Which kefir is good for health? Expertise "AiF"

Kefir is a popular fermented milk drink in many countries. Its benefits to the body are difficult to overestimate. Just one glass a day can relieve many problems with the gastrointestinal tract and protect you from a number of diseases. This drink is a rich source of calcium and vitamins, and therefore daily consumption of kefir is a healthy habit that every person needs to develop (in the absence of contraindications). To choose the best tasty kefir, you need to pay attention to its composition and shelf life.

Kefir rating

When creating the top rating, we brought together facts and information from studies by Roskontrol, Control Purchase, Rosportebnadzor and Rosselkhoznadzor. Next, we studied the level of demand, identified the most purchased brands on the Russian market and compared their products based on a number of characteristics:

• Compound;
• Fat content;
• Consistency;
• Taste, smell;
• Date of manufacture, expiration date, storage conditions;
• Packaging, packing, tightness;
• Price, manufacturer's reputation.

The result of the comprehensive analysis was a top list of 10 positions. For convenience, we have divided it into 3 subsections - low-fat, high-fat, and children's drinks. Monitoring customer reviews identified the advantages and disadvantages of each nominee.

The best low-fat kefir

The first category of the rating represents the most delicious kefir with a minimum percentage of fat content for adherents of dietary nutrition. Here, the label usually indicates the fat content from 0 to 1%, and the calorie content is 40-45 kcal for every 100 g. There were more than 10 candidates for VyborExpert’s consideration, but 3 brands made it to the top.

"House in the Village" 1%

Kefir with a mass fraction of fat of 1% from OJSC "VBD" has a low calorie content - 37 kcal. It quenches thirst well and improves health. Combines with fish, meat dishes, eggs and other products containing proteins.

Consists of fresh normalized milk from proven farms and kefir grain starter culture. No food fillers are used during the manufacturing process. Contains beneficial bacteria that normalize intestinal microflora. Recommended for use by people during the postoperative period.

Does not contain pathogenic microorganisms, heavy metals, pesticides and antibiotics. Has low acidity. The taste and smell correspond to this product, the consistency is white, slightly liquid, homogeneous.

Advantages:

• Natural composition;
• No harmful components;
• Suitable for dietary purposes;
• Convenient packaging with a lid;
• Uniformity;
• Inexpensive.

Flaws:

• By the end of the selling period it becomes sour;
• Has a slight deviation in protein content.

The drink, weighing 515 g, is packaged in colorful cardboard packaging, which has a twist-off lid for convenience. Stored for no more than 15 days at temperatures from +2 to +5 degrees.

"Shepherd" 1%

The next in the ranking is biokefir from Nalchik Dairy Plant LLC with a fat mass fraction of 1% and has a calorie content of 35 kcal. Enriched with Lactobacillus LGG, a probiotic strain that balances intestinal microflora.

Contains normalized milk, kefir grain starter. Does not contain GMOs, preservatives, starch. Rich in vitamins and minerals. Calcium is one of the main components of bones, involved in muscle contraction. Phosphorus regulates the acid-base balance. Their deficiency leads to rickets and anemia.

The consistency is semi-thick, white. The taste and aroma are pleasant with a slight sourness. It is packaged in 500 g packs in a cardboard tetra pack and has a screw-on lid, which is convenient to use for further storage.

Advantages:

• Natural composition;
• Enrichment with lactobacilli;
• No starch, preservatives;
• Recyclable packaging;
• Optimal shelf life;
• High content of calcium, phosphorus.

Flaws:

• Price;
• Some people don't like the sour taste.

For people with gastrointestinal diseases, only fresh kefir is recommended, no more than 2 days have passed since the production date. The packaging must be shaken before use. Store for up to 14 days at a temperature of +2 to + 6 degrees.

BioMax 1%

1% biokefir from VBD OJSC is enriched with bifidobacteria and prebiotics, which improve the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract. It is well absorbed by the body, which means it can be consumed immediately before bed.

Contains normalized milk and yeast starters. It also contains folic acid, vitamins A, E, D, H. Helps restore intestinal microflora. Since it is low in fat, it can be consumed during a diet. Safety is confirmed by the absence of bacteria, mold and pathogenic microorganisms.

The consistency is semi-liquid, homogeneous white in color with a slightly pungent taste. It is packaged in 450 g bottles in a white food-grade plastic bottle with a screw cap, which distinguishes it from previous nominees in the rating.

Advantages:

• Useful and safe;
• Enriched with bifidobacteria and probiotics;
• Well absorbed by the body;
• The composition is natural;
• Suitable for diet menu;
• Inexpensive.

Flaws:

• Contraindicated for people with gastritis and stomach ulcers;
• Long shelf life.

