Fermented drinks are provided as a live culture. They must be kept cold (refrigerated). The bottle should be kept closed to stop air from interacting with the cultures. Kefir based fruit drinks expire 2 weeks from the date of manufacture. Beetroot Kvass and Vanilla Kefir expire 3 weeks from the date of manufacture. These drinks will develop a fizz over time – this happens because there are living organisms in the kefir water that can produce gas as they consume the sugars present in solution. You do not need to worry if this happens, it’s natural – some people prefer then to be fizzy!

They will also begin to lose some of their sweetness as they approach their expiry date as the bacteria consume the sugar in the liquid.

A starting serve of these drinks is 50 ml. If you have not had water kefir or kvass before, start by taking this amount for 3 or 4 days, then you can increase the amount you take to 100 ml per day for a few more days, then increase it again to 150 ml…. you can continue to increase the daily amount up to 250 ml per day provided that you do not experience any unpleasant gastro-intestinal side effects.

Kvass and Kefir contain different microbial species so feel free to take them both every day.

Unused products will need to be discarded after the expiry date, even if the bottle has not been opened. Empty bottles can be returned for recycling.

Apple Tonic Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar, when taken as a live culture is known to have many health benefits. This tonic vinegar has the additional benefits of having whole turmeric, ginger, garlic, chili and onion included in its fermentation.

Our tonic vinegar is provided to you fresh from its fermentation and contains live bacteria also known as ‘the mother’. These are good bacteria for your gut and they will continue to thrive inside the vinegar over the next couple of months if you store it correctly. As these vinegars are ‘guaranteed live culture’ they expire 3 months from the date of manufacture.

How to take this vinegar:

If taken as a general tonic you should try to have it first thing in the morning before you eat or drink anything. Dilute a shot (25 ml) with some water (or juice for children). Be advised that taking it neat for an extended period may damage the enamel of your teeth so it’s best to dilute it.

Use it freely on salads or in cooking (no need to dilute it in this case).

If taken as part of a blood sugar or cholesterol management program it should be taken as a diluted shot 20 minutes before each meal. Please seek advice from your Doctor if you are intending to use this product as part of a health management plan.

Storage Information

This vinegar is provided as a live culture. It must be stored below 25oC in the dark (pantry) or fridge. The bottle should be kept closed to stop air from interacting with the vinegar. The vinegar will expire 3 months from the date of manufacture, and should be used within 1 month of opening the bottle. There will be a layer of sediment that develops at the bottom of the bottle over time – this is normal – it is called the lees.

The lees is the by-product of the fermentation which makes vinegar what it is (it’s also a good sign that the bacteria are still alive!). The lees will not harm you – but it doesn’t taste very nice so I would just leave it in the bottom of the bottle. The vinegar can go bubbly (like a fizzy drink) – this happens because there are living organisms in the vinegar that can produce gas as they consume the various ingredients inside the vinegar. You do not need to worry if this happens – the vinegar should taste the same. A layer can also develop on the top of the vinegar, this is also normal and is simply the mother re-growing.

What can go wrong? The vinegar can go off if it is stored incorrectly or kept for too long. If this happens it will start to smell strange and may have discoloured growth on the liquid surface. It will have a very sour taste. If this happens you should throw it away.