Buying guide
Gift for a Fermenter
Updated How we research
Shopping for someone who talks about their SCOBY like a pet? These picks land well at any skill level. A stack of Fido jars or a cheese making kit feels generous without guessing sizes, while kombucha flavoring sets and pickling spice kits suit people who already have the basics. A sourdough starter kit or a well-chosen book rounds out the gift. The page is split into six sections (Fermentation Books; Fido Jars; Cheese Making Kits; Kombucha Flavoring Kits; Pickling Spice Kits; Sourdough Starter Kits), followed by every pick ranked by our score so you can compare them in one place.
The short version
We compared 24 picks. Our scores range from 6.3 to 8.8 out of 10.
- Best overall:The Art of Fermentation: An In-Depth Exploration of Essential Concepts and Processes from Around the World. Highest overall score in this guide at 8.8/10.
- Also great value:The Big Cheese Ultimate Cheese Making Kit, Makes 10 Cheeses, 40 Batches. Value score of 9/10, overall 8.8/10.
- Solid build:Bormioli Rocco Fido 2 Pack 33.75 oz Food Storage Glass Jars with Airtight Rubber Seal and Stainless Wire Clamp. Build and materials score of 9/10, overall 8.6/10.
- Feature-rich:CraftZee All-Inclusive Premium Sourdough Starter Kit with Pot, 34 Oz Starter Jar, 4 Banneton Proofing Baskets, Scraper, Scale, Beginner Guide. Features score of 9/10, overall 8.6/10.
Scores are our editorial assessment, not customer ratings. How we score
Fermentation Books
- The Art of Fermentation: An In-Depth Exploration of Essential Concepts and Processes from Around the WorldOur score8.8/10
- Wild Fermentation: The Flavor, Nutrition, and Craft of Live-Culture Foods, 2nd EditionOur score8.6/10
- The Noma Guide to Fermentation: Including koji, kombuchas, shoyus, misos, vinegars, garums, lacto-ferments, and black fruits and vegetablesOur score8.5/10
- The Big Book of Kombucha: Brewing, Flavoring, and Enjoying the Health Benefits of Fermented TeaOur score8.4/10
Fido Jars
- Bormioli Rocco Fido 2 Pack 33.75 oz Food Storage Glass Jars with Airtight Rubber Seal and Stainless Wire ClampOur score8.6/10
- Bormioli Rocco Fido Squared Wide Mouth Glass Jar with Airtight Gasket Clamp Lid, 101.5 ozOur score8.6/10
- Bormioli Rocco Fido Squared Wide Mouth Glass Jar with Airtight Gasket Clamp Lid, 50.75 ozOur score8.6/10
- Bormioli Rocco Fido Squared Wide Mouth Glass Jar with Airtight Gasket Clamp Lid, 67.75 ozOur score8.6/10
Cheese Making Kits
- The Big Cheese Ultimate Cheese Making Kit, Makes 10 Cheeses, 40 BatchesOur score8.8/10
- The Big Cheese Mozzarella and Ricotta Cheese Making Kit, 10 Batches with Vegetarian RennetOur score8.6/10
- Standing Stone Farms Basic Beginner Cheese Making Kit, Mozzarella Burrata Chevre RicottaOur score8.4/10
- Mozzarella and Ricotta Cheese Making Kit, 5 Piece DIY Kit with Cheesecloth and RennetOur score7.2/10
Kombucha Flavoring Kits
- Kombucha.com Equatorial Energy Elixir Brew Booster - Premium Botanical Kombucha Flavoring Blend, 8 OunceOur score7.8/10
- Kombucha.com Forest Berry Bloom Brew Booster - Elderberry, Currant and Blueberry Blend with Hibiscus, 4 OunceOur score7.8/10
- Kombucha.com Pure Passion Colada Brew Booster - Passionfruit Coconut Blend with Botanicals, 4 OunceOur score7.5/10
