The gut is our root – if there is a balance of bacteria, we feel good.
Boris Original (5 l, 1 l, 2,5 dl)
The original and first lactic acid bacteria drink. Made from root vegetables, berries and herbs grown in a Finnish night-free environment by fermenting them. The result is a completely sugar-free and additive-free lactic acid bacteria drink with up to 6 billion* live lactic acid bacteria in a 2 dl serving.
(*The number of lactic acid bacteria in the drink can vary from batch to batch, up to 20 billion. 6 billion is the minimum amount that the drink always contains in a serving.)
Boris Berry Mix (1 l)
Berry Mix is made on the basis of the original lactic acid bacteria drink. However, as the name suggests, a berry mix is added to the drink – blackcurrant, redcurrant and cranberry. This currant-flavored berry vitamin bomb is a great change from the original taste.
Boris Original (5 l, 1 l, 2,5 dl)
The original and first lactic acid bacteria drink. Made from root vegetables, berries and herbs grown in a Finnish night-free environment by fermenting them. The result is a completely sugar-free and additive-free lactic acid bacteria drink with up to 6 billion* live lactic acid bacteria in a 2 dl serving.
(*The number of lactic acid bacteria in the drink can vary from batch to batch, up to 20 billion. 6 billion is the minimum amount that the drink always contains in a serving.)
Boris Berry Mix (1 l)
Berry Mix is made on the basis of the original lactic acid bacteria drink. However, as the name suggests, a berry mix is added to the drink – blackcurrant, redcurrant and cranberry. This currant-flavored berry vitamin bomb is a great change from the original taste.
The original developer of the Boris lactic acid bacteria drink is the late pioneer of the health food industry and homeopath Airi Rekilä, who had an extensive career spanning four decades from 1980-2010 with a focus on gut health. Air has been called a pioneer in the field of lactic acid bacteria science. At a time when all bacteria were considered bad, it was hugely unpopular to claim that bacteria actually healed. Decades ago, knowledge was scarce, but Airi decided to develop a holistic domestic product that would be of the highest possible quality for the entire digestive system. Once the product itself became a benefit, the passion was ignited once and for all. He understood the properties of the product’s good bacteria, especially the live ones. Airi used a lot of figurative language and only a strong enough slogan, in her opinion, would reflect the work of those little workers, the probiotics, in relation to overall well-being. The gut is our root – if there is a balance of bacteria, we feel good.
There wasn’t much of an audience at first – drinks were sold from the boot of a car after the lectures. The word and the experience spread so much that course weeks started to be organised. The small group grew bigger and bigger. Was the woman in power wise or foolish to talk about the bacterial world as it is finally understood today? Silly then, wise by any standards today. Airi saw the rise and popularity of gut health and lactic acid bacteria before she died.
The Boris lactic acid bacteria drink brand was bought and transferred in 2017 to a company owned by Airi’s own daughter Aino-Maaria Tarkiainen’s company. At first, Mahla Forest Oy continued to manufacture the product until the daughter bought the entire brand in the summer of 2025, returning it to a family product. Savonia Health Oy continues to manufacture the product with respect for its tradition and classic character – with a unique and innovative approach, without compromising on quality.
Over the years, the family has found its way into the daily lives of many consumers and has a strong track record of decades with its customers.
Thank you for reading our story!
The original developer of the Boris lactic acid bacteria drink is the late pioneer of the health food industry and homeopath Airi Rekilä, who had an extensive career spanning four decades from 1980-2010 with a focus on gut health. Air has been called a pioneer in the field of lactic acid bacteria science. At a time when all bacteria were considered bad, it was hugely unpopular to claim that bacteria actually healed. Decades ago, knowledge was scarce, but Airi decided to develop a holistic domestic product that would be of the highest possible quality for the entire digestive system. Once the product itself became a benefit, the passion was ignited once and for all. He understood the properties of the product’s good bacteria, especially the live ones. Airi used a lot of figurative language and only a strong enough slogan, in her opinion, would reflect the work of those little workers, the probiotics, in relation to overall well-being. The gut is our root – if there is a balance of bacteria, we feel good.
