What could be simpler than kefir. Milk and leaven. However, not every package will be equally healthy and tasty. And if the taste is often judged subjectively, then there can be questions about the quality of the fermented milk product. And essential. Today we will focus on the best brands of kefir. And also what to look for when choosing it.
How to choose
The assortment of dairy products on store shelves is striking in variety. Bright packaging attracts attention. It is not difficult to get confused. How to choose a really tasty and healthy drink. After all, kefir perfectly quenches thirst, gives a feeling of fullness. The bacteria contained in the fermented milk product have a beneficial effect on the intestinal microflora, stimulating the work of the digestive system. What is hidden behind the bright pictures on the packaging and how this or that drink differs.
Appointment
Currently on sale there are products for children and adults. When choosing a drink for a child from 8 months to 3 years old, you should give preference to a fermented milk product developed specifically for babies. As a rule, it is made from whole milk. The number of bacteria is calculated taking into account the age and average body weight of children. Its use will not harm the baby's digestive system. And the added vitamins will help your child grow and develop. In addition, it is mainly produced in glass or cardboard packaging. They are considered the safest.
Drinks for adults are rarely supplemented with vitamins and minerals. However, kefir itself contains trace elements such as calcium, fluorine, magnesium. A larger amount of live fungi is added to it, as well as beneficial bacteria that are responsible for normalizing digestion. Most companies produce entire product lines. The products are distinguished by their fat content, packaging and volume.
Cooking method
The benefits and taste directly depend on the production technology. Physicians consider a thermostatic product to be more useful. In this case, the starter culture is added to the milk poured into the package. The fermentation process takes place in a sealed container, which allows you to maximize the benefits of bacteria. Its taste is rich, with a pronounced sourness.
You need to know that thermostatic kefir is not subject to stirring, unlike a fermented milk product prepared by the usual method and in finished form poured into containers. Therefore, its consistency is heterogeneous, with a small number of lumps. Not everyone likes this drink. Especially when it comes to children.
Fatness
The standard line of manufacturing companies consists of drinks with fat content of 0, 1, 2.5 and 3.0 percent. However, there are exceptions. There is kefir with a fat content of 6%. It contains cream, and it has nothing to do with dietary nutrition.
In order to lose weight, it is recommended to consume a drink with a fat content of 0 to 1 percent. True, one should not expect high taste characteristics from him. And no matter what dietary qualities it has, it should contain about 3% protein.Otherwise, there is a risk of causing additional stress to the body, which needs fats and carbohydrates.
Kefir of medium fat usually has the best taste characteristics. It is thick in consistency, with a refreshing taste and a slight sour aftertaste. Products with a fat percentage of more than 3% also help to gain a feeling of fullness. But, here you also need to look at the calorie content of the product. Of course, if it is used as a dietary product, and not just out of love for a fermented milk drink.
Composition
Unfortunately, the days of strict GOST standards are over. Today companies can adjust the technological process in accordance with the technical specifications. And then in the composition of the drink, starch, thickeners, preservatives often appear.
Ideally, the packaging should include cow's milk and starter culture. In children's drinks or in the production of kefir with lactobacilli, all additional substances should be in the last places.
Packaging
The most environmentally friendly are glass and cardboard tetra bags. However, glass significantly increases the cost of the final production cost. Therefore, many companies produce kefir in plastic bottles. They are easy to store and transport. But, according to biologists, plastic has a harmful effect on both the human body and the entire environment. After all, such a convenient container decomposes over 450 years.
But, whatever the packaging, it must contain the information necessary for the buyer.
- Name of product and manufacturer.
- Composition.
- Information and content of fats, proteins and carbohydrates. By the way, according to Rospotrebnadzor, high-quality products should contain at least 3% protein.
- Energy value per 100 ml of product.
- Date of issue and shelf life.
And of course, the packaging must be completely sealed. Only in this case the products will be safe for the consumer.