When fresh, it has a laxative effect and gently cleanses the intestines. Recommended for liver diseases, diabetes, gastrointestinal dysbiosis, allergic diseases. Shelf life is no more than 15 days at temperatures from +2 to +6 degrees.

Parmalat 1%

pros

• Pleasant taste with characteristic sourness
• Low calorie
• Thick enough for its fat content
• Convenient, attractive packaging
• Without starch and vegetable fats

Minuses

• Contains milk powder

From 77 ₽

For people who want to lose weight, 1% Parmalat kefir is suitable. It satisfies hunger well and does not contribute to weight gain. The calorie content of this product is very low, and therefore it is acceptable to drink it even before bed. “Parmalat” goes well with honey, which means those with a sweet tooth can add a spoonful to kefir to make it even more tasty and healthy.

The best fat kefir

The second category contains products with a fat content of 2.5-3.2% - an excellent solution for breakfast, a full-fledged snack, and consumption at night in order to maintain the normal functioning of the digestive organs. The drink is also suitable for preparing various dishes. Vyborexperta.ru recommends the 5 best offers of 2021.

"Snezhok" 2.5%, JSC "Laktis"

The first place among kefirs with a fat mass fraction of 2.5% is occupied by the product from the Russian JSC Lactis. Manufactured according to GOST, calorie content is 50 kcal. It is easily absorbed by the body and can be consumed not only in the evening, but also in the morning.

The composition is classic: normalized milk, kefir mushroom starter. No heat treatment is used during production, so all living fermented milk microorganisms and bifidobacteria do not die and retain all their beneficial properties. Heavy metals, pesticides, antibiotics are excluded.

The fermented milk product has a pleasant creamy taste and rich aroma, the consistency is homogeneous, medium in thickness. There are no lumps, moderate bubbles, which indicates good quality. Packaged in soft bags of 500 g.

Advantages:

• Universal application;
• Classic composition;
• Easy to digest;
• Creamy taste and aroma;
• Soft packaging;
• Inexpensive.

Flaws:

• The need to pour into containers after opening;
• Contraindicated for people allergic to lactose.

It is recommended to drink kefir 2.5% fat at room temperature. The daily dose for an adult should not exceed 400 g. Stored at a temperature of +2 to + 6 degrees for no more than 15 days.

“From Vologda” 2.5%, PC “Vologda Dairy Plant”

The next fermented milk product with a fat mass fraction of 2.5% is domestically produced kefir. Calorie content is 50 kcal. Used for preparing various dishes, as well as as an independent drink.

Made in accordance with state standards from whole and skim milk using a starter prepared with kefir grains. It has a number of useful properties: improves the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract, supplies the body with protein, strengthens bone tissue, nails, and also resists stomach infections.

It has medium density with a homogeneous mass, no lumps. The taste is soft, balanced, with a slightly perceptible sourness. Packaged in a cardboard tetrapack, the spout of which is cut off for opening. Packaged in 470 g.

Advantages:

• Classic recipe;
• Beneficial features;
• Short shelf life;
• Balanced taste;
• Consistency without lumps;
• Universal application.

Flaws:

• Light packaging weight;
• Price.

If kefir is consumed regularly, it cleanses the intestines of harmful microorganisms. The product has a special feature: a short shelf life, no more than 7 days under certain conditions.

"Asenyevskaya Farm", 3.2%

The fermented milk product with a fat mass fraction of 3.2% is produced on a modern farm with the latest equipment by the Kaluga manufacturer. Meets all safety requirements according to verified microbiological indicators.

Ingredients: natural: normalized milk and kefir mushroom starter. No carrageenan, starch, non-dairy fat. Has an increased amount of lactic acid microorganisms and yeast. A thermostatic production method is used, when the starter is added to milk poured into containers.

This method preserves the benefits of beneficial bacteria as much as possible. The consistency is homogeneous, thick with minor lumps; it is advisable to shake the contents before use. The taste is rich, with pronounced sourness.

Advantages:

• Good fat content;
• Naturally;
• Manufacturing by thermostatic method;
• Pleasant rich taste;
• Safety;
• Convenient packaging.

Flaws:

• The presence of minor lumps;

Packaged in 900 g packs in a white plastic bottle with a stylized label that makes the product branded. The shelf life is short - 10 days, subject to optimal temperature conditions.

"Slavic traditions" 3.2%

The Belarusian fermented milk product is prepared using the tank method, which involves first pasteurizing the milk and then fermenting it. Calorie content 55 kcal.

Thanks to natural ingredients, consisting of whole and skim milk with starter, kefir prevents the development of a pathogenic environment in the intestines. It has a number of beneficial effects: strengthens the immune system, calms. Unlike other nominees, it is suitable for those who are lactose intolerant and helps absorb it, acting as a catalyst.

