As summer begins to heat up, so too does the desire for a refreshing beverage. But if you want to swerve sugar-laden soft drinks, there’s now a healthier alternative to quench your thirst; BKultured Water Kefir - the Irish fermented sparkling drink that’s equal parts flavoursome refreshment and gut-loving goodness.
BKultured is created by serial food entrepreneur Niamh Hegarty and produced on her family’s coastal farm in Ballycroneen, East Cork. BKultured is made with all-organic ingredients through a 72-hour natural fermentation process. Niamh’s secret ingredients include her own kefir culture and water from her family’s well.
Founder Niamh began making water kefir from her family kitchen in 2019. When she started selling it through her food trailer, Niamh’s Larder, her customers couldn’t get enough of it. As demand increased, production soon outgrew her kitchen. Niamh converted a shed on her family farm into a bespoke production unit and launched BKultured in 2022. Since then, BKultured has earned listings in retailers across Ireland and scooped awards, including a Silver in Blás na hÉireann Awards 2022.
Different from the dairy-based kefir that’s already popular in shops, water kefir is a sweet naturally-carbonated drink made by fermenting water with kefir grains, sugar and organic botanicals to produce a gut-friendly drink. Water kefir contains billions of live cultures of good bacteria which nourish the gut microbiome, helping to improve immunity, digestive issues and even mental health. The gut and brain are linked via the gut-brain axis, and the gut provides 95% of the body's serotonin. Therefore, supporting a healthy microbiome with live products like water kefir can improve anxiety, stress, and depression.
As opposed to traditional ‘fizzy drinks’, BKultured is naturally low in sugar. The organic sugar added ‘feeds’ the kefir grains, kicking off fermentation, resulting in a drink naturally low in sugar. BKultured is allergen free, gluten-free and vegan, and contains no artificial flavours, colours, or preservatives.
Choose from two BKultured flavours; Jammin Ginger & Turmeric and Sassy Mixed Berry. Niamh also dreams up limited-edition seasonal flavours such as rhubarb, elderflower and rosehip - all locally grown in East Cork using permaculture methods.
A nominee for the IMAGE Young Business Woman of the Year Awards 2023, BKultured founder Niamh Hegarty explains the vision behind the brand: “Our mission is to provide people with a healthy and tasty alternative to sugary drinks. We believe that everyone should have access to good gut health, and water kefir is a great way to achieve this.”
“BKultured is a brilliantly versatile drink; a tasty drink that also feeds the gut microbiome. You can drink it any time of the day; along with breakfast, added to a smoothie, as an after-dinner tipple or any time you need a refreshing pick me up. It’s the perfect drink to keep your mind, gut and immune system healthy and happy.”
Part of the BKultured mission is to support its community, culture and the planet too. Niamh is committed to making BKultured products as sustainable as possible and holds BKultured Events at Ballybrannigan Beach in East Cork, located on the cliff edge of the family farm.
This summer, a soon-to-be-announced schedule of events includes music gigs and yoga classes. On June 24th, BKultured presents: Waves of Sound: A Summer Music Series by the Atlantic Ocean kicks off, with award-winning Northern Irish folk singer-songwriter Joshua Burnside, with ticket details soon to be revealed.
BKultured Water Kefir is available to buy from retailers nationwide and online at BKultured.com.
On June 24th, BKultured presents: Waves of Sound: A Summer Music Series by the Atlantic Ocean at Ballybrannigan Beach, Cork, kicks off with artist Joshua Burnside. Stay tuned for updates on ticket release on Instagram @BKultured.