- Kombucha.com Redberry Ambrosia BREW BOOSTER - Super Premium Strawberry Raspberry Blend w/ Hibiscus & Botanicals for Creating Store Quality Kombucha, Flavored Iced Tea, Sangria, and More - All Natural, Loose Leaf, Caffeine Free, No Artificial Flavors, Immunity Boosting (8 ounce)Our score7.4/10
Pickling Spice Kits
- The Spice Way Pickling Spice 4 oz Seasoning for Pickles, Canning, Corned BeefOur score7.8/10
- Unpretentious Pickling Spice (2 Cups) Culinary Premium Spice Blend, Non-GMO, Made in USAOur score7.8/10
- Morton & Bassett Pickling Spice, 2.2 oz - Non-GMO, Salt-Free, Whole Spice Mix for Homemade PicklesOur score7.6/10
- Pickling Spice Mix (1 oz) - 3 PackOur score6.3/10
Sourdough Starter Kits
- CraftZee All-Inclusive Premium Sourdough Starter Kit with Pot, 34 Oz Starter Jar, 4 Banneton Proofing Baskets, Scraper, Scale, Beginner GuideOur score8.6/10
- Sourdough Starter Kit, 23-Piece Sourdough Bread Baking Supplies, 41 Oz Starter Jar, 9 Inch Round and 10.5 Inch Oval Banneton Proofing Baskets (Pink)Our score8.1/10
- SZZJKJ Sourdough Starter Kit, 24PCS Baking Supplies, 9 Inch Round and 11 Inch Oval Banneton Proofing Basket, Bread Sling, Starter Jar, Whisk, Scrapers, LameOur score8.1/10
- Sourdough Starter Kit, Complete Baking Supplies with 24oz Glass Starter Jar, 9 Inch Round and 10 Inch Oval Banneton Proofing Basket SetOur score7.8/10
All 24 picks, ranked by our score
Every product from the sections above, listed once. Sort by the criterion you care about most, or tick up to three to compare.
#1The Art of Fermentation, Sandor Katz's in-depth exploration of essential fermentation concepts and processes from around the world.
Fit for the job 9/10 · Features and specs 9/10 · Build and materials 9/10 · Value 8/10
- + Covers the why behind fermentation, so you can troubleshoot rather than only follow recipes
- + Global scope spans vegetables, dairy, grains, beverages and more
- + Widely treated as a reference book by serious home fermenters
- - Dense, encyclopedic style can overwhelm someone wanting quick recipes
- - Large hardcover is more of a desk reference than a counter cookbook
#2The Big Cheese's ultimate cheese making kit, which makes 10 Cheeses across 40 Batches for adventurous beginners.
Fit for the job 9/10 · Features and specs 9/10 · Build and materials 8/10 · Value 9/10
- + 10 Cheeses give variety beyond basic mozzarella
- + 40 Batches offer outstanding value for regular cheese makers
- + Ultimate kit suits people who want to keep exploring styles
- - Some styles need extra equipment like molds or a press
- - More cheese types mean a steeper learning curve to master each
#3Wild Fermentation, the 2nd Edition of Sandor Katz's guide to the flavor, nutrition and craft of live-culture foods.
Fit for the job 9/10 · Features and specs 8/10 · Build and materials 8/10 · Value 9/10
- + Approachable recipes make it a friendly first fermentation book
- + 2nd Edition updates the original with expanded recipes and notes
- + Encourages a relaxed, experimental approach that builds confidence
- - Loose, flexible recipes may frustrate readers who want exact measurements
- - Overlaps with the author's larger reference book if you own both
#4Bormioli Rocco's Fido 2 Pack of 33.75 oz glass jars with airtight rubber seal and stainless wire clamp.