Storage periods
Natural kefir made only from whole cow's milk and sourdough can be stored in sealed containers for about 5-7 days. The use of preservatives and special technologies increases the time frame up to 10-14 days. If the label indicates longer periods, you should think about the naturalness and benefits of the product. After opening the package, kefir is stored in the refrigerator. It is recommended to eat it within 2-3 days.
Storage times affect the taste of the product and the way it acts on the body. The drink has the softest and most pleasant taste on the first day after preparation. Over time, it gains strength, the sourness in taste is more and more pronounced.
The fresh drink has a mild laxative effect, starting up the metabolism and helping the intestines cleanse. By the end of the shelf life, these qualities disappear.
Rating of the best brands of kefir
Below is a small list of companies and brands of their products, which, according to consumer reviews, combine good taste, pleasant texture and maximum health benefits. And for convenience, we will separately consider ordinary, dietary and children's products.
For diet food.
As indicated above, drinks with a fat content of 0 to 1 percent are suitable for this purpose. Their caloric content should not exceed 40-45 kcal per 100 grams of product.
House in the village, 1%
Products from the Russian company Wimm-Bill-Dann are better known under the brand name "House in the Village". Its history began in 1992 with the production of packaged juices. It entered the dairy market in 1996 with the House in the Village line. Now the assortment includes milk, kefir, sour cream, cottage cheese.
Some time ago, Rospotrebnadzor of the Russian Federation had complaints about the quality of kefir. Now the company has established the production technology and careful control over the compliance of the manufactured products with generally accepted standards.
One-percent "House in the Countryside" is a high-quality low-calorie product. It is made from pasteurized milk and live starter culture. It is produced in cardboard tetra-bags and plastic bottles. The carton contains 500 or 1000 grams of the drink.Standard bottles containing 900 grams of product. Despite the low percentage of fat content, kefir is rather thick, homogeneous with a mild taste.
Advantages:
- Optimal consistency for low-calorie kefir;
- Pleasant taste;
- The energy value of 100 grams of the product is 37 Kcal, which allows it to be used when organizing healthy and dietary food;
- Does not contain additives such as starch and vegetable fats;
- Shelf life in unopened packaging is 15 days.
Disadvantages:
- There are protein problems. In some studies, it is below the generally accepted 3%. Many people associate this fact with the use in the production of powdered milk.
This is not to say that the products are distinguished by a democratic cost. A liter tetra-package will cost 70-75 rubles. A drink in a plastic bottle costs 90-100 rubles.
BioMax, 1%
The author of the BioMax brand is also Wimm-Bill-Dann. Her line includes kefir and kefir drinks with all kinds of fillings. For the manufacture of kefir, only whole milk and live sourdough are used. The product is enriched with vitamins A, E and D. It contains folic acid.
Advantages:
- According to the manufacturer, it is absolutely natural, without additives or preservatives;
- It is produced both in cardboard tetra-bags and in plastic bottles;
- It has a good taste and medium density;
- Has a positive effect on the digestive system;
- Gives a feeling of lightness and energizes;
- The vitamin complex is ideal for women who are dieting. It strengthens bone tissue, helps to maintain the beauty of skin and hair.
Disadvantages:
- The calorie content of 100 grams of the product is 44 kcal, which is at the border of the norm for dietary products;
- Suspiciously long shelf life for a natural drink, amounting to 15 days.
The cost of a bottle with a net weight of 930 grams is 75-80 rubles.
Cheburashkin brothers, fat-free 0.1%
The Cheburashkin Brothers company is young, but already popular with fans of farm products. The farm is located in the suburbs. Success lies in the complete production cycle. From growing dairy cows to selling finished products. Experts have developed the starter culture independently, in their own laboratory. That is why fermented milk products have a unique taste.
Advantages:
- Made from skim milk;
- Low calorie content;
- Protein content in the range of 3.5-4%;
- Pleasant taste with a slight sourness in the aftertaste;
- Uniform consistency without lumps;
- Not watery.
Disadvantages:
- Relatively high cost, in the range of 95-100 rubles for a package of 500 grams.
