With the fermented foods and drink market continuing to grow in popularity, it’s no wonder so many people are taking notice. We used to see fermented beverages only at specialty health stores or farmers' markets, but now, they seem to be virtually everywhere. Many restaurants have made fermented foods standard fare. So what’s the big deal? We’ll walk you through some of the most common questions about fermented foods and beverages so you can jump on the bandwagon with confidence.

How long has fermentation been around?

Fermenting is a process that dates back to 221 B.C. Introduced in China, fermentation quickly took root in Japan and many parts of Europe as a food preservation method. Louis Pasteur, the French chemist, is credited with being the first person who connected yeast to the fermentation process and penned it as “fermentation.”

While the fermentation process is rather complicated and remarkable, it can be explained as “the chemical conversion of carbohydrates into alcohols or acids.” It produces a tangy and untamed flavor with fizz. Wine, beer, vinegar, kombucha, sauerkraut, yogurt, kimchi, and sourdough bread are the most widely recognized fermented beverages and foods.

Are fermented beverages and foods healthy?

According to the Fermenters Club, the benefits of eating fermented foods is twofold: nutritional and function. Nutritionally, fermented beverages and foods deliver vitamins and enzymes to our cells. Functionally, the beneficial bacteria created in the fermentation process directly impact the microbiome in the digestive tract. As scary as this may sound, it’s actually a good thing.

While probiotic supplements may have some benefits, it has been shown that drinking and eating fermented beverages and foods may be more effective. In one study, nearly 10 trillion colony-forming units of “good” bacteria were found in fermented vegetables, compared with 10 billion commonly found in supplements. Unlike fermented drinks and foods, the effectiveness of supplements is also highly dependent on how they are packaged and stored.

While the understanding of fermented beverages and foods and how they may support the body is still not fully understood, most agree there are many advantages of drinking beverages and eating foods prepared with this ancient method.

Is fermentation my gut’s new BFF?

One of the primary reasons people enjoy fermented beverages and foods is that they improve gut health in a relatively short amount of time. Patients who complain of digestive issues and take antibiotics that can disrupt bacteria balances in the gut are often told by medical professionals and nutritionists to consume various fermented foods.

Fermented beverages and foods are often tangy, stimulating saliva, a powerful digestive enzyme. Once the food is swallowed, the microorganisms in fermented foods and drinks produce enzymes that help your body digest proteins, fats, and carbohydrates easier. This may be one of the reasons fermented foods are used to treat specific digestive issues.

Fermented beverages and foods are known to “unlock” minerals that can be difficult for our bodies to absorb otherwise. The fermentation process is also known to boost the vitamin levels and antioxidant properties in foods. The bacteria in fermented beverages and foods work with your body, helping you maximize the benefits.

Fermented beverages, like OliKo, can be found at grocery stores, convenience stores, and even restaurants these days. (See all of our locations and order online here!) These mighty bottles of goodness can even be purchased in bulk and stored in your fridge. Many people find drinking fermented beverages the simplest way to get their daily probiotics. Because OliKo is relatively low in sugar compared to sodas and juices, it can be enjoyed throughout the day by everyone in the family.

Every fermented product contains different ingredients, so be sure to read labels. To ensure you’re getting the naturally-occurring probiotics created during the fermentation process, look for products that don’t contain fillers or unnecessary ingredients. Oftentimes, more ingredients mean that the sensitive bacteria might have been killed off and probiotic supplements were added.

When you drink OliKo, you can feel good about what you’re putting into your body. With every sip, you’re nourishing your body with healthy bacteria that millions of people have enjoyed for thousands of years. Cheers to that!