This recipe will help you create a delicious, dairy-free probiotic drink inspired by GoodBelly, made from oat or almond milk and fortified with live cultures. You can customize the flavors to your liking!

Ingredients

• 4 cups unsweetened oat milk (or almond milk)
• 1/2 cup unsweetened coconut yogurt (with live cultures) or 1-2 vegan probiotic capsules
• 1/4 cup maple syrup (or agave syrup, adjust based on desired sweetness)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
• Flavorings:
• For Chocolate Flavor: 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
• For Fruity Flavor: 1 cup fresh or frozen fruits (like strawberries, blueberries, or mango)

Instructions

Prepare the Base:

• In a blender, combine the unsweetened oat milk and coconut yogurt (or the contents of the probiotic capsules). Blend until smooth.

Add Sweetener and Flavorings:

• If you’re making a chocolate-flavored drink, add the cocoa powder and maple syrup to the blender. For fruity flavors, add your choice of fresh or frozen fruits. If using vanilla extract, add it as well.
• Blend again until all ingredients are well combined and smooth.

Fermentation:

• Pour the mixture into a clean glass jar or container. Cover it with a cheesecloth or a clean kitchen towel secured with a rubber band to allow airflow while preventing contaminants.
• Place the jar in a warm, dark place (ideally between 68°F and 85°F or 20°C to 29°C) for about 24 to 48 hours. The longer it ferments, the tangier it will become.

Taste Testing:

• After 24 hours, taste your drink. If it has reached your desired level of tanginess, it’s ready! If not, let it ferment for additional time.

Strain and Store:

• Once fermented to your liking, strain the liquid through a fine mesh strainer into bottles or jars to remove any solids.
• If desired, add flavorings like fresh fruits or herbs at this stage.
• Seal the bottles tightly and refrigerate. Consume within one week for optimal freshness.

Enjoy:

• Shake well before serving and enjoy your homemade vegan probiotic drink as a refreshing beverage!

Tips

• Flavor Variations: Experiment with different fruits or spices like cinnamon for unique flavors.
• Monitoring Fermentation: Keep an eye on your drink during fermentation; warmer temperatures will speed up fermentation.
• SCOBY Option: If you have a SCOBY from making kombucha, you can use it instead of yogurt for fermentation!

Best Ingredients to Use in a Dairy-Free Probiotic Drink

1. Plant-Based Milks: Almond milk, oat milk, coconut milk, and soy milk serve as excellent bases for dairy-free probiotic drinks.
2. Live Cultures: Use unsweetened coconut yogurt or vegan probiotic capsules that contain live cultures to introduce beneficial bacteria.
3. Sweeteners: Natural sweeteners like maple syrup, agave syrup, or raw honey (if not strictly vegan) can enhance flavor while providing food for the probiotics.
4. Fruits: Fresh or frozen fruits like berries, mangoes, or bananas add natural sweetness and flavor while contributing additional nutrients.
5. Flavorings: Vanilla extract, cocoa powder, or spices like cinnamon and ginger can enhance the taste of your drink.

How to Make a Probiotic Drink with Almond Milk

Ingredients:

• 4 cups unsweetened almond milk
• 1/2 cup unsweetened coconut yogurt (with live cultures) or 1-2 vegan probiotic capsules
• Sweetener to taste (e.g., maple syrup)
• Optional flavorings (e.g., vanilla extract, fruits)

Instructions:

• In a blender, combine almond milk and coconut yogurt (or the contents of the probiotic capsules) and blend until smooth.
• Add sweetener and any optional flavorings and blend again.
• Pour the mixture into a clean glass jar and cover it with a cheesecloth or towel secured with a rubber band.
• Let it ferment at room temperature for 24-48 hours until it reaches your desired tanginess.
• Store in the refrigerator and consume within a week.

Can I Add Other Spices to Enhance the Flavor of My Probiotic Drink?

Yes, adding spices is a great way to enhance the flavor of your probiotic drink! Consider incorporating:

• Cinnamon: Adds warmth and sweetness.
• Ginger: Provides a spicy kick and has anti-inflammatory properties.
• Turmeric: Offers an earthy flavor along with health benefits due to its anti-inflammatory properties.
• Cardamom: Adds a unique aromatic flavor that pairs well with sweet drinks.

How Do I Ensure My Probiotic Drink Stays Fizzy for a Longer Period?

To keep your probiotic drink fizzy for an extended time:

1. Second Fermentation: After the initial fermentation, transfer your drink to airtight bottles for a second fermentation at room temperature (up to 48 hours). This helps build carbonation.
2. Seal Tightly: Ensure that bottles are sealed tightly to trap carbon dioxide produced during fermentation.
3. Refrigeration: Store the drink in the refrigerator once it reaches your desired fizziness. Cold temperatures slow down fermentation, preserving carbonation.
4. Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh fruits and sugars can help maintain fizz; avoid using overly ripe fruits that may ferment too quickly.

These tips will help you create delicious dairy-free probiotic drinks while maximizing their flavors and fizziness! Enjoy experimenting with different ingredients!

This homemade vegan GoodBelly-inspired probiotic drink is nutritious and customizable to suit your taste preferences! Enjoy!