Lifeway expands functional beverage market with new launch

USA – Lifeway Foods, Inc., a leading fermented dairy manufacturer, has announced its latest product, the Lifeway Probiotic Smoothie + Collagen, set to launch in December.

The new line combines kefir’s probiotic benefits with added collagen, addressing growing consumer demand for functional beverages that support overall health and wellness.

The smoothies will be available in four flavors—Matcha Latte, Berry Blast, Tropical Fruit, and Plain. Each serving contains 5 grams of collagen, which the company states may support skin hydration, elasticity, smoothness, and joint health.

Lifeway emphasized that the product aims to support the gut-skin axis, a concept linking digestive health with skin quality.

Each smoothie is lactose-free and made with kefir cultures, delivering 12 live and active probiotic cultures and 25-30 billion colony-forming units (CFUs).

According to Lifeway, these elements help maintain a healthy microbiome while providing essential nutrients such as vitamins A, B, and D, essential fatty acids, and protein.

Lifeway CEO Julie Smolyansky highlighted kefir’s long-standing use in beauty and wellness practices.

“The benefits of kefir have been one of the best-kept secrets in the beauty, wellness, and celebrity industries for years,” she stated.

Smolyansky mentioned that historical figures, including Cleopatra, reportedly used kefir for skincare.

She also referred to modern examples, such as actress Margot Robbie incorporating fermented foods into her skincare routine during preparation for the Barbie movie, as contributing to increased consumer interest in kefir.

Lifeway began developing the collagen-infused smoothies in 2021. The company plans to distribute the product to select independent and specialty stores by the end of the year.

This targeted launch approach aims to attract health-conscious consumers seeking multifunctional beverages.

The introduction of Lifeway’s Probiotic Smoothie + Collagen marks an expansion in the company’s product offerings, combining traditional kefir benefits with the rising popularity of collagen.