A kefir smoothie is a cool, fruity drink that is made with kefir, a creamy type of fermented milk drink. It is similar to a smoothie made with yogurt and contains beneficial probiotic bacteria just like yogurt smoothie, but a kefir smoothie also contains helpful yeast and more antioxidants. Any type of smoothies made with fruits such as strawberries, bananas and cherries can be healthy and delicious.

People who haven’t tasted kefir might have seen it on the grocery shelves nestled near the yogurt and bottled yogurt smoothies. Kefir costs a bit more, but it has grown in popularity. Most commercially available kefir is made from cow’s milk, although it can be cultured using any kind of dairy milk, as well as soy or coconut liquids. Even the dairy-base variety is fine for those who are lactose intolerant. A kefir smoothie per day is more than enough to regularize digestion and to provide protein and vitamins.

Kefir has been described as watery yogurt, which makes it sound less delicious than many people consider it to be. It does have a yogurt-like or buttermilk-like tang to it, and it’s less thick and therefore more drinkable that yogurt. One of the nice things about kefir is that it goes well with just about any kind of fruit or nuts. Raspberries, blackberries and peaches are popular, but a fine kefir smoothie also can be made with kiwi, melon and a sip of orange juice.

A tropical kefir smoothie can be made with some mango, pineapple and a little fresh or dried coconut. A squirt of lime also can be added to this kefir smoothie. A clever way for someone to add ballast to this version is by freezing a banana in chunks and blending that into the other ingredients. The banana flavor isn’t pronounced, but it can give the smoothie a thicker, almost ice cream-like texture.