Lifeway Foods® Celebrates 40 Years of Kefir Leadership with New Cultured Dairy Innovations at Expo West 2026

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Lifeway Foods (Nasdaq: LWAY) celebrates 40 years with new cultured dairy products showcased at Natural Products Expo West 2026 (March 3–6) in Anaheim. New launches include Muscle Mates (lactose-free, 8oz, 20g protein, 5g creatine, 12 probiotic cultures) and Probiotic Kefir Butter in three varieties.

The company will sample products, host events and begin a nationwide rollout to grocery stores, fitness centers and select retailers following Expo West.

MORTON GROVE, Ill., Feb. 27, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Lifeway Foods, Inc. (Nasdaq: LWAY) ("Lifeway" or "the Company"), the leading U.S. supplier of kefir and fermented probiotic products, will showcase its latest cultured dairy innovations, Muscle Mates™ and Probiotic Kefir Butter™, at Natural Products Expo West 2026 as the brand celebrates its 40th anniversary. Taking place March 3–6 at the Anaheim Convention Center in Anaheim, CA, Lifeway's interactive booth will highlight the company's leadership in fermented foods and four decades of category expertise.

Leading the new lineup is Lifeway Muscle Mates™, a lactose-free, 8oz ready-to-drink functional beverage that combines 20 grams of protein, 5 grams of creatine, and 12 live and active probiotic cultures. Built to support strength, recovery and gut health, Muscle Mates™ is designed for pre-workout fuel, post-workout recovery or everyday wellness. The line will start rolling out in grocery stores, fitness centers and select retailers nationwide, meeting growing consumer demand for performance-driven, functional beverages.

Also featured is Lifeway Kefir Butter™, a probiotic, cultured butter available in Unsalted, Sea Salt and Honey Butter varieties Low in lactose and made with Lifeway's signature kefir cultures, this butter is crafted for depth of flavor and a silky finish, shining in everything from everyday cooking to final, chef-style touches. Drawing on decades of cultured dairy expertise through its subsidiary Fresh Made, Probiotic Kefir Butter™ pairs indulgent flavor with functional nutrition, answering consumer demand for premium butter that excels in taste, texture and versatility.

"For 40 years, Lifeway has been driven by a passion for cultured dairy and the powerful role it plays in modern wellness," said Julie Smolyansky, President and CEO of Lifeway Foods. "As consumer demand for protein, probiotics and fermented foods continues to rise, the cultured dairy category has grown into a multi-billion-dollar global market projected to exceed $75 billion over the next decade. That momentum pushes us to keep raising the bar, especially as the newly released Dietary Guidelines shine a spotlight on the nutritional importance of cultured dairy. From our category-defining kefir and versatile farmer cheese to performance-focused beverages and cultured butter, this next wave of innovation brings together nutrition, flavor and excitement in a way only Lifeway can, starting at Expo West 2026."

From wellness-focused activations to daily sampling, Lifeway invites guests to join the Company and celebrate 40 years of gut-health innovation. Attendees can stop by Lifeway's booth to sample new and beloved products, learn about the benefits of probiotics and experience the brand through colorful visuals and interactive moments.

Where to find Lifeway at Expo West:

• Lifeway Foods Main Booth
  Booth #743 from March 4 – 6
    
• Fresh Ideas Organic Marketplace
  Booth F4
  Tuesday, March 3 12 PM – 5 PM
    
• Trends & Innovation in the Wellness Beverage Marketplace with Lifeway VP of Communications Derek Miller
  Anaheim Marriott, Platinum Ballroom 1 & 2
  Tuesday, March 3 from 8:30 AM – 10:00 AM
    
• Females in Food Expo West Mixer with Lifeway President and CEO Julie Smolyansky
  Anaheim Marriott, Platinum Ballroom 6
  Wednesday, March 4 at 5:30 PM
    
• Barry's LIFT Class sponsored by Lifeway
  Grand Plaza on Wednesday, March 4 from 7:30 AM – 9:00 AM
    
• The Kefir Cookbook: An Ancient Healing Superfood for Modern Life, Recipes from My Family Table and Around the World book signing with Lifeway Foods CEO, Julie Smolyansky
  Booth #743 on Thursday, March 5th from 1 PM – 2 PM
    
• Outside Sampling Station
  Grab-and-go favorites from Lifeway each morning at the main Expo entrance

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

About Lifeway Foods, Inc.
Lifeway Foods, Inc., which has been recognized as one of America's Growth Leaders by TIME, as Dairy Foods' Processor of the Year 2025, one of Forbes' Best Small Companies and named to Inc.'s 2025 Best in Business list in the Best Challenger Brands category, 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.

Media:
Derek Miller 
Vice President of Communications, Lifeway Foods
Email: derekm@lifeway.net 

Perceptual Advisors
Dan Tarman
Email: dtarman@perceptualadvisors.com

General inquiries:
Lifeway Foods, Inc.
Phone: 847-967-1010
Email: info@lifeway.net

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SOURCE Lifeway Foods, Inc.

FAQ

What is Lifeway Foods (LWAY) launching at Expo West 2026 and when is the event?

Lifeway is unveiling Muscle Mates and Probiotic Kefir Butter at Expo West 2026, March 3–6 in Anaheim. According to the company, attendees can sample products at Booth #743 and see wellness activations, product demos and scheduled talks during the event.

What are the nutrition facts for Lifeway Muscle Mates (LWAY) being introduced in 2026?

Muscle Mates is an 8oz lactose-free beverage with 20 grams protein, 5 grams creatine, and 12 live probiotic cultures. According to the company, it’s positioned for pre/post-workout use and everyday wellness with a nationwide retail rollout after Expo West.

How will Lifeway (LWAY) distribute Probiotic Kefir Butter after Expo West 2026?

The Probiotic Kefir Butter will roll out to grocery stores, fitness centers and select retailers nationwide following Expo West. According to the company, the cultured butter comes in Unsalted, Sea Salt and Honey Butter varieties and leverages Lifeway’s kefir cultures.

Does Lifeway Foods (LWAY) mark any milestone at Expo West 2026?

Yes, Lifeway is celebrating its 40th anniversary at Expo West 2026 with product launches and brand activations. According to the company, the anniversary underscores four decades of fermented-dairy expertise and ties into growing interest in protein and probiotics.

Where can investors and attendees find Lifeway Foods (LWAY) events and presentations at Expo West?

Lifeway will be at Booth #743 March 4–6 and in Fresh Ideas Marketplace Booth F4 on March 3. According to the company, scheduled events include talks, a book signing with CEO Julie Smolyansky and sampling at the outside station each morning.