Store Bought Fermented Foods

The truth is that most people will want to add fermented foods to their diets for the sake of weight loss or digestive health. The second half of that truth is that most of those people, including you probably, will not have the time or the inclination to ferment their own foods. This leads you to using store bought fermented foods from local health food stores or general grocery stores. If this sounds like your situation, then you may be wondering what foods to start with. Here are a few to consider and why.

Kefir

Kefir is a yogurt like drink that is full of good bacteria from the fermentation process. Kefir has a slightly sour taste. It can be consumed by people who are lactose intolerant because of the yeast and bacteria which has lactase. Lactase helps dissolve the lactose in the system. This gives people with a lactose intolerance a chance to get some form of dairy in their diet while benefiting from the large amounts of vitamins, minerals, and bacteria available in the drink. 

Kombucha

Kombucha is a tea based fermented drink that can be found in most grocery stores and health food stores. The drink is slightly fizzy and does have a bit of a sour apple style taste. It can be filled with fruit and can also have superfoods like chia seeds added to the drink. The drink is usually consumed once a day or sipped on throughout the day. You can also make kombucha at home with special kits. 

Kimchi

Kimchi is a food that is often found in Asian food sections or in Asian groceries. You can find it in jars and it can be added to many foods fairly easily. It is made of a variety of vegetables including cabbage, garlic, ginger, and scallions. It can be added as an addition to foods or as a base for different foods. 

Pickles

Pickles are the easiest fermented food to find at the store. They come in a variety of options and flavors and may include other fermented foods like mustard seed and peppers or onions. You can add pickles to sandwiches, eat on their own, or add to different dishes. They are also easy to make at home if you become so inclined. 

You can start with these foods and work your way to other fermented foods overtime. You can also use these foods as part of your routine meal planning and meal prep each week or month. Just keep in mind to start with items that are close to ones you already like the taste of. This will help you acclimate to them easily. Look for labels that are non-GMO as well. 
