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US cultured dairy specialist Lifeway Foods is set to expand beyond drinkable kefir with the launch of Probiotic Kefir Butter, a hand-churned, spreadable European-style butter that combines traditional butter craftsmanship with the brand’s expertise in fermented foods.
Scheduled to debut in 2026, the new range will be available in an 8oz tub and will launch in three variants: Unsalted, Sea Salt and Honey Butter. The products are designed for spreading, baking and cooking, as well as finishing dishes and brunch occasions.
Lifeway said the launch builds on decades of experience in cultured dairy and butter production through its Fresh Made subsidiary, with existing manufacturing capabilities, specialist equipment and capacity already in place to support scale as demand for premium butter continues to grow.
“Our strength has always been cultured dairy. We already operate a butter business and understand the category deeply,” Julie Smolyansky, president and CEO of Lifeway Foods, said. “What has changed is the consumer mindset. With newly released dietary guidelines highlighting cultured foods and growing demand for quality, full-fat dairy, we see a significant opportunity to innovate at the intersection of butter and kefir.”
The Butter and Butter Blends category is now valued at around $6 billion in the US, with premium and European-style formats driving growth as shoppers trade up for flavour, texture and versatility. Spreadable tub formats are also gaining share, offering added convenience without compromising on indulgence.
“For retailers, butter is a category that delivers both velocity and premium trade-up,” Smolyansky said. “It creates a meaningful opportunity for differentiation within the refrigerated dairy case.”
The three SKUs have been developed to cover a range of usage occasions: Unsalted, targeted at cooking and baking; Sea Salt, designed for finishing savoury dishes; Honey Butter, aimed at breakfast, snacking and sweet applications.
“Consumers feel more comfortable enjoying high-quality dairy fat again, and retailers are responding. Butter and kefir are both categories rooted in tradition, and bringing them together opens up exciting new possibilities.” Smolyansky added.
Lifeway Probiotic Kefir Butter™ will roll out in select retail and foodservice channels from 2026, with further details on distribution, merchandising and promotional support to be announced closer to launch.
