Dairy-free coconut kefir

Misha thinks he's a cat too!

Kona gives Misha a hug.

So Delicious Cultured Coconut Milk with berries

It has bummed me out for years that I have had to take probiotic supplements rather than getting to eat healthy stuff like yogurt and kefir. But dairy intolerance and candida is what it is. 
 
It was a pleasant surprise to discover that now I have an alternative in the form of So Delicious Coconut Milk Kefir.This drinkable yogurt-alternative is dairy and soy-free, vegan and certified gluten-free. The kefir comes in four flavors: original, strawberry, vanilla and chocolate.
 
I have been drinking the original flavor, which has the lowest sugar content. It’s a delicious way to get your daily dose of probiotics, which can prevent or reduce the severity of colds and flu, according to Mayo Clinic researchers. Other studies have shown that you may be able to reduce your allergy symptoms by improving the health of your gut.

I chose the original because it is the lowest in carbohydrates and has no added sweetener. One cup has 70 calories, 6 grams of carbs, 3 grams of fiber and one gram of protein.

It can be a bit of a shock to your taste buds if you are used to sweet-tasting beverages. Drinking it straight from the bottle or pouring it on cereal is not something I would recommend. Rather it pairs well with berries, either in a smoothie or in a bowl with granola. Don’t use it in cooked recipes as heating will destroy the live bacteria.

So Delicious kefir is fortified with calcium, magnesium and vitamin B12. It contains prebiotics (inulin from chicory root extract); active, live probiotic bacteria and coconut fat which is comprised of approximately 65 percent medium chain fatty acids (MCFs); 10 active and live cultures including L. Bulgaricus, S. Thermophilus. L. Plantarum, L. Rhamnosus. L. Paracasei, Bif. Lactus, Bif. Bifidum. Bif. Animalis, L. Acidophilus, Leuconostoc Cremoris.

This product has not been on the market long and may be a little difficult to find. I located it at Fred Meyer in their health and nutrition section. It runs about $4.29 for a 32-ounce bottle compared to $3.70 or so for dairy kefir.

My recommended serving suggestion is: Coconut Milk Kefir with Frozen Berries (Slightly Thawed)

Ingredients for one serving:

• One cup So Delicious Cultured Coconut Milk (original flavor)
• 3/4 cup frozen mixed berries (strawberries, blueberries, etc.); slightly thawed
• Powdered stevia to taste

Directions:

• Place the slightly thawed berries in a bowl. Sprinkle with stevia. Pour coconut milk kefir on top. It instantly forms a yummy slightly frozen bowl of deliciousness.
• Additional serving ideas: sprinkle with unsweetened coconut, cacao nibs, toasted sunflower seeds and/or homemade quinoa granola.