Lifeway Foods, Inc., a leading U.S. supplier of kefir and fermented probiotic products to support the microbiome, has announced its latest functional beverage innovation: Probiotic Smoothie + Collagen made with kefir cultures. Available in four delicious flavors – Matcha Latte, Berry Blast, Tropical Fruit, and Plain – the new line features 5 grams of collagen in each serving and is lactose-free, as consumer demand for lactose-free dairy products is predicted to grow rapidly over the next five years.

Research shows that gut and skin health are interconnected through a two-way communication system known as the gut-skin axis, which plays a crucial role in maintaining overall health. The new Probiotic Smoothie + Collagen line supports this important axis through Lifeway's unique combination of its 12 live and active cultures, 25-30 billion beneficial CFUs (Colony Forming Units) plus 5 grams of collagen per serving, which may help support skin hydration, elasticity, smoothness and joint health. This fermented beverage also helps to support a healthy microbiome. Kefir naturally provides high-quality bioavailable nutrients such as Vitamins A, B, and D, as well as protein and essential fatty acids, all of which are crucial to healthy skin cell production. 

"The benefits of kefir have been one of the best-kept secrets in the beauty, wellness and celebrity industries for years," said Julie Smolyansky, president and CEO of Lifeway Foods. "The beauty hack can be credited to the ancient Egyptians, Cleopatra used to bathe in kefir to help soothe and smooth her skin. The trend has since evolved for celebrities, where they have seen a larger impact by consuming the kefir. Margot Robbie worked with skin expert, Jasmina Vico, on the Barbie movie to achieve her natural movie star glow on air. Once it went viral that Vico recommends fermented foods, like kefir, as a key component in skincare routines, we tracked a surge of consumer interest for kefir's holistic benefits and knew the market was ready for our Probiotic Smoothie + Collagen." 

This will be the first probiotic collagen smoothie with kefir cultures to hit the market, offering consumers an innovative new product to support their skin and gut health. Lifeway Foods has been developing this specific product since 2021, and is excited to launch the innovation as part of the brand's New Year New You Campaign for 2025. The groundbreaking line will begin shipping in December and will hit shelves nationwide at select independent and specialty stores by the end of the year.

About Lifeway Foods, Inc.
Lifeway Foods, Inc., which has been recognized as one of Forbes' Best Small Companies, is America's leading supplier of the probiotic, fermented beverage known as kefir. In addition to its line of drinkable kefir, the Company also produces a variety of cheeses and a ProBugs line for kids. Lifeway's tart and tangy fermented dairy products are now sold across the United States, Mexico, Ireland, South Africa, United Arab Emirates and France. Learn how Lifeway is good for more than just you at lifewayfoods.com.