteria and yeast) that looks a little bit like a giant mushroom. Water kefir on the other hand is brewed with water, sugar, whole fruit (or fruit juice), and a different type of scoby that resembles “grains”, hence the name kefir grains.
The nutrition and health benefits vary depending on brewing methods and ingredients used. But when it comes to taste, both beverages are delicious and slightly effervescent.
Kombucha often has a more distinct tangy and tart flavour while water kefir remains light and delicate. So, it’s a matter of individual preference really!
Does it contain dairy?
Our water kefirs are naturally dairy-free, gluten free, and caffeine-free. Perfectly suitable for vegans and vegetarians. Learn about water kefir here.
I’m pregnant, can I still drink water kefir?
Please note that we do not recommend consumption of water kefir during pregnancy due to small amounts of alcohol being present.
One of our flavours also contains butterfly pea flowers which are not recommended for consumption during pregnancy.
Please consult your doctor before eating or drinking any fermented products.
Can I mix water kefir with alcohol?
Absolutely! Water kefir is the perfect low-sugar mixer alternative for cocktails. Our butterfly pea makes an especially stunning cocktail.
Where did the name piqi come from?
Piqi is a play on the word “piquant” which means stimulating to the senses, the original word first appeared in the english language in the 17th century and was used to describe foods that are zesty and flavourful. Have we piqued your curiosity? The original spelling for piqi was intended to be piqui until we discovered that it’s an actual name for a tropical fruit with alternate spellings: pequi and piqui.