Lifeway Foods expands Protein Kefir distribution

CHICAGO — Lifeway Foods, a supplier of kefir cultured dairy products, on Thursday announced that the company’s Protein Kefir product has expanded its distribution to Harris Teeter. 

The milk smoothie features 12 live and active kefir cultures, in addition to 20 g of protein.

"Protein and probiotics are two of the hottest food trends right now, and our Protein Kefir is a powerful combination of those two features," Lifeway President and CEO Julie Smolyansky said. "We've developed the ultimate functional beverage that appeals to a wide array of different consumers. Our Protein Kefir supports the activities of serious athletes whether you're a SoulCycle enthusiast, CrossFit fanatic or simply an everyday consumer looking for better food choices."

More than half (58%) of consumers considered whether packaged food and beverage products contained protein when making purchasing decisions, according to a recent IFIC's Food & Health Survey report.

U.S. sales of packaged foods with protein-related claims on their labels rose to $7.5 billion in the year ended Feb. 15, 2014, the Wall Street Journal said. 

Lifeway Protein Kefir is available in mixed berry, vanilla, banana and salted caramel flavors.