How to Make Water Kefir with Loose Leaf Tea
Looking for a dairy-free, tea-based probiotic drink that’s gentle on the gut and easy to brew at home? Water kefir with loose leaf tea is a fizzy, flavorful alternative to sugary sodas and an excellent source of natural probiotics.
This article breaks down how to make it, why it’s beneficial. Here’s how to get the best results while keeping everything caffeine-light, antioxidant-rich, and digestion-friendly.
Why Use Loose Leaf Tea in Water Kefir?
Traditional water kefir is brewed with sugar water and kefir grains, but substituting part of the water with steeped loose leaf tea gives you an extra health boost. Here’s why:
- Antioxidants from green, white, or oolong tea may help reduce inflammation
- L-theanine in green tea can promote calm and focus
- Polyphenols found in tea may support gut microbiome health
Using tea in water kefir combines the probiotic benefits of fermentation with the nutritional value of high-quality tea.
Use an antioxidant-rich white tea for your home brew. Shop white teas here.
Ingredients and Supplies
- 1 tablespoon loose leaf tea (green, white, or oolong; avoid flavored or oil-infused teas)
- ¼ cup organic cane sugar
- 2 tablespoons active water kefir grains
- 4 cups filtered water
- 1 quart-size mason jar or fermentation vessel
- Fine mesh strainer
- Cheesecloth or paper towel + rubber band
Optional for second fermentation:
- Fresh fruit, herbs, or juice (e.g., ginger, mint, berries)
- Swing-top bottles for carbonation
Choose a unique and flavorful green tea for your water kefir recipe. Buy now!
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Brew the Tea Base
Boil 1 cup of filtered water and steep 1 tablespoon of loose leaf tea for 3–5 minutes. Strain and allow the tea to cool to room temperature.
2. Prepare the Sugar Water
In your fermentation jar, dissolve ¼ cup sugar in 3 cups of filtered room-temperature water. Add the cooled tea.
3. Add the Kefir Grains
Gently stir in 2 tablespoons of active water kefir grains. Cover the jar with a breathable lid (like cheesecloth secured with a rubber band).
4. First Fermentation
Let the mixture ferment at room temperature (68–75°F) for 24–48 hours. Taste test after 24 hours. If too sweet, let it sit longer. The longer the ferment, the more tangy the flavor.
5. Strain and Bottle
Once it reaches your preferred flavor, strain out the kefir grains and reserve them for the next batch.
6. Optional Second Fermentation
Pour the strained liquid into swing-top bottles. Add flavoring (like ginger, lemon, or berries). Seal and let sit at room temp for 1–3 days for carbonation. Then refrigerate.
Health Benefits of Tea-Infused Water Kefir
- Supports digestion through natural probiotic cultures
- May improve microbiome balance
- Tea compounds may aid immunity and reduce inflammation
- Caffeine-free or low-caffeine, depending on the tea being used
Tips for Success
- Avoid flavored or scented teas—they can disrupt fermentation
- Always let tea cool before adding grains (heat can kill probiotics)
- If your water has chlorine, use a filter or let it sit out for 24 hours
- Sanitize all equipment thoroughly before use
Final Thoughts
Water kefir made with loose leaf tea offers the best of both worlds: beneficial bacteria for gut health and the added bonus of antioxidants from real tea.
It’s an easy, customizable brew that fits seamlessly into any wellness routine. Try different tea varieties and second-ferment flavors to discover your perfect blend.