There wasn’t much of an audience at first – drinks were sold from the boot of a car after the lectures. The word and the experience spread so much that course weeks started to be organised. The small group grew bigger and bigger. Was the woman in power wise or foolish to talk about the bacterial world as it is finally understood today? Silly then, wise by any standards today. Airi saw the rise and popularity of gut health and lactic acid bacteria before she died.
The Boris lactic acid bacteria drink brand was bought and transferred in 2017 to a company owned by Airi’s own daughter Aino-Maaria’s company. At first, Mahla Forest Oy continued to manufacture the product until the daughter bought the entire brand in the summer of 2025, returning it to a family product. Savonia Health Oy continues to manufacture the product with respect for its tradition and classic character – with a unique and innovative approach, without compromising on quality.
Over the years, the family has found its way into the daily lives of many consumers and has a strong track record of decades with its customers.
Thank you for taking the time to read our story!
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Frequently asked questions
What is a Boris drink?
A natural and unpasteurised lactic acid bacteria drink without additives, made by acidification of various wild fruits and berries. The drink uses a unique strain of lactic acid bacteria, consisting of wild and live strains. The aim was to make one glass as versatile as possible and it supports the whole digestive system – not just strengthening the bacterial cover of the large intestine, although that’s what it’s effective for. In addition to live lactic acid bacteria, the drink contains prebiotics and inulin, enzymes that support good bacterial nutrition, metabolism and digestion, as well as flavonoids, or protective nutrients, due to their colour. As Boris is a completely nutritional product, it also provides vitamins C and B, for example.
Who do we recommend the drink for?
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- To support holistic digestion
- To help with functional stomach and intestinal problems
- For daily use to strengthen the body’s natural microbiome and immune system
- For use during and after antibiotic treatment
How does the drink actually work?
The action is based on live lactic acid bacteria that attach themselves to the intestinal wall, starting by displacing bad bacterial strains and strengthening the intestinal lining. The lactic acid bacteria in Boris are the body’s own, natural, diverse strains. The pH of boric acid is acidic (3.2) to allow good bacteria to survive through the digestive fluids and acids into the large intestine.
How does the drink differ from lactic acid capsules and why would I choose Boris?
The drink is very different from regular capsules, as Boris is complex and nutrient-dense. It is for the entire digestive system, as a whole. Not only to strengthen the good bacterial flora in the colon.
The most noticeable differences:
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- Boris is an unpasteurised product, so it also contains enzymes that improve digestion and speed up metabolism. Because the product is alive, it does not need the body’s own enzymatic activity and energy to bring it to life.
- The lactic acid bacteria in Boris are diverse, varied and natural. As we age, our body ‘s ranges diminish or certain ranges are not suitable for everyone, so versatility is important.
- Boris is nutrient-rich and contains prebiotics, an important food for bacteria, from which they produce short-chain fatty acids for cellular nutrition and energy.
- Boris contains vitamins, minerals and trace elements, and is a very holistic nutritional product, unlike the typical lactic acid bacteria capsule, which only strengthens the bacterial cover in the large intestine.
- Boris is a liquid drink, so it is effective and easier to absorb & assimilate.
- Boris affects the body’s own and natural digestive acids.
- Boris is completely organic and made ecologically from domestic ingredients, respecting our environment.
Can a drink cause stomach problems at first? What other symptoms may occur?
People are different, so some may have symptoms, others may not. However, it is normal for so-called cleansing symptoms to occur initially as the colonisation of good bacteria in the large intestine is established. These symptoms may include constipation, diarrhoea, flatulence, heartburn, muscle aches, etc.
How much should you drink? On a permanent or intermittent basis?
2-3 dl on an empty stomach in the morning, when the body is in cleansing mode and bacteria adhere more effectively to the intestinal wall. The product is not a medicine, so there is no risk of overdose. The product is recommended for continuous use, as the microbiome is under constant stress. The product is also used for curative purposes. The regimen is usually 1 l bottle a week and once a month, or one month in autumn and spring during the flu season.
