A method for makingat least 2 kg (dry weight) of a lacticacid bacteria composition formulatedwith from 1% to 50% of ascorbate orascorbic acid (w/w - dry matter) asantioxidant, wherein the pH is controlledso 3 <;= pH <;= 8 during at leastthe majority of the fermentation processby addition of a base not comprising NH3 (ammonia).