Four bacteria: the Peruvian brand to discover the world of ferments through healthy sodas, kimchi and more

The brand was born in a pandemic, from the “need to have food at home that does not spoil, that is healthy and that has an important preservation technique. For example, if you have a jar of kimchiit can last a long time if it is well preserved,” explains Novoa to Advantage.

“I’ve always had a keen eye on real, healthy foods. “Before I had a dehydrated vegan food business”, remembers the creator of the brand. But, when she discovered fermentation, it was love at first sight. “It is a technique that has existed for many years and is present in different cultures, with their respective methods. I realized that its importance was being forgotten here, so I made a personal commitment to try to revive fermentation”he adds.

He always knew that the proposal was particular and considered niche, so it was not going to be easy. But, part of Cuatro Bacterias’ proposal is to inform and educate the different interested parties or consumers of its products about ferments and their benefits. “It’s incredible, because it’s also something I apply at home, to feed my family.”mentions Jenny Novoa.

The idea started in 2020, and it took a year to warm up, make the necessary changes, and create the full proposal. In August 2021, the public could already access boxes that included different products.

“I started with sodas, because there are already several good kombuchas on the market. So I chose water kefir and only now are people getting around to trying it. “It is probiotic and full of friendly bacteria, as we call them,” points out the founder of the first fermentation festival in Peru.

In their soda menu, we can find flavors such as: “prickly pear forever”, “blue majik piña”, “piña dragon” and “kion butterfly pea”. It plays with powerful and very noticeable flavors, as well as charming and photo-worthy colors.

They also offer sauerkraut, Fermented cabbage well known in Germany, and kimchithe accompaniment to every meal in the korean cuisine. Currently, they also offer their version of sriracha, the fermented chili in a slightly more liquid form.

During 2022 he dedicated himself to creating vinegars from different products. “To do it, I had to travel and do a residency in another country, I learned and practiced a lot. It is a long process, because making each vinegar takes about two months,” he explains. Since that time, he has been able to create vinegars from ingredients such as cocoa, lavender, rosemary and apple, among others.

In their menu we can also find products such as fire cider, furikake (a type of seasoning) and carrot sticks, an ideal snack. For lovers of the brand, they offer packs that can include everything from different flavors of soda to sauerkraut, kimchi, vinegars or dips.

Our experience

We tried two of the sodas, the “blue majik piña” and the “tuna forever”. This product can be enjoyed in two presentations (350 ml. and 750 ml.) and has a quite particular flavor. It is refreshing and not sweet, but the presence of the fruits gives it a faint flavor. The recommendation is to enjoy them chilled and open them carefully.

If you are a ferment lover, kimchi will undoubtedly be a favorite. At its precise point of acidity, the vegetables used are crunchy and the level of spiciness is just right. For some it may be low in salt, but that can be corrected according to the tastes of each diner.

Sriracha is an interesting discovery as it flirts with the well-known hot sauce, but has its own essence. Thus, Cuatro Bacterias’ extra spicy sauce stands out for how refreshing it is, with a clean taste in the mouth and the particular taste of fermented products. It can be eaten directly with food or, as in our case, combined with other ingredients and create very interesting spicy sauces.

This brand is committed to the arduous task of promoting the consumption of ferments in creative formats, well made and with top quality ingredients. They offer a great experience and a way to take care of ourselves through food.