Why in the morning?
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- Lactic acid bacteria adhere better to the empty intestinal wall.
- Various enzymes are activated in the body to cleanse in the morning, boosted by the nutrients and enzymes in the drink.
- The drink boosts overall metabolism and activates the peristaltic movement of the intestines.
- The body rests holistically at night and removes waste products from the body. Drinking in the morning boosts their removal and elimination.
- Nutrients are better utilised and absorbed more efficiently when you drink a holistic beverage that supports your entire digestive system
- The body uses an extra oxygen atom in the morning to cleanse itself. The superoxide dismutase enzyme works in the morning, combining fluids and oxygen. No waste products should be involved in this process, so that oxygen is transported to the cellular level and does not remain outside.
- The live lactic acid bacteria in the drink also produce oxygen themselves.
Are there any restrictions on the consumption of the drink?
Boris is suitable for more diets as it is gluten-free, grain-free, vegan, dairy-free, lactose-free, soy-free. Boris is also not a medicine but a nutritional product, so there are no active pharmaceutical ingredients. Lactic acid bacteria also have no known antibodies. However, we recommend caution among those taking blood thinners due to the cabbage content (no more than 2 dl per day), and complete abstinence for people with haemochromatosis, an iron accumulation disease, as lactic acid converts non-heme iron (plant-based iron) into a more absorbable form.
Does the drink contain allergens?
It does not contain.
Rye was once listed among the drink’s ingredients. Is there any more rye in the drink?
Rye used to be used as one of the starters in the drink, but we removed rye from the product years ago, so there is no rye in Boris products today.
Is the Boris range Finnish and are the products made in Finland?
The products are 100% domestic and carry the Hyvää Suomesta (Produced in Finland) label. Products are manufactured in Naarajärvi, Etelä-Savo, Finland. The products are also certified organic.
Is the drink suitable for children or pregnant women?
The drink is suitable for both. Of course, we do not recommend a drink for infants either. Once your child starts eating solid food, we recommend a dose of one drop per day for a month – gradually increasing the drink every month. E.g. first month 1 drop, second month 2 drops, etc. At one year of age, you can already use the drink, following these instructions. A strong microbiome is the foundation for the start of a toddler’s path.
Beetroot nitrate is the reason it is not recommended for young children, as it can affect red blood cells and thus oxygen metabolism. As the product is fermented and the beetroot is slowly ripened, the nitrates in the beetroot are converted to nitric oxides, so the form is not the same. We do not recommend raw beetroot for children.
Can the drink be given to a pet, for example a dog?
Boris lactic acid bacteria drink is also ideal for pets. The animal is sensitive to its environment and changes. The bacterial population can easily be upset by indigestible food, stress and medication, for example. Then, in addition to lactic acid bacteria, the intake of fluids, salts and fibre is important. Our drink combines all these good things. We have also received good feedback from horse owners, as horses are particularly affected by stomach problems and sensitive digestion. Either on its own or combined with food.
The surface of the drink is covered with an opaque light layer. What is it?
The pale gauzy layer is liquid lactic acid, produced by living lactic acid bacteria as a by-product of metabolism. You can shake it into the drink or strain it out.
What kind of water is the base of a Boris drink?
The quality of raw materials, from water to salt and from wild fruits to berries, is the cornerstone of our products. A product is not just made for a necessary base, it must also be good. Boris products are made in the countryside of South Savo from the well-researched and good borehole water of our own production plant. The quality of water matters a lot, as it is the basis for drinks whose raw materials are fused with water. Increasingly, as we browse the news, we come across challenges such as the failure to remove all pharmaceutical residues from city tap water, not to mention the microplastics in the water.
Humans are also mostly water, so it’s important that our own water is able to sustain life and carry salts. Natural waters, such as spring and well water, are so-called living waters. Tap water, on the other hand, stays in pipes and water towers for a long time – a lot of chemicals are put into it.