Fit for the job 9/10 · Features and specs 8/10 · Build and materials 9/10 · Value 8/10
- + Airtight Rubber Seal lets gas escape under pressure while blocking air
- + Stainless Wire Clamp resists rust from brine splashes
- + Bormioli Rocco is a well-known Italian glass maker
- - 33.75 oz is small for big vegetable ferments
- - Rubber gaskets need replacement after heavy use
#5Bormioli Rocco's Fido squared wide mouth glass jar with airtight gasket clamp lid, a large 101.5 oz size.
Fit for the job 9/10 · Features and specs 8/10 · Build and materials 9/10 · Value 8/10
- + 101.5 oz capacity handles big kraut or kimchi batches
- + Squared shape fits efficiently on pantry shelves
- + Wide mouth makes packing and cleaning easy
- - Large jar is heavy and hard to fit in a fridge
- - Squared corners are harder to scrub clean
#6Bormioli Rocco's Fido squared wide mouth glass jar with airtight gasket clamp lid in a 50.75 oz size.
Fit for the job 9/10 · Features and specs 8/10 · Build and materials 9/10 · Value 8/10
- + 50.75 oz size is a versatile mid-range fermenting jar
- + Clamp gasket lid releases gas while keeping oxygen out
- + Italian glass is thick and durable for repeated use
- - Single jar only, so batches need multiple purchases
- - No weight included for keeping vegetables submerged
#7Bormioli Rocco's Fido squared wide mouth glass jar with airtight gasket clamp lid in a 67.75 oz size.
Fit for the job 9/10 · Features and specs 8/10 · Build and materials 9/10 · Value 8/10
- + 67.75 oz size is roomy enough for a head of cabbage
- + Squared shape uses shelf space efficiently
- + Airtight gasket helps prevent mold on vegetable ferments
- - Gasket needs occasional replacing to keep the seal effective
- - Thick glass jar is heavy to lift once it is full of brine and vegetables
#8The Big Cheese's mozzarella and ricotta cheese making kit, good for 10 batches with vegetarian rennet.
Fit for the job 9/10 · Features and specs 8/10 · Build and materials 8/10 · Value 9/10
- + Vegetarian Rennet suits households avoiding animal-based rennet
- + 10 Batches of mozzarella and ricotta give plenty of practice
- + Two fast fresh cheeses are ideal first projects
- - Milk is not included, and ultra-pasteurized milk often will not set
- - Kit covers only two cheese styles, so variety-seekers will outgrow it quickly
#9CraftZee's all-inclusive premium sourdough starter kit with pot, 34 Oz starter jar, 4 banneton baskets, scraper, scale and guide.
Fit for the job 9/10 · Features and specs 9/10 · Build and materials 8/10 · Value 8/10
- + Scale is included, which is key for accurate sourdough feeding
- + 4 Banneton Proofing Baskets let you proof several loaves at once
- + Beginner Guide and pot make it a true start-to-finish kit
- - Large all-inclusive set costs more than basic starter kits
- - Check the listing photos for the exact pot size and material
#10The Noma Guide to Fermentation, a chef-driven book on koji, kombuchas, shoyus, misos, vinegars, garums, lacto-ferments and black fruits.
Fit for the job 8/10 · Features and specs 9/10 · Build and materials 9/10 · Value 8/10
- + Restaurant-level techniques push home fermenters well beyond basic kraut
- + Detailed chapters on koji, garums and shoyus are rare in home cookbooks
- + Step-by-step photos make advanced projects easier to follow
- - Many projects need an incubation chamber and precise gear
- - Ingredient lists and timelines are ambitious for casual cooks
#11The Big Book of Kombucha, a complete guide to brewing, flavoring and enjoying fermented tea at home.
Fit for the job 9/10 · Features and specs 8/10 · Build and materials 8/10 · Value 8/10
- + Focused entirely on kombucha, from SCOBY care to bottling
- + Large collection of flavor ideas keeps second ferments interesting
- + Troubleshooting sections help identify mold versus normal SCOBY growth
- - Single-topic book offers little for vegetable or dairy ferments
- - Health benefit sections may read as enthusiastic rather than clinical
#12Standing Stone Farms' basic beginner cheese making kit for mozzarella, burrata, chevre and ricotta.
