Abstract
The consumption of functional foods increases with the rising healthy lifestyle trends
among the public. Kefir is taken into account as a potential functional food as it contains a large
variety of beneficial microorganisms and bioactive compounds. Non-dairy kefir has been developed
to meet the needs of consumers with several limitations, such as milk protein allergies and
lactose intolerance or vegan consumers. Various ingredients such as plant-based milk, fruits, and
vegetable extracts used in non-dairy kefir can provide a variety of bioactive compounds wider
than cow’s milk, such as fiber, unsaturated fatty acids, and higher antioxidant properties, as well
as probiotic properties. This review presents non-dairy kefir alternatives with potential health
benefits as well as the chemical and physical reactions occur during the fermentation process effecting
sensory properties.
Graphical Abstract
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