Activating and Storing Dehydrated Water Kefir Grains

May 22, 2025

Dehydrated water kefir grains are a shelf-stable and convenient way to start making probiotic-rich drinks at home. These reusable grains contain beneficial bacteria and yeast (SCOBY) that ferment sugar water into water kefir, a fizzy, mildly sweet beverage packed with gut-friendly microbes.

Before you can start brewing, activating or rehydrating these grains properly is essential. This simple process “wakes up” the grains from their dormant state, making them effective for fermentation. Even fresh grains shipped or stored in the fridge usually require activation before use.

In this article, you’ll learn:

How to activate dehydrated water kefir grains step-by-step
Which ingredients and conditions promote healthy fermentation
How to store grains safely between batches or during brewing breaks

Water kefir is not only easy to make, but it’s also a great natural alternative to soda. With some care, your grains can be reused indefinitely, saving you money and supporting your digestive health with every batch.

Let’s get started!

What are water kefir grains?

Water kefir grains are symbiotic colonies of bacteria and yeast (SCOBY) that ferment sugary water into a probiotic beverage. Unlike milk kefir grains, water kefir grains thrive in sugar water or fruit juice.

They appear as translucent, gelatinous crystals that are slightly irregular in shape. These grains house beneficial microbes that convert sugars into acids, alcohol, and carbon dioxide, resulting in a fizzy and healthful drink rich in probiotics.

Are you unable to just restrain your sugar cravings? Try The Good Bug's Metabolically Lean for a genuine change, and watch this video for easy-to-follow advice on how to deal with midnight hunger!

Then what are dehydrated water kefir grains?

Dehydrated water kefir grains are live water kefir cultures that have undergone a careful drying process to remove moisture. This process puts the grains dormant, significantly extending their shelf life and making them easier to ship and handle.

While they appear small and somewhat brittle in their dehydrated form, they can become active and multiply once rehydrated and provided with their preferred food source: sugar and minerals.

Think of it as waking a sleeping giant; with the right conditions, these grains will spring back to life and begin their fermentation magic.

Gather the right tools and ingredients.

What you'll need

Before activating and storing your water kefir grains, having the right tools and ingredients on hand is essential. Here's a quick list of what you'll need:

Equipment

Glass jar: Choose a clean glass jar large enough to hold the sugar water and grains.
Non-metal stirring utensil: A wooden or plastic spoon works best, as metal can react with the grains.
Breathable cover: A cloth or paper towel secured with a rubber band or string covers the jar, allowing air flow while keeping out dust.

Ingredients

Dehydrated water kefir grains: These are the key to making your fermented drink. Ensure they are fully dehydrated and stored correctly before activating.
Cane sugar: Organic cane sugar is best used for fermentation, as it provides the necessary nutrients for the grains to activate.
Chlorine-free water: Chlorine can harm the grains, so make sure your water is free of chlorine or use filtered water.

With everything ready, let’s walk through the steps to activate your dehydrated water kefir grains properly.

Step-by-step activation of dehydrated water kefir grains

Activating dehydrated water kefir grains is a crucial first step in your kefir-making adventure. This process gently reintroduces moisture and nutrients, allowing the dormant microorganisms to revive and become active.

Be patient during this stage. It can take a few days for the grains to awaken and fully produce quality kefir.

Follow these steps to activate your dehydrated water kefir grains successfully:

Gather your supplies: As said in the previous section, you will need a clean glass jar (about 1 litre capacity), non-chlorinated water (spring or filtered), organic cane sugar, and dehydrated water kefir grains. Avoid using tap water directly, as chlorine can harm the delicate cultures.
Prepare the sweet water: In your clean glass jar, dissolve 1-2 tablespoons of organic cane sugar in 1 cup (240 ml) of non-chlorinated water.

Stir well until the sugar is completely dissolved. The sugar provides the necessary food for the kefir grains to start their metabolic activity.

Introduce the grains: Gently add the dehydrated kefir grains to the sweetened water in the jar, ensuring they are fully submerged in the liquid.
Cover and rest: Cover the jar loosely with a breathable cloth or coffee filter secured with a rubber band. This allows air circulation while preventing dust and insects from entering.

Avoid using airtight lids during the activation process, as they can create an anaerobic environment that is not ideal for initial revival.

Also read: Drinking Kefir: Its Health Benefits and Role in Fasting.

First fermentation (Activation): Place the jar at room temperature (ideally between 68-78°F or 20-26°C) away from direct sunlight.

Allow the grains to rehydrate and activate for 24-48 hours. The activation time can vary depending on your environment's temperature; warmer temperatures may speed up the process.

Observe and refresh: After 24-48 hours, check the liquid. It might appear slightly cloudy, and small bubbles form, indicating activity.

Gently strain the liquid through a fine-mesh strainer, reserving the grains. Discard the liquid from this first activation step, as it may not have the typical kefir flavour.

Second feeding (Continued activation): Return the strained kefir grains to the clean jar. Prepare a fresh batch of sweetened water using the same ratio (1-2 tablespoons of sugar per 1 cup of non-chlorinated water). Pour this fresh sweet water over the grains.
Repeat the process: Continue feeding the grains with fresh, sweetened water every 24-48 hours, observing for increased activity and the development of a lightly sweet and slightly tangy aroma and taste in the liquid.

It typically takes 3-7 days of these repeated feedings for the dehydrated grains to activate and fully produce consistently good-quality water kefir.

You will likely notice the grains increasing in size and multiplying over time as they become more active.

