• Water kefir like beverages were produced from Aronia melanocarpa juice and pomace. • The sensory analyses showed no difference in all tested groups. • Kefir made from aronia pomace demonstrated a greater antioxidant activity. • Both pomace and juice kefir had high levels of polyphenol, flavonoid and anthocyanin. • Aronia pomace is a good substitute especially for vegan and allergic individuals.