Lifeway Foods introduces 10 new hot and trendy organic kefir flavor fusions to its single-serve range

MORTON GROVE, Ill., October 8, 2024 – Lifeway Foods, Inc. (Nasdaq: LWAY), a leading U.S. provider of kefir and fermented probiotic products that support the microbiome, today announced the launch of 10 new innovative flavors for its 8-ounce organic kefir on-the-go line. Lifeway is known for creating trends and recognizing the changing tastes and needs of consumers. These new flavor combinations represent a fresh offering in the dairy space, inspired by global flavor insights and market research. The entire line is lactose-free as consumer demand for lactose-free dairy products is expected to grow strongly over the next five years¹. Many of these flavor combinations have never been seen before in the cultured dairy category. The new Flavor Fusions line is not only lactose-free, but also contains high-quality bioavailable nutrients such as protein, calcium and 12 live and active probiotic cultures.

The full range of exciting and innovative flavors includes:

1. Pink dragon fruit
2. Passion fruit lychee
3. Hot darling
4. Guava jackfruit
5. Coconut pineapple
6. Pistachio rose vanilla
7. Grapefruit elderflower
8. Wild blueberry lavender
9. Taro ube latte
10. Matcha latte

Research shows a growing interest in unique, exotic and unexpected flavor combinations, as well as an increasing preference for tropical flavors and botanical notes²“swicy” flavor profiles (pairings of sweet and spicy) and trendy, Asian-inspired flavors³. Daymon’s research found that 75% of consumers expressed interest in trying tropical and citrus flavors⁴ such as dragon fruit, lychee, passion fruit and guava. 53% of Gen Z shoppers say they like spicy honey flavors, while the obscure Asian-inspired flavor “ube” was the top flavor trend of 2024, according to DairyReporter. Innova Market Insights named floral flavors as the No. 1 trend for this year, with 33% of consumers looking for botanical flavors. Mashed called pistachio flavors one of the hottest food trends⁵ And Salon magazine called it the “it flavor.”⁶

“These new trendy flavor fusions offer something for everyone and bring excitement to the kefir category, best known as a leading source of gut health, better-for-you, high-quality probiotics and bioavailable nutrients,” said Julie Smolyansky, president and CEO of Lifeway Foods. “We’re excited to offer bold, innovative flavors in an on-the-go format that customers can make part of their busy everyday lives. We took inspiration from near and far, from the cult coffeehouse classic of pink dragon fruit to spicy. A honey blend popular in pizzerias and beyond. Featuring on-trend flavor profiles, these new Lifeway Kefiers are perfect for convenience stores and college campuses, as well as mass-market grocery and club channels looking to stay ahead of exploding hospitality and social media trends.

After years of focusing on essentials, consumers are going beyond the basics and now crave variety and adventure. Whether they’re traveling or exploring the diverse flavors on grocery store shelves, they’re looking for accessible, fresh and exciting culinary experiences to share on TikTok and Instagram. Lifeway is excited to meet this demand and introduce innovative kefir flavors that will delight the world’s tastes with “Better for Me All, Mind and Body” kefir drinks.

The new Flavor Fusion line is available and available in select independent and specialty stores nationwide. Participants got a first look at the new flavors at FNCE^® which took place October 5-8, 2024 in Minneapolis, MN.

For more information about Lifeway and its products, visit lifewayfoods.com.

¹ Market for lactose-free products

² 2024 food and beverage taste trends

³ Breaking down 2024 food and beverage trends

⁴ Flavor trends in summer 2024: Tropical and “Swicy”

⁵ Pistachios are expected to be the hottest food trend of 2023

⁶ How pistachio became the new “it” flavor of early winter