Water Kefir is a naturally bubbly, fermented probiotic drink made with water, natural sugars, and a symbiotic culture of bacteria and yeast (SCOBY). The culture forms crystal-like “water kefir grains,” also known astibicos, which originate from Mexico’s pear cactus and have been enjoyed for centuries for their gut health benefits.

Probiotics are live bacteria and yeast that have an ability to generally improve or restore balance to the gut flora. Probiotics are generally referred to as “good” or “helpful” bacteria because they keep the gut healthy and are great for digestion. Gut health, in turn, is associated with a myriad of other benefits such as a strong immune system and improved energy and mood.

Each 300ml can contains over 3 billion live cultures, including live strains of Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium - probiotics that help the body break down food, absorb nutrients, and fight off the bad bacteria that can cause disease in the body. 

Water Kefir has been linked to a range of wellness benefits — from improved digestion, better sleep, and reduced bloating to supporting immunity and balancing gut flora. It may also help manage weight, ease allergies and eczema, lower cholesterol and blood pressure, combat free radicals, and boost energy. While it’s not a magic cure, these effects are widely reported and supported by various studies.

Water kefir has a slightly sweet, slightly tangy flavor and can be likened to a natural, light and refreshing soda. After the first fermentation, B.Gutsy water kefir is infused with fruits and/or herbs and is put through a second anaerobic fermentation to create our carbonated signature flavors.

Water Kefir has a light, refreshing flavor — slightly sweet, slightly tangy — much like a natural soda. After the first fermentation, B.Gutsy Water Kefir is infused with fruits and herbs and undergoes a second fermentation to create our signature sparkling flavors.

If you’re new to fermented foods, start with half a glass a day to see how your body responds, gradually increasing to 1–2 glasses over two weeks. Mild bloating at first is normal and usually settles as your body adjusts. Water Kefir gently supports natural detox and digestion — just listen to your body. It’s a pure, living beverage made without artificial ingredients or refined sugars, best enjoyed in moderation.

If you’re new to fermented foods, start with half a glass of water kefir to see how your body responds, then gradually increase to 1–2 glasses over two weeks. You may notice mild bloating at first — a normal sign that your gut is adjusting. Water kefir gently supports natural detox and digestion, made only with real, living ingredients and no artificial sugars. Listen to your body and enjoy it in moderation — like all good things, balance is key.

Any time is a good time to have water kefir. After a workout to replenish those electrolytes, before bed-time to promote better sleep through the night, or alongside a meal as a soda-alternative.

Probiotic pill supplements usually have only one or a select variety of bacteria. The gut thrives when there is bacterial diversity. B.Gutsy water kefir goes through a natural fermentation process and can contain up to 40 different strains of bacteria. Water kefir is considered a functional food because it offers enzymes, pre-digested nutrients, amino acids, vitamins, minerals, calories/energy and billions of probiotics, all in one.

Water kefir is made from a sugar-water base, but don’t worry — the sugar feeds the live bacteria and yeast during fermentation. By the time a can of B.Gutsy reaches you, most of that sugar has been broken down, leaving a light, low-calorie drink (around 3g sugar and 25 kcal per serving, often even less over time). The remaining sugar is primarily fructose and glucose, which have a gentler effect on blood sugar than sucrose. If you have diabetes, it’s best to monitor your levels and consult your doctor before adding water kefir to your diet.

Water kefir is safe and beneficial for kids, but a child’s digestive system is smaller and can be more sensitive so caution must be exercised when it comes to the amount they are given to drink. Give it to them straight up from the can or freeze it in popsicle molds for fun and super healthy popsicles!

Although water kefir is made from a sugar base, most of the sugar is broken down during fermentation into beneficial enzymes and amino acids — leaving a minimal caloric value. During fasting, it can help replenish electrolytes without adding significant sugar, while supporting a healthy gut microbiome and improving digestion. Pairing it with prebiotic foods like onions, garlic, and under-ripe bananas further encourages the growth of good bacteria.

Water kefir should always be kept refrigerated. Even though it’s canned, it isn’t shelf-stable — your drink is alive, and fermentation continues over time. Warm temperatures can speed up the process and cause the can lid to bulge slightly from pressure build-up. We recommend enjoying your drink within a week of receiving it, though it won’t spoil quickly. Over time, as the cultures keep fermenting, the flavor may become more tart — a natural sign of its living nature.

Kombucha is tea-cultured, while water kefir is water-cultured — making it naturally caffeine-free. Water kefir has a lighter, mildly sweet flavor compared to kombucha’s tangy bitterness and contains a broader range of probiotic strains.

Similarly, while milk kefir and water kefir share some beneficial bacteria, each has its own unique cultures. Milk kefir is creamy and rich, but not suitable for those sensitive to dairy, whereas water kefir is completely dairy-free and refreshingly light.