Fit for the job 9/10 · Features and specs 8/10 · Build and materials 8/10 · Value 8/10
- + Four fresh cheese styles cover burrata and chevre, not just mozzarella
- + Beginner kit focuses on quick cheeses that are ready the same day
- + Standing Stone Farms is a known supplier of home cheese cultures
- - Confirm how many batches the included cultures cover before buying
- - Chevre needs goat milk, which is harder to find than cow milk
#13A pink 23-Piece sourdough starter kit with a 41 Oz starter jar and 9 Inch round and 10.5 Inch oval bannetons.
Fit for the job 8/10 · Features and specs 9/10 · Build and materials 7/10 · Value 8/10
- + 41 Oz starter jar gives lots of room for the starter to rise
- + 9 Inch round and 10.5 Inch oval bannetons shape two loaf styles
- + 23-Piece set covers most sourdough baking tools in one box
- - Culture is not included, so you must make or buy a starter
- - Many small accessories may go unused by casual bakers
#14SZZJKJ's 24PCS sourdough starter kit with 9 Inch round and 11 Inch oval bannetons, sling, jar, whisk, scrapers and lame.
Fit for the job 8/10 · Features and specs 9/10 · Build and materials 7/10 · Value 8/10
- + Bread Sling helps lower dough safely into a hot Dutch oven
- + Lame and scrapers cover scoring and shaping steps
- + 11 Inch oval basket suits longer batard loaves
- - Brand name is unfamiliar, so accessory quality may vary
- - No sourdough culture in the box, so starter must be built from scratch
#15Kombucha.com's Equatorial Energy Elixir brew booster, an 8 Ounce premium botanical flavoring blend for kombucha.
Fit for the job 8/10 · Features and specs 7/10 · Build and materials 8/10 · Value 8/10
- + 8 Ounce pouch flavors many second fermentations before running out
- + Botanical blend adds layered flavor without prepping fresh fruit
- + Brew booster format is made to steep straight into bottles or a jar
- - Energy Elixir name does not detail the botanicals, so check the ingredients
- - Dry botanicals need straining before serving to avoid bits in the glass
#16Kombucha.com's Forest Berry Bloom brew booster, a 4 Ounce elderberry, currant and blueberry blend with hibiscus.
Fit for the job 8/10 · Features and specs 8/10 · Build and materials 8/10 · Value 7/10
- + Elderberry, currant and blueberry give a deep berry flavor to second ferments
- + Hibiscus adds a tart edge and turns kombucha a rich red color
- + Dried fruit blend is shelf-stable and easy to portion into bottles
- - 4 Ounce size flavors fewer batches than the larger pouches
- - Hibiscus tartness may overpower mild kombucha if you use too much
#17The Spice Way's pickling spice, 4 oz of seasoning for pickles, canning and corned beef.
Fit for the job 8/10 · Features and specs 7/10 · Build and materials 8/10 · Value 8/10
- + 4 oz bag seasons many jars of dill pickles or pickled vegetables
- + Multi-use blend also works for corned beef and braises
- + The Spice Way is a spice-focused brand with whole spice blends
- - Check the ingredient list on the package for allergens before using
- - Whole spices can float and need weights or a spice bag
#18Unpretentious' pickling spice, 2 Cups of premium Non-GMO culinary spice blend made in USA.
Fit for the job 8/10 · Features and specs 7/10 · Build and materials 8/10 · Value 8/10
- + 2 Cups of blend is enough for a long pickling season
- + Made in USA blending gives a clear origin for the spice mix
- + Non-GMO premium spices suit careful home canners
- - Bag packaging needs transferring to a jar to keep aroma
- - Blend proportions may differ from classic dill pickle recipes
#19A complete sourdough starter kit with a 24oz glass starter jar and a 9 Inch round and 10 Inch oval banneton set.
