Non-Dairy, Probiotic Vegetable Drinks: Better Flavor & Better for You

Summary:

Lacto-fermented vegetables are healthier and sometimes tastier than their raw counterparts. The Kvass range from Zukay Live Foods uses only organic ingredients to create their probiotic veggie drink, inspired by the natural farming methods of the Amish and Mennonites. Highly cultured and non-dairy, the beverages combine traditional ideas that consumers in the U.S. are accustomed to with interesting new flavors.

Analysis and Impact:

The Kvass drinks are sold in two lines: regular and super. The regular range includes the Veggie Medley: a ‘garden harvest happiness.’ This drink contains tomatoes, kale, parsley, cabbage, carrots, cucumber and celery to make it reminiscent of a summer day. The Super line uses what are known as super foods for their many health benefits. Examples include turmeric and ginger which are included in the Super Root drink – the ‘immunity and restorative tonic’ that also contains burdock for detox. Other drinks are the Beet, Beet Ginger, Carrot Ginger, Super Gold and Super Green.

Whenever possible, the company source from local family farms in order to help small businesses and reduce their carbon footprint. All the ingredients are organic and natural. Preservatives are unnecessary for this long-lasting drink as the fermentation process takes care of this while at the same time creating vitamin B and killing bad bacteria, and forming bacteria and yeasts needed for good digestion.

Company: Zukay Live Foods.

Brand: Kvass.

Spotted in: Whole Foods, Chicago.

Presentation: 12 oz.

Price: $3.69 USD.

Ingredients: http://www.zukay.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=129&Itemid=208

Available in: Health food stores, website.

Claims: Probiotic, 100% natural, raw vegetables, vegan, no added sugars, full of essential bacteria and yeasts.

Website: http://www.zukay.com/