Kefir

Fermented Dairy Product

Kefir at a glance

Category: Fermented Dairy Product
Also called: Kefir milk, Kefir yogurt
Commonly found in: Smoothies, Breakfast bowls, Salad dressings, Baked goods
Diets reviewed: 26 diets

What is Kefir?

Kefir is a cultured, fermented milk beverage that is similar to yogurt but typically thinner in consistency. It is made using kefir grains, which are a combination of bacteria and yeast, to ferment cow, goat, or sheep milk. This fermentation process not only gives kefir its characteristic tangy taste but also makes it rich in probiotics, which are beneficial for gut health.

Also known as:

Kefir milkKefir yogurt

Diet Compatibility

Lactose FreeAvoid

Kefir is a fermented milk drink, so it typically contains lactose.

Low FODMAPAvoid

Kefir is a fermented milk drink, so it typically contains moderate to high levels of lactose. That makes it high FODMAP at a normal serving size.

Alpha-Gal FriendlySafe

This ingredient is generally considered compatible with a Alphagal diet.

Barley FreeSafe

This ingredient is generally considered compatible with a Barley Free diet.

Corn FreeSafe

This ingredient is generally considered compatible with a Corn Free diet.

Dairy FreeSafe

This ingredient is generally considered compatible with a Dairy Free diet.

Egg FreeSafe

This ingredient is generally considered compatible with a Egg Free diet.

Fish FreeSafe

This ingredient is generally considered compatible with a Fish Free diet.

Garlic FreeSafe

This ingredient is generally considered compatible with a Garlic Free diet.

GERD FriendlySafe

This ingredient is generally considered compatible with a Gerd diet.

Gluten FreeSafe

This ingredient is generally considered compatible with a Gluten Free diet.

Lupin FreeSafe

This ingredient is generally considered compatible with a Lupin Free diet.

Milk FreeSafe

This ingredient is generally considered compatible with a Milk Free diet.

Nightshade FreeSafe

This ingredient is generally considered compatible with a Nightshades diet.

Oat FreeSafe

This ingredient is generally considered compatible with a Oat Free diet.

Onion FreeSafe

This ingredient is generally considered compatible with a Onion Free diet.

Peanut FreeSafe

This ingredient is generally considered compatible with a Peanut Free diet.

PescatarianSafe

This ingredient is generally considered compatible with a Pescatarian diet.

Rye FreeSafe

This ingredient is generally considered compatible with a Rye Free diet.

Sesame FreeSafe

This ingredient is generally considered compatible with a Sesame Free diet.

Shellfish FreeSafe

This ingredient is generally considered compatible with a Shell Fish Free diet.

Soy FreeSafe

This ingredient is generally considered compatible with a Soy Free diet.

Tree Nut FreeSafe

This ingredient is generally considered compatible with a Tree Nut Free diet.

VeganSafe

This ingredient is generally considered compatible with a Vegan diet.

VegetarianSafe

This ingredient is generally considered compatible with a Vegetarian diet.

Wheat FreeSafe

This ingredient is generally considered compatible with a Wheat Free diet.

Compatibility ratings are general guidelines and may vary by individual. Always consult a healthcare professional for personalized dietary advice.

Why People Avoid Kefir

People often avoid kefir due to its lactose content, as it is made from dairy milk. Those with lactose intolerance or a dairy allergy might experience discomfort or allergic reactions after consuming kefir. However, there are non-dairy versions available that are made from plant-based milks, such as coconut or almond milk, which are suitable for those avoiding lactose.

Potential Reactions

Lactose intolerance symptoms
Allergic reactions in dairy-sensitive individuals

This information is for educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Individual reactions can vary. Consult a healthcare professional if you have concerns about specific ingredients.

Foods That Commonly Contain Kefir

Smoothies Breakfast bowls Salad dressings Baked goods

Browse products that match your diet.

Explore Products

Related to Kefir

Other ingredients people often check alongside Kefir.

YogurtUnknown ButtermilkUnknown Kefir cultureUnknown

Frequently Asked Questions

How Spoonful reviews ingredients

Evidence-based. Diet compatibility ratings are compiled from peer-reviewed nutrition guidance, dietary association recommendations, and ingredient composition data.
Continuously updated. Our ingredient database is refreshed as new sources and product data become available.
Transparent uncertainty. When an ingredient's safety depends on serving size, preparation, or sub-ingredients, we mark it “caution” rather than forcing a binary answer.
Not medical advice. Ratings are general guidance. Always consult a registered dietitian for personalized recommendations.

Take the Guesswork Out of Grocery Shopping

Join thousands who use Spoonful to find foods that match their dietary needs.

Get Spoonful — It's Free

Scan Foods with Spoonful