Medium Fat Drinks
They are in demand among consumers of all ages. They are drunk for breakfast, or consumed at night. Suitable as a light snack. And also for the preparation of various dishes.
Buttermilk, 2.5%
A well-known Russian brand, which was first talked about in 2002. Since then, many things have happened in the company. But, one moment remained low. Excellent product quality. It is made from pasteurized milk using a ferment on live fungi.
Advantages:
- Balanced taste;
- Average density, uniformity, no lumps;
- The results of numerous tests have shown that the product is absolutely safe. It does not contain preservatives or thickeners;
- Convenient packaging. You can choose plastic bottles or cardboard tetra bags. The volume is also different. 900 or 430 grams.
Disadvantages:
- In the process of storage, it acquires sharp sour notes. If you don't like them, you should buy products made 1-2 days ago.
Many consider it expensive. Perhaps so - 120-130 rubles for a large package.
House in the village, 3.2%
Fermented milk drink for the whole family. Both children and adults like it. The product is natural. But, it is not suitable for dietary nutrition, having an energy component of 57 kcal.
Advantages:
- Moderately thick;
- No lumps;
- Pleasant taste without sourness;
- Selection by packaging and volume;
- Does not contain unnecessary substances. Starch, vegetable fats, milk substitutes;
- The shelf life is 15 days.
Disadvantages:
- In tetra-bags, the lid does not open well;
- It should be consumed within 2-3 days after opening. Long-term storage deteriorates the taste. A bitter taste appears.
The cost is more than democratic. About 90 rubles for 1 liter.
Brest-Litovsk, 3.6%
Products from the company "Savushkin Product" from Belarus have come to taste in many countries. Not surprising. It is distinguished by high quality, the use of natural raw materials, and a wide range. Kefir is no exception. It is prepared in a thermostatic way. To enjoy the taste, you need to shake the bottle well.
Advantages:
- Rich and balanced taste;
- Maximum benefit for the gastrointestinal tract, because during the manufacturing process all the beneficial properties of bacteria and yeast are preserved;
- The production does not use milk powder, starch and vegetable fats;
- The shelf life is 7 days, which indicates a natural composition.
Disadvantages:
- Not suitable for diet food. It has a high fat content and high calorie content.
For kids
Choosing kefir for children is not an easy task. They begin to consume it from 8 months of age. As a rule, children's stamps are designed for babies under 3 years old. For a drink to be really useful, it must have an optimal balance of microorganisms. Otherwise, problems with digestion may arise, because the digestive system is fully formed and begins to function fully by 5-6 years. The taste of kefir is no less important. It's not always easy to feed a little fussy.
Comfortable digestion
Produced by Wimm-Bill-Dann under the popular Agusha brand. Recommended for children from 8 months to 3 years old who do not have any special problems with the gastrointestinal tract.
Advantages:
- Excellent mild taste, no sour or bitter aftertaste;
- Homogeneous consistency without lumps and air bubbles;
- Aids in digestion;
- In babies up to one year old, it can act as an independent dish;
- Natural composition, no preservatives or dyes.
Disadvantages:
- According to the parents, they are absent.
Available in convenient 200 ml tetra-bags. The cost of packaging is 30-35 rubles.
Biokefir First spoon
The product is also produced under the Agusha brand. The main difference from the product presented above is that kefir is enriched with probiotics that are responsible for digestion. It reduces gas production, normalizes the child's stool.
Advantages:
- Eases digestive problems in children;
- Medium density;
- No lumps.
Disadvantages:
- Somewhat specific taste;
- Should be consumed immediately after opening the pack. You cannot store it.
The cost of a 200 ml tetra package is 30-35 rubles.
Kefir is good for both children and their parents. A quality fermented milk drink perfectly complements breakfast or dinner. It is used for baking, making pancakes and okroshka. By the way, many people cook kefir at home from whole cow's milk. It resembles homemade yogurt. Those who spent the summer with their grandmother remember her refreshing taste well.
