Do you follow a vegan or dairy-free diet and are looking for a ferment to take that place in the fridge? Today there are several plant-based drinks and ferments that do just that. In this guide we go over the main ones and how to choose the one that fits you best.
Why look for a plant-based ferment?
Dairy ferments are made with milk of animal origin, so they don't fit a vegan diet or dairy-free eating. The good news is that the world of plant-based ferments has grown enormously: there are options based on water, coconut and other plant-based drinks, with different textures and flavours.
The main plant-based ferments
1. Water kefir
It's made by fermenting sugared water with water kefir grains. It's a mild, fizzy, dairy-free drink, very popular to make at home. Its texture is watery and its flavour, mild and tangy, is a long way from any creaminess.
2. Fermented coconut
Fermented coconut starts from coconut —coconut cream and water— with lactic cultures. It's the option that comes closest to a creamy texture, but 100 % plant-based and dairy-free. It can be eaten by the spoonful or in a more drinkable version, and it goes well in both sweet and savoury.
3. Fermented soya, oat or almond drinks
Some brands ferment plant-based soya, oat or almond drinks. The soya one has the most body; the oat and almond ones tend to be milder.
4. Kombucha
Kombucha is another dairy-free fermented drink, in this case tea-based. It's effervescent and refreshing, meant more for drinking than for eating by the spoonful.
How to choose
To compare options, look at:
- Texture. If you're after something creamy, fermented coconut and soya ferments are the closest.
- Ingredients. The shorter and more recognisable the list, the better.
- No added sugars. Many plant-based drinks contain sugar; check the label.
- Organic. The European organic logo sets certain production requirements. We tell you about it in what the European organic logo really means.
- Cultures. If you care that the product contains cultures, check that the label says so.
Our suggestion: fermented coconut
If you want a plant-based ferment with a creamy texture and a simple ingredient list, fermented coconut is a good option. At COCO by Angela we make organic fermented coconut in Catalonia, dairy-free, gluten-free and with no added sugars.
You can choose between the 500 g natural fermented coconut, the individual 125 g size or the kefir-style fermented coconut, which is more drinkable. Looking for ideas on how to eat it? You'll find plenty in how to eat fermented coconut.
Find your nearest shop in our stockist finder.
Frequently asked questions
Is there such a thing as vegan kefir?
There's no identical plant-based equivalent to the milk one, but there are dairy-free plant-based ferments, like water kefir or fermented coconut, that serve a similar purpose.
Which plant-based ferment is creamiest?
Fermented coconut and soya ferments are the ones that come closest to the creamy texture of a dairy ferment.
Does fermented coconut contain sugar?
COCO by Angela's fermented coconut is made with no added sugars. As always, it's worth checking the label of each product.
Where can I buy fermented coconut?
You can find it in organic shops, gourmet supermarkets and health-food stores in Spain and Portugal. Check the nearest stockist in the stockist finder.