Dairy-free probiotic coconut smoothie

We all know the importance of eating probiotic-rich foods for good digestive health, but it can be difficult to find probiotics that aren't dairy-based, making it tricky for people with a dairy allergy to eat this life-giving food.

It is possible to make probiotic rich milk kefir out of coconut milk. It's best done with water kefir grains, which can feed off the coconut sugar, but milk kefir grains work in a pinch. Just rinse them really well before putting them in the coconut milk, to get rid of any trace of milk if you have a true dairy allergy. You will need to return the milk kefir grains to dairy milk after a few batches so they can re-feed on lactose. 

Coconut milk kefir. 

Large milk kefir grain.

I love to make a refreshing berry smoothie out of coconut milk kefir. I store it in a large jar in the fridge and pour a glass as desired over the course of a day or two. Smoothies keep well for 24 hours in the fridge if you don't add banana to them. Some separation does occur over time, so stir your smoothie to reincorporate everything before pouring.

Ingredients

• 400mls coconut milk kefir (1 tin's worth)
• 1c water or almond milk
• 1c frozen strawberries
• 1/2c frozen raspberries
• 1/2c frozen blueberries
• 2T Natvia
• Zest and juice of one lime or lemon, or 1000mg vitamin C
• Pinch natural rock salt (I prefer Celtic Sea Salt or Himalayan Rock Salt)
• 1t natural vanilla essence

Method

Mix coconut milk kefir (first strain to remove kefir grains) with all the other ingredients in a blender and whiz for a minute or two to thoroughly combine. 

Serve in your favourite glass. Enjoy!

~ Browse more Craving Fresh recipes here ~

Shared on Real Food Allergy Free.