Low calorie water kefir like Kevita Lemon Cayenne

[roborobo]

I am enjoying drinking "Kevita Sparkling Probiotic Drink" which I believe is a variant on water kefir. It contains just 10 calories per 16 oz and <1g sugar per 8 oz (for the lemon cayenne flavor). The ingredients are purified water, culture, apple cider vinegar, lemon extract, cayenne extract, maple extract, stevia extract, and lactic acid.

I would like to make something like this using water kefir grains. Any thoughts on how I might approach duplicating the recipe for a low calorie/ low sugar water kefir like this?

I'm assuming that the lactic acid isn't actually added to the kefir but rather is a product of the fermentation process? And that the maple extract is what is feeding the kefir?

Thanks! I am completely new to this.

[AlexP]

I believe Kevita is a weak imitation of water kefir. They use manufactured strains (not direclty form a culture) and then flavored with stevia and extracts / flavoring. I don't think the carbonation is from the natural fermentation either. The added vinegar, extracts and lactic acid is to make it seem its a proper ferment. If you are trying to duplicate it, just try a low sugar recipe and add the extracts you like if its not strong enough. Keep in mind that the grains need sufficient sugar to be sustained long term.

Alex