Saturday Farmers’ Market Vendor Feature: Squamish Water Kefir Company

This week we are featuring Squamish Water Kefir Company, started in 2015 by Sabrina and Kristin in Squamish, B.C.

They brew and ferment water kefir that is caffeine-free, 100% natural, low in sugar, dairy-free, gluten-free, and plant-based. Every bottle is packed full of probiotics and beneficial enzymes that aids with digestion, immune system function, mood, sleep, and overall wellbeing. We’re super excited to be sharing their story and products especially as they are part of our Feeding Growth community of progressive food businesses. Be sure to check out which monthly dates they will be at the market, so you won’t miss it!

What is the difference between milk kefir and water kefir?

Both are fermented beverages that use “grains” of kefir culture to ferment sugars into a beverage. Although both products are referred to as “grains”, instead of wheat or rye, these “grains” are colonies of live bacteria and yeast living in symbiotic relationship (Symbiotic Culture of Bacteria and Yeast). The kefir colonies look like little crystals, or “grains”, hence the name.

How do you brew your water kefir?

We feed our water kefir grains fair-trade organic cane sugar following a simple recipe, using a two-step fermentation process that takes place in water. This fermentation process reduces the sugar content to just a few teaspoons per litre, and also produces digestive enzymes, pre-digested nutrients, amino acids, vitamins, minerals, and billions of probiotics to the product as well. The sugar that is leftover has been pre-digested by culture before it meets your gut!

Is this a good option in place of dairy-based kefirs?

Yes! It’s 100% dairy-free, gluten-free, and caffeine-free, so this water kefir is great for everyone, including kids! If you are just looking for a low-sugar alternative to juice and sodas, it’s a great way to quench your thirst while adding probiotics to your diet.

What are the ingredients you use?

We only have four ingredients in our products: water kefir culture, water, fair trade organic cane sugar, and the flavour addition depending on the bottle!

What flavours do you offer?

Hibiscus, lemon ginger, blood orange, and mint in the summer time.

What is the advantage of taking kefir instead of a probiotic supplement?

Fermented products such as kefir are considered functional foods because they offer enzymes, pre-digested nutrients, amino acids, vitamins, minerals, calories/energy and billions of probiotics. Probiotic pill supplements contain just one or a select variety of bacteria, and usually that’s it. It’s always better to eat something in its whole form when possible, because each part makes the other more digestible. This is why companies are now adding fiber back into cereals and fruit juices, and citric acid into calcium – you often need all the parts to assimilate nutrients correctly.