Get the latest on the probiotic food and drink scene in Mumbai

Monika Pawlowska and Nitin Gandhi. Pics/Sameer Markande

In the last five years, probiotic drinks and food items have been trending globally, having picked up in India over the past one-and-a-half years. In the latest, Raw Pressery has released a pilot of its probiotic, lactose-free yogurt drinks in blueberry, mango, chaas and plain-with-chia flavours. Made with strains of lactobacillus also found in kefir culture, the active agent promises to keep your gut health in good shape.

Similary, founders of Bombucha, Nitin Gandhi and Monika Pawlowska are always experimenting in their central kitchen in Andheri since they launched in 2016. "Probiotic drinks with kefir or SCOBY balances out your gut flora, improves digestion and nutrient absorption and reduces toxins. One needs around 300ml to 500 ml a day, 100 ml for beginners, in the mornings, when absorption is best," Pawloska explains.

Cabbage sauerkraut

We tried a few of their new products and here's what we liked:

CocoFir: Kefir grains, as live culture, are mixed into coconut water. The result is a no fat, no sugar, naturally aerated, vegan, and lactose-free drink that enhances digestion and promotes a healthy immune system.
Cost: Rs 240

Blueberry

Ginger ale: Ginger ale is made using a ginger bug - a mix of ginger and sugar allowed to get active naturally. The pop has a healthy fizz, and we try an original flavour and a lavender flavour that is mixed with butterfly pea pod and lemon.
Cost: Rs 160

mango

Beet kvass: Tastes like kanji, with hints of rasam and kokum. This beet probiotic drink instantly leaves a good taste on our palate and a happy feeling in the tummy. Using natural fermentation, live culture is mixed into a base mix of beets, water and organic sugar. This helps keep blood sugar in control.
Cost: Rs 200

chaas

Sauerkraut and kimchi: Cabbage juice is used to ferment the German sauerkraut and Korean kimchi mixes. Salt and spices are added to the cabbage juice and it's left to wild ferment. The kimchi has leeks, carrot, radish and ginger. A supreme probiotic food, it heals the gut biome, tackles acidity and provides alkalinity.
Cost: Rs 240 to Rs 350

Log on to: bombucha.in

Catch up on all the latest Crime, National, International and Hatke news here. Also download the new mid-day Android and iOS apps to get latest updates