Gut health in a can: meet the new sparkling water Kefir

Agua de Madre is a new sparkling water kefir in a can that is packed with billions of live cultures. It’s made in London but is a naturally fermented drink that has its roots in Mexico and the Mediterranean. Quite literally.

Because at the heart of the drink is the ‘mother culture’ – hence the Madre – of yeast and bacteria, which used to ferment organic natural fruits. The Madre mother grains were discovered in Mexico 2000 years ago, on the pads of the Nopal cactus. And these are mixed with organic Mediterranean lemons and fiery ginger root, which together create a rather moorish and lip-smacking vegan water kefir. 

To support the body and mind, the Madres and Padres at Casa de Madre boost the blend with extracts of the same Nopal Cactus, as well as botanical Ginseng and Ashwagandha, a shrub often used in Asia for stress-relief. In fact, everything in it is known for adaptogenic immune-boosting properties, gut health and mood enhancing powers.

The Lemon & Ginger flavour also includes three traditional Mexican chillies – habanero, ancho and smoky chipotle – just enough to add some proper fire to the . Blood Orange Bitters flavour is the multi layered citrus blend for grown-ups seeking more complexity from their beverage. And here’s the thing: the people behind it are pushing it as a non-alcoholic alternative to boozing, a drink nice and satisfying enough to bring to social settings. It’s not a health shot by any means.

Founder Nicola Hart commented: “We are so thrilled and excited about this new offering in the functional drinks market. We are on a mission to bring the naturally invigorating and extensive benefits of Water Kefir’s live cultures to a global market, with our new can range paving the way. We have been working passionately on fine-tuning the blend and preparing our game-changing cans to add more fizz to your fiesta. These cool cans are for people who want the ultimate healthy, functional grab and go refreshing hit.”

Can it find a place in the lives of health-focused drinkers? We wouldn’t bet against it.

£36 for a case of 12. Exclusively online aguademadre.co.uk