The consistency is moderately thick, there is a slight separation of whey, which disappears when stirred. The taste is slightly spicy, sour milk, the color is white, uniform throughout the volume. Packaged in plastic bottles with a screw cap, 900 g each.

Advantages:

• Naturally;
• Convenient packaging;
• Beneficial features;
• Pleasant taste;
• Thick consistency.

Flaws:

• The need to stir before use;
• Long shelf life.

The content completely excludes vegetable fats, milk powder, and is additionally enriched with natural calcium. Stored at temperatures from +2 to + 6 degrees for no more than 18 days.

"Prostokvashino", 2.5%

Kefir with a fat mass fraction of 3.2% from the famous Russian brand “Prostokvashino”. Contains a large number of probiotics that improve metabolism and normalize stool. Produced to advanced standards.

Consists of natural pasteurized milk and starter culture, without added starch, pesticides, antibiotics or preservatives. Saturates the body with minerals, vitamins, amino acids, which have the most beneficial effect on the skeletal and muscular system of the body.

The consistency is milky-white, homogeneous, moderately viscous. It has a pronounced sour milk taste, without any foreign odors or taste. Packaged in 930 g plastic bottles with a nicely designed label.

Advantages:

• Quality of raw materials;
• Eliminate the feeling of hunger;
• Safety;
• High content of probiotics and yeast;
• Beautifully designed packaging;
• Inexpensive.

Flaws:

• Plastic packaging;
• Towards the end of the shelf life the taste may become sour.

The acidic environment that forms in the stomach after drinking the drink helps to absorb calcium, iron and vitamin D. It has the ability to remove toxins and other harmful substances from the body. Stored under optimal conditions for no more than 14 days.

Prostokvashino 2.5%

pros

• Without starch and preservatives
• Convenient packaging
• Soft taste
• Good consistency
• Made from natural milk
• All microbiological parameters are within normal limits
• Contains no vegetable fats

Minuses

• The volume is not a liter, but 930 g
• Contains milk reconstituted from dry milk

From 77 ₽

The Prostokvashino brand is included in the rating of the best kefir in terms of quality, compiled by , and therefore you can be sure of the absence of harmful substances. Thanks to the convenient bottle, Prostokvashino can be easily poured without fear of splashing all over the table. In addition, you can not only drink it, but also use it to prepare delicious homemade baked goods: muffins, pancakes, cookies, fluffy pancakes. Even cottage cheese from this kefir turns out surprisingly tasty and nutritious.

The best kefir for children

The most difficult task is choosing kefir for children. It is recommended for babies from 6 months of age. Special lines are assigned up to 3 years. 2 nominees recommended by the VyborExpert team can maintain an optimal balance of microorganisms and prevent digestive problems.

"Agusha" first spoon, 3.2%

Biokefir from the famous brand "Agusha" is enriched with probiotic microorganisms. Calorie content is 57 kcal. It differs from other products in that it is baby kefir from 6 months.

It contains normalized milk, kefir grain starter, and bifidobacteria, which help improve intestinal microflora and strengthen the immune system. Enriched with vitamins and minerals, it does not cause allergies in children, as it does not contain preservatives, dyes or GMOs. It has a pleasant delicate taste and sour milk smell.

The consistency is homogeneous, without lumps or grains. Packaged 204 g in small tetrapacks. The packaging is environmentally friendly as it is recyclable. For ease of use, there is a tube attached to the pack.

Advantages:

• Allowed from 6 months;
• Naturally;
• Hypoallergenic;
• Strengthening immunity;
• No dyes, GMOs or flavors;
• Short shelf life.

Flaws:

• Price;
• After opening it is not stored at all.

Contents include protein that is easier to digest than milk. The shelf life, subject to temperature conditions from +2 to +6 degrees, is 9 days, which indicates naturalness. After opening, do not store.

"Tender age 3.2%"

The following product from Voronezh Dairy Plant OJSC is suitable for use by children from 3 years of age. A natural drink that has a beneficial effect on the child’s digestive system. Calorie content 55 kcal.

Made from natural milk and a special starter culture of kefir grains. If you drink regularly, the intestines are protected from constipation, bones and teeth are strengthened. Thanks to this, the risk of developing anemia is reduced, vitamin D ensures the prevention of rickets in a child.

Lactic acid contained in the drink can improve appetite and is also an antiseptic. The product has a pleasant fermented milk taste and aroma, its consistency is homogeneous, without lumps. Packed in a plastic bag of 250/800 g.

Advantages:

• Naturally;
• Improves appetite;
• Manufacturing according to GOST;
• Choice of packaging volume;
• Short shelf life.

Flaws:

• After opening, it is necessary to pour into another container;
• Towards the end of the shelf life, the sourness may increase.