Oxygen and salts, or trace elements and minerals, are best fixed and bound in living water. Living water, especially water with a pH above 7, also takes care of the acid-base balance.
The drink contains cabbage. Can IBS patients and people on a FODMAP diet use the product?
The answer to both is surprisingly yes. Those who prefer a FODMAP diet and those with functional stomach problems can use Boris. When a product is fermented, it changes the form of the raw materials, as lactic acidification breaks down plant fibres, carbohydrates and sugars into both lactic acid bacteria and food for lactic acid bacteria.
When cabbage is eaten raw, it can cause gas in the intestines. The cabbage also contains raffinose, which can enter the large intestine, causing pain, swelling and irritation during natural fermentation. Fermentation is the process of breaking down these sugars.
A controlled TESTING LAB study was once conducted on IBS sufferers, in which the product was shown to help specifically with functional stomach problems and irritable bowel syndrome. Many people with IBS use this drink.
The drink is acidic. Why do you still recommend it for heartburn or acid reflux?
Nervousness can be caused by many different things – it can also be a unpleasant symptom of a variety of illnesses. The most common treatments for heartburn are drugs that neutralise the contents of the stomach or proton pump inhibitors, which affect the secretion of acid directly in the cells. Unfortunately, this is a disadvantage in long-term use. Medicines can affect the absorption of calcium, magnesium and vitamin B12, among other things. They can also predispose you to respiratory and intestinal infections, as the acids in the stomach prevent bacteria from entering the oesophagus or intestines. Nutrient digestion and enzyme activity are also affected.
An acidic drink may sound strange, but it’s actually true: the damaged lining allows nutrients to come into contact with pain-causing nerve endings in the stomach. The condition of the mucous membrane is also something you should pay attention to. There should be an equilibrium between the bacteria on its surface. Lactic acid bacteria defend the mucosa from harmful bacteria, strengthening it.
Attention should be paid to the whole digestive system, not just one part of it – digestion is a harmonious whole. Additives, preservatives and colourings are an additional resistance to digestion. We are producing less of the acids that digest food, when in fact we need more and more of them today. Acids that digest food did not play a very important role in health care, leading to digestive problems and the widespread use of acid blockers. Boris also supports the smooth
What do the products taste like?
The Original drink tastes like a tangy, acidic vegetable juice, the Berry Mix a tangy and acidic berry juice and the smoothie like a delicious apple and redcurrant puree.
Can there be variations between batches of Boris?
Yes, it can be- subtle ones. Boris is a lively and unaltered natural product, with natural flavour and colour nuances from time to time. It is not dangerous. The product is not standardised, as each batch undergoes a spontaneous fermentation reaction, which means that the lactic acid bacteria in the wild vary from batch to batch. The end result is also influenced by the raw materials themselves. They are harvested from a variety of soils with bacterial strains – whether from new or old crops. The naturalness of the product also affects the end result. In particular, an organic product can behave in an unpasteurised form, so that nuances are created in terms of taste and colour. In addition, temperatures greatly affect such a dark-fermented product, which cures itself at different temperatures. Harmful bacteria or pathogens cannot live in the drink because it undergoes lactic acid fermentation to make it acidic, meaning that the fermented product preserves itself and the acidity keeps out the undesirable bacteria.
Tip for you:
If you bring your Boris drink to room temperature in the evening for drinking in the morning, it will increase the amount of good bacteria. Add a few berries or herbs to the mix. Each lactic acid bacterium in the drink is alive because it is not pasteurised, which is why they use the nutrients in the drink to strengthen and survive. In this way, you provide a direct and effective supplement to their berries and herbs, while making the lactic acid bacteria a little more efficient.
Contact information
CEO/Product Manager:
Aino-Maaria Rekilä
+358 458920199
aino.rekila@borisjuoma.com
Address:
Savonia Health Oy
Graanintie 5 LT 206
50190 Mikkeli
Suomi – Finland
Business ID:
3540596-4
