Frequently Asked Questions

Fermented botanical ingredients are plant-based ingredients transformed through fermentation to develop new sensory and functional properties. At Kefiplant, we ferment botanicals to create ingredients that can help enhance flavor, support sugar and sodium reduction, and bring additional functionality to food and beverage formulations.

Symbiotic fermentation is a natural process where different microorganisms, such as yeasts and bacteria, work together. As they ferment, what one microorganism produces can be used by another, creating a continuous cycle of transformation. Over time, this interaction transforms the botanical ingredient and changes its composition and sensory profile.

Our optimized fermentation process typically takes around three months. Fermentation time plays an important role in the final ingredient: too short, and the botanical may not be fully transformed; too long, and the desired balance and characteristics can begin to change. Through more than 20 years of fermentation expertise, we've optimized this process to achieve the right transformation and consistency from batch to batch.

Fermented botanicals can bring more complexity, balance and functionality to a formulation. They can enhance flavor, support sugar and sodium reduction, help replace sweeteners, and contribute to cleaner-label formulations. Fermentation can also make certain compounds easier to digest and support gut health and a balanced intestinal microbiota.

When sugar or sodium is reduced, products can lose sweetness, flavor intensity, body and balance. Our fermented ingredients help rebuild these sensory qualities, allowing formulators to reduce sugar or sodium while maintaining a satisfying taste profile. Some can also help replace sweeteners, without adding an unwanted aftertaste.

Yes. Our team provides formulation support to help manufacturers successfully integrate our fermented ingredients into finished products. Customers are always welcome to visit our formulation lab, where we can test applications, explore different inclusion levels and work together to find the right approach for their formulation.

Kefiplant is SQF and HACCP certified, and our facility is Kosher certified. We also offer ingredients certified under Canada Organic, USDA Organic and EU Organic standards, helping manufacturers meet quality and sourcing requirements across different markets.

Our minimum order quantity is 20 L. Fermented ingredients are available in 20 L containers or 1,000 L SpaceKraft® formats, depending on your production needs.

Our fermented ingredients have a shelf life of 1 to 2 years at room temperature, depending on the ingredient. Thanks to their naturally acidic environment, some ingredients may remain stable well beyond their stated shelf life.

Kefiplant supplies manufacturers across Canada, North America, Europe and other international markets. Our fermented ingredients can be shipped worldwide to support food and beverage manufacturers wherever they are located.

Simply fill out our sample request form and tell us about your project, formulation goals and ingredients of interest. Our team will review your request and follow up to coordinate the right samples for your application. Samples are provided free of charge; shipping costs are the responsibility of the customer.