Signs of activation: Fully activated water kefir grains will produce a noticeably fizzy, slightly sweet, and subtly tangy beverage within 24-48 hours of each feeding.

The grains themselves will appear plump and translucent. Once your grains consistently produce this characteristic kefir, they are ready for regular brewing.

For those looking to maximise the benefits of probiotics, consider mixing your kefir with The Good Bug's line of quality probiotic products.

If you need a break from brewing, here’s how to store your active grains temporarily without losing their effectiveness.

Short-term storage of active grains

Sometimes, you may need to take a break from brewing water kefir. For periods of up to a week, you can temporarily slow down the activity of your active water kefir grains with a simple storage method:

Prepare sweet water: In a clean jar, prepare a batch of sweetened water using the usual ratio (1-2 tablespoons of sugar per 1 cup of non-chlorinated water).

Still, if storing for the longer end of this short-term period, you can use a slightly higher sugar ratio to water (e.g., 2 tablespoons of sugar per cup).

Transfer grains: Gently transfer your active water kefir grains into the sweetened water in the jar. Ensure they are fully submerged.
Refrigerate: Cover the jar with a tight-fitting lid and place it in the refrigerator. The cold temperature will significantly slow down the grains' metabolic activity.
Reviving after storage: When you are ready to brew again, remove the jar from the refrigerator and let it come to room temperature for a few hours.

Strain the grains and discard the sweet water. Feed the grains with fresh, sweetened water as usual. The grains might take one or two brewing cycles to return to their optimal activity level.

Must read: Storing Water Kefir: Plastic or Glass?

Dehydration is key when it comes to storing grains for more extended periods.

Long-term storage through dehydration

Dehydrating your active water kefir grains is the best long-term storage method for more extended periods of inactivity, such as several weeks or months. This puts the grains back dormant, preserving them for future use.

Follow these steps to know how to dehydrate water kefir grains:

Prepare the grains: Gently rinse your active kefir grains with non-chlorinated water to remove residual sugary liquid.
Spread on absorbent material: Spread the rinsed grains in a single layer on a clean, absorbent material such as unbleached parchment paper or a clean kitchen towel. Avoid using paper towels with dyes or fragrances.
Air dry: Allow the grains to air dry at room temperature in a well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight. Depending on the humidity of your environment, this process can take anywhere from 24 to 72 hours. The grains should become dry and somewhat brittle to the touch.
Consider a dehydrator (Optional): If you have a food dehydrator, you can use it on a low temperature setting (around 85°F or 29°C) to speed up the drying process. Monitor the grains closely and remove them once they are fully dry.
Store in an airtight container: Once the grains are completely dry, carefully transfer them to a clean, airtight container, such as a small glass jar or a zip-top bag.

To help keep the grains dry, add a small amount of powdered milk to the container (optional, as it acts as a desiccant to absorb any residual moisture).

Store in a cool, dark place: Store the sealed container in a cool, dark place, such as a pantry or refrigerator. Properly dehydrated water kefir grains can remain viable for several months when stored correctly.

Reactivating them is the next step.

Reactivating dehydrated grains after long-term storage.

When you are ready to brew kefir again after storing your grains in their dehydrated state, you must reactivate them following the steps outlined in the "Step-by-Step Activation of Dehydrated Grains" section.

Be patient, as it may take a little longer (up to a week or more of regular feeding) for the grains to fully revive and produce consistent, high-quality water kefir after long-term dehydration.

The initial batches of kefir produced during reactivation may taste slightly off or weak; discard these until the grains are fully active and the characteristic kefir flavour returns.

Whether activating, storing short-term, or preserving long-term, remember that water kefir grains are living cultures that thrive with gentle care and the right environment.

Now, let’s review the best storage practices for dehydrated water kefir grains to keep them viable for future use.

Best practices for storing dehydrated grains

Properly dehydrated water kefir grains are vital to maintain their longevity and viability. Keep these tips in mind:

Store the grains in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
Use airtight glass containers to prevent contamination and moisture build-up.
Avoid plastic containers as they can harbour bacteria or affect grain quality.
Label containers with the dehydration date to track freshness.
Check grains periodically for signs of mould or spoilage.

Following these practices ensures your grains stay healthy and ready for future brewing.

Sometimes things don’t go as planned.

Troubleshooting and tips for success

Activating and storing water kefir grains can sometimes present challenges. Here are common issues and solutions:

Grains not growing or producing kefir?
Ensure the water is free from chlorine and the sugar levels are adequate. Avoid using distilled water, as it lacks the minerals needed for fermentation.
Off smells or mould?
Discard grains if mould appears. A yeasty or sour smell is typical, but anything rotten or foul indicates spoilage.

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Slow activation?
Be patient. Reactivation can take up to two weeks with regular feedings of sugar water.
Grains turning powdery?
This may happen if grains are dried too fast or stored improperly. Try rehydrating with nutrient-rich sugar water and maintaining proper humidity.

Consistent care will keep your grains healthy and productive.

Dehydrating, activating, and storing water kefir grains is an easy way to preserve their probiotic benefits for long-term use. Following the steps outlined in this guide, you can confidently manage your grains and enjoy fresh, homemade water kefir anytime.

You’ll boost your kefir-making skills with the proper techniques and savour the delicious, healthful results.

Now that you know how to store water kefir grains, why not indulge in a refreshing sip? The Good Bug has many delicious, high-quality water kefir drinks specially curated for your taste buds. Visit our website to grab the best-selling bottle and mark your entry into the world of probiotics!