#United States #Lifeway Foods #Anaheim #Kefir #Probiotic Products

Lifeway Foods Celebrates 40 Years of Kefir Leadership

Lifeway Foods, Inc., a prominent supplier of kefir and fermented probiotic products in the United States, recently announced its participation in the upcoming Natural Products Expo West 2026. This year is particularly significant for Lifeway, as it marks a remarkable 40 years of innovation in the cultured dairy sector. The company plans to showcase its latest offerings, which include Muscle Mates™ and Probiotic Kefir Butter™, at its interactive booth from March 4 to 6 at the Anaheim Convention Center in California.

Highlighting New Innovations

Among the new products, Lifeway Muscle Mates™ is positioned as a functional beverage aimed at health-conscious consumers. This lactose-free drink offers 20 grams of protein, 5 grams of creatine, and 12 live probiotic cultures in an 8-ounce serving. It's designed to cater to those seeking pre-workout energy, post-workout recovery, or general wellness. As consumer interest in performance-oriented beverages grows, Lifeway is eager to meet this demand by making Muscle Mates™ available in grocery stores, gyms, and select retail outlets nationwide.

In addition, the Probiotic Kefir Butter™, available in unsalted, sea salt, and honey butter varieties, targets culinary enthusiasts and health-conscious consumers seeking flavorful and functional ingredients. This cultured butter, low in lactose and enriched with Lifeway's signature kefir cultures, enhances various dishes with its rich taste and smooth texture. It perfectly marries indulgence with premium nutrition, catering to the rising consumer expectations surrounding tasty and versatile cooking ingredients.

Vision for Modern Wellness

Julie Smolyansky, President and CEO of Lifeway Foods, expressed the company's ongoing commitment to cultured dairy and its positive role in modern wellness. The recent spike in consumer demand for proteins, probiotics, and fermented foods has contributed to the growth of the cultured dairy market, which is projected to surpass $75 billion in the next decade. As the newly released Dietary Guidelines emphasize the nutritional benefits of cultured dairy products, Lifeway aims to continue setting the standard with innovative products that combine flavor with health benefits.

The Expo West event provides Lifeway with a platform to interact with attendees through various activities, including product sampling and educational discussions about the benefits of probiotics. Guests are invited to visit Lifeway's booth to experience their latest innovations firsthand and to learn more about the significance of gut health.

Expo West Engagements

Lifeway plans multiple activities at various locations within the Expo:

• - Main Booth: Booth #743 (March 4 – 6)
• - Fresh Ideas Organic Marketplace: Booth F4 (March 3, 12 PM – 5 PM)
• - Trends & Innovation Seminar: Featuring Lifeway’s VP Derek Miller (March 3, 8:30 AM – 10 AM)
• - Women in Food Mixer: With CEO Julie Smolyansky (March 4, 5:30 PM)
• - Barry's LIFT Class: Sponsored by Lifeway (March 4, 7:30 AM – 9 AM)
• - Book Signing: Julie Smolyansky will sign copies of her cookbook on March 5 from 1 PM to 2 PM at Booth #743
• - Outside Sampling Station: Featuring grab-and-go Lifeway products at the main Expo entrance every morning.

To find out more about Lifeway and its range of products, you can visit lifewayfoods.com. The company has also garnered recognition as one of America's Growth Leaders, Processor of the Year in 2025, and has been featured in notable lists like Forbes' Best Small Companies. With their kefir and other fermented dairy products distributed across multiple countries, Lifeway continues to lead in the probiotic market and looks forward to sharing its journey and innovations at Expo West 2026.