Fit for the job 8/10 · Features and specs 8/10 · Build and materials 7/10 · Value 8/10
- + 24oz Glass jar lets you watch the starter bubble and rise
- + Round and oval bannetons cover the two most common loaf shapes
- + Complete Baking Supplies make it a strong gift for new bakers
- - 24oz jar is smaller than some kits, so feed amounts are limited
- - Starter culture is not part of the kit, so the first loaf is at least a week away
#20Morton & Bassett's 2.2 oz Non-GMO, salt-free whole spice pickling mix for homemade pickles.
Fit for the job 8/10 · Features and specs 7/10 · Build and materials 8/10 · Value 7/10
- + Salt-Free blend lets you control brine salt levels precisely
- + Whole Spice Mix gives clearer brine than ground spices
- + Non-GMO label suits shoppers wanting cleaner ingredients
- - 2.2 oz jar covers only a handful of pickle batches
- - Premium jar pricing is higher per ounce than bulk bags
#21Kombucha.com's Pure Passion Colada brew booster, a 4 Ounce passionfruit coconut blend with botanicals for kombucha.
Fit for the job 7/10 · Features and specs 8/10 · Build and materials 8/10 · Value 7/10
- + Passionfruit and coconut give kombucha a tropical, dessert-like profile
- + Botanical blend is portioned by the spoon, so batches taste consistent
- + Shelf-stable pouch skips the waste of buying fresh tropical fruit
- - Coconut pieces can leave oily bits that need careful straining
- - Sweet colada flavor may not suit fans of dry, tart kombucha
#22Kombucha.com Redberry Ambrosia Brew Booster from Raw Brewing Company, a strawberry and raspberry blend with hibiscus and botanicals. Added after primary fermentation to flavor kombucha, iced tea or sangria.
Fit for the job 8/10 · Features and specs 7/10 · Build and materials 7/10 · Value 7/10
- + Strawberry raspberry blend with hibiscus and botanicals, a berry profile that stands apart from the citrus and tropical boosters
- + Listing says it is added after primary fermentation, so it fits a standard second-flavoring step
- + Same product line as the other Brew Boosters in this guide, with the listing also pointing to use in iced tea and sangria
- - The listing gives no pack weight or number of batches in the text we have, so cost per batch is unclear
- - Flavor strength is not described, so you may need to adjust the amount to taste
#23A 5 Piece DIY mozzarella and ricotta cheese making kit with cheesecloth and rennet for first-time cheese makers.
Fit for the job 8/10 · Features and specs 7/10 · Build and materials 6/10 · Value 7/10
- + Cheesecloth is included for draining ricotta and curds
- + 5 Piece DIY kit bundles the key supplies in one box
- + Mozzarella and ricotta are forgiving first cheeses to learn
- - Compare seller photos and ratings to judge quality before ordering
- - Confirm how many batches the included ingredients cover before buying
#24A pickling spice mix in 1 oz packets, sold as a 3 Pack for portioned homemade pickle batches.
Fit for the job 7/10 · Features and specs 5/10 · Build and materials 6/10 · Value 7/10
- + 3 Pack of small packets keeps unused spice sealed and fresh
- + Pre-portioned packs make small-batch pickling simple
- + Low-cost way to try pickling spice before buying bulk
- - Tiny packets are poor value if you pickle often
- - Check the ingredient list on the package for allergens before using
Popular right now
- Brine Pickles or Vinegar PicklesArticle
- Water Quality and Chlorine in Home FermentationArticle
- The Best Vacuum Seal Bags for FermentationBuying guide
- Backslopping explainedGlossary
- Best Koji Starter SporesBuying guide
- Fermentation TemperatureArticle
Based on the last 28 days of search and visitor data.
Ferment Nest curates picks for US shoppers. Scores are our editorial assessment. We may earn a commission from links on this page.