| Microbial Group | Acts On | Converts Milk into | Functional Outcome |
| LAB | Lactose, proteins | Lactic acid, peptides, amino acids | Reduced lactose, tangy flavour, altered proteins |
| AAB | Fermentation intermediates | Acetic acid | Complex acidity, preservation effect |
| Yeats | Simple sugars | CO₂, trace ethanol | Light effervescence, aroma complexity |
| Aspect | Fresh Milk | Kefir Milk |
| Lactose state | Intact | Partially broken down |
| Organic acids | Absent | Present |
| Protein structure | Intact | Partially broken down |
| CO₂ | Absent | Present (trace) |
| Ethanol | Absent | Trace (<1%) |
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