Drinks

Do you want to take care of your microbiota and start home fermentation? Start with water kefir - results in 48 hours, naturally sparkling taste, and unparalleled probiotic diversity (up to 60 strains). If you prefer a more complex drink with tea polyphenols, go for kombucha. And if you're still hesitating between the two, our kefir vs kombucha comparison guide answers this question in detail.

> An important note: kombucha contains traces of alcohol (usually 0.5 to 2%) and residual caffeine from the tea. It is not recommended for pregnant women and immunocompromised individuals under treatment. Water kefir and lupin coffee do not have these constraints.

➡️ What is the difference between water kefir and kombucha?

Water kefir is made with kefir grains and sugary water - fermentation in 24 to 48 hours. Kombucha is made with a SCOBY and sweetened tea - fermentation in 7 to 14 days. Kefir contains more probiotic strains (40 to 60); kombucha provides antioxidants through tea polyphenols and contains residual caffeine.

> To choose according to your profile, consult our complete kefir vs kombucha comparison guide.

➡️ How to start home fermentation: kefir or kombucha first?

For a beginner, water kefir is recommended: it ferments in just 24 to 48 hours, the result is quick and visible. Kombucha requires more patience (7 to 14 days) and a bit more daily attention. Our home fermentation guide for beginners guides you step by step.

> Find all the necessary equipment in our complete water kefir pack.

➡️ Can you drink kefir every day? Yes, a daily consumption of 150 to 250 ml of kefir is well-suited for most adults. If you're starting, begin with 100 ml per day during the first week - allowing time for your microbiota to adapt. People suffering from SIBO, histamine intolerance, or under immunosuppressive treatment should consult their doctor before regularly consuming fermented drinks.

➡️ How to make your own kombucha SCOBY at home?

You can grow your own SCOBY from a bottle of unpasteurized kombucha - the method is detailed in our guide to making and nurturing a kombucha SCOBY.

> To start quickly without waiting, we offer the Orisae organic kombucha SCOBY, with 50 g of SCOBY and 100 ml of starter liquid, ready to use.

➡️ Are fermented drinks really effective for digestion?

The 2021 Stanford study (published in Cell) demonstrated that a diet rich in fermented foods significantly increases the diversity of the gut microbiota and reduces 19 inflammatory markers — including interleukin 6. Kefir contains up to 60 strains of beneficial bacteria and yeasts, compared to 2 for a regular yogurt.

> Find our recommendations in our article on the 15 best fermented foods for your gut flora.

➡️ Does Tikawa lupin coffee really taste like coffee?

Yes - that's precisely what sets it apart from all other alternatives. The blue sweet lupin seeds from Bavaria, artisanally roasted at a maximum of 180°C, develop roasted notes very close to coffee, with a creamy texture and a slight natural sweetness.

> It is prepared using the same methods: espresso machine, Italian coffee maker, or filter. Start with our Tikawa Classique, or the Tikawa Intense if you like strong coffee.

➡️ Is lupin coffee suitable during pregnancy?

Yes. Caffeine-free, acid-free, and additive-free, Tikawa lupin coffee is suitable for pregnant and breastfeeding women. It is one of the few coffee alternatives that replicates the ritual of a hot drink without the usual contraindications of caffeine. Only precaution: check for the absence of allergies to legumes (peanuts, soy, beans) before consumption, in accordance with EFSA regulations (EU Regulation 1169/2011).

> Find our advice on natural coffee alternatives.

➡️ What is the difference between Tikawa Classique, Doux, and Intense?

Do you want to stop or reduce coffee? The Tikawa Classique is the ideal starting point. Same ritual, same machine, same cup - without the caffeine or gastric acidity.
All three varieties are made with the same organic blue sweet lupin from Bavaria - only the roasting level changes.

> The Doux is light and sweet, ideal for sensitive palates or as a first approach. The Classique offers the optimal balance, similar to a morning coffee. The Intense is strong - recommended for lovers of strong black coffee.

1 teaspoon of powder in 250 ml of hot plant-based milk (almond, oat, or tiger nut - since curcumin is fat-soluble, it absorbs better with a fat). A bit of honey or agave syrup if you wish.

You can also prepare it in hot water or incorporate it into your smoothies. Discover our organic golden milk or the acerola-enriched version for a boost of vitamin C.

➡️ What are the benefits of birch sap?

Birch sap supports the body's natural elimination functions (kidneys, liver, intestines), promotes remineralization thanks to its 17 amino acids and bioavailable minerals (calcium, magnesium, potassium, silicon), and contributes to spring vitality. The fermented version is enriched with natural probiotics.

> Find our complete guide on the benefits of birch sap.

➡️ What are the contraindications of birch sap?

Absolute contraindications: allergy to salicylates (aspirin) or birch pollen. Not recommended without medical advice if under anticoagulant treatment (risk of potentiation) or in case of renal insufficiency or treated hypertension.
Pregnant women can consume it in small quantities on the advice of a naturopath.

> Check out our complete article on the contraindications of birch sap.

➡️ Which birch sap to choose: natural or with blackcurrant?

The natural fermented sap is the classic choice for a cure supporting elimination and spring remineralization functions.

The blackcurrant version is enriched with blackcurrant bud extract (gemmotherapy), known for its support of joint and immune comfort - ideal for coupling the spring cure with joint support.