The drink is made according to state standards and is absorbed by the child’s body by 90%. Recommended for use before bedtime. It is not stored for long, no more than 4 days at a temperature of +2 to +6 degrees.

House in the village 3.2%

pros

• Compound
• Does not contain preservatives or vegetable fats
• The indicated mass corresponds to the actual one
• Thick consistency
• Good BZHU ratio
• Taste with characteristic sourness

Minuses

• Price
• The lid is difficult to open

From 93 ₽

Kefir “House in the Village” is the benefit of a natural fermented milk drink in every sip. It has a pleasant, rich taste with a characteristic sourness. Fat-soluble vitamins (for example, vitamin D) are not contained in a low-fat product, and therefore 3.2% is a healthier fat content of kefir (unless, of course, a person is on a diet). Composition “A” includes normalized milk, and “B” includes normalized and reconstituted milk.

How to choose kefir

The assortment of dairy products in stores is replete with a variety of brands and bright packaging. You should choose which kefir is best to drink based on its purpose, fat content, consistency and taste. Be sure to pay attention to the expiration and storage dates before you buy one.

Purpose

Separate lines for children and adults are on sale. For the youngest audience, drinks are offered, where the age group is from 8 months to 3 years. What kefir to give to a child also depends on the composition.

Ideally, it should be made from whole milk, with the number of bacteria appropriate for age and weight category. Adult products include more live fungi and added beneficial bacteria to support digestive function.

Fat content

Almost all manufacturers offer lines of drinks with different fat content from 0.1 to 2.5-3.0%. Much less common are products with a fat content of 6%. In this case, the formula is enriched with cream.

The best kefir for weight loss is from 0 to 1%. It is dietary, but in taste it is inferior to those with medium fat content. Thanks to this indicator, you can drink it every day.

1-3% is a thick, rich consistency, refreshing with a slightly sour milky taste. If the proportion of fat is over 3%, then a feeling of satisfying hunger will also be ensured.

Consistency and taste

A high-quality product should have a uniform texture without impurities, lumps and clots. There should be no serum on the surface. All these indicators indicate a violation of production technology and low quality.

Density depends on the percentage of fat content. Kefir 0.5% has a watery, runny consistency. A drink with a fat content of 3.2% will be more viscous, dense and viscous. As for taste, it should be slightly sharp and sour.

Shelf life

A natural product made from whole milk with starter, if sealed, can be stored for no longer than 5-7 days. If special technologies and/or preservatives are involved, 10-14 days. A longer range may be a reason to doubt the naturalness and benefits.

After opening, it is important to keep the package and contents in the refrigerator for no longer than 2-3 days. The timing affects the taste and the way the product affects the body. The first day retains its softness, pleasant taste, and laxative effect. Then strength and pronounced sourness appear.

Package

Another important condition is environmentally friendly packaging. Ideally, this should be glass or cardboard tetra bags. The first option increases the cost of the product, which is why many manufacturers use plastic bottles to save money. You also need to pay attention to the tightness, as well as the information content of the label.

How to make kefir even tastier?

What to drink kefir with to make it delicious? This is one of the questions that users often search for answers to on Google. The answer is obvious - add berries and fruits to kefir. Be sure to wash them before adding them to your drink.

If you add sugar to this cocktail, you will get very tasty kefir. But this can negate the benefits of kefir, and you will end up with just a sweet, high-calorie drink.

If you are going to add kefir to okroshka, you should not do this in the summer heat. In some of the studied products from the Kefir category, we found E. coli, which develops rapidly at high temperatures. You will not be able to determine by eye whether there is a dangerous bacteria in kefir. Therefore, there is no need to eat okroshka with kefir in hot weather. If you are going to make homemade kefir, you are also not immune to dangerous bacteria.

Which kefir is better

Now you know which 10 brands and names have the highest purchasing power. Based on the selection criteria, you will be able to make a final decision on which product is the best. Vyborexperta.ru recommends paying attention once again to several review items:

• “Chaban” 1% is a product approved by Roskontrol, a rich formula with lactobacilli, a high content of calcium and phosphorus;
• BioMax 1% – delicious biokefir with bifidobacteria and probiotics, easy to digest for the diet menu;
• “Asenyevskaya Farm”, 3.2% – produced by thermostatic method while preserving nutritional properties, pleasant rich taste;
• “Prostokvashino”, 2.5% – popular brand, manufactured using advanced technologies, high content of probiotics and yeast, saturation;
• "Agusha" first spoon, 3.2% - the best children's drink, as the first complementary food for babies, improving digestion.

This is one of the healthiest drinks for both children and adults. In summer it will be the best alternative to refreshing cocktails, in winter it will support the immune system. Which nominee to give preference to is up to you to decide through trials and experiments, as this is a matter of taste.