MORTON GROVE, Ill. — October 27, 2025 — Lifeway Foods, Inc. (Nasdaq: LWAY), a leading U.S. manufacturer and supplier of kefir and fermented probiotic products, has teamed up with global juice and coffee bar chain Joe & The Juice to launch a limited-edition “Trust Your Gut” smoothie. The collaboration marks Lifeway’s first strategic partnership in the foodservice sector, expanding its presence beyond retail shelves amid rising consumer demand for functional beverages and gut health-focused products.
Inside the collaboration
According to Lifeway’s announcement, the Trust Your Gut Smoothie blends Lifeway Kefir, strawberries, banana, fiber powder, date purée, beetroot powder, and pea protein, creating a nutrient-dense drink that supports digestive wellness, energy, and overall vitality.
“We’re proud to partner with Joe & The Juice, a brand that shares our dedication to clean ingredients, functional nutrition, and consumer well-being,” said Julie Smolyansky, CEO of Lifeway Foods. “This collaboration allows us to introduce the benefits of Lifeway Kefir to new audiences in a fun, dynamic, experiential setting.”
The smoothie is now available at all Joe & The Juice locations across the United States for a limited time.
Why it matters
This collaboration underscores the growing intersection of functional food innovation and experiential retail. As consumers increasingly seek digestive health, protein, and microbiome-supporting ingredients, brands like Lifeway are leveraging partnerships with lifestyle-forward chains to reach new audiences.
For the broader CPG and food manufacturing industry, the partnership reflects:
- An expanded channel strategy beyond grocery retail
- Increased demand for co-manufacturing and R&D capabilities in functional beverages
- Opportunity for bulk kefir and fermented ingredients suppliers to enter new applications such as smoothies, meal replacements, and ready-to-drink (RTD) formats
Industry context
With global functional beverage sales projected to surpass $200 billion by 2027, collaborations like this highlight how legacy brands such as Lifeway are positioning themselves at the forefront of the clean label, probiotic-forward movement.
Beyond branding, these partnerships open doors for co-manufacturers and private label suppliers specializing in fermented bases, fruit purees, and protein fortification to explore innovative co-packing opportunities across retail-ready beverage formats.
FAQs
Where can I buy the Trust Your Gut Smoothie?
The smoothie is available at all Joe & The Juice U.S. locations for a limited time beginning October 27, 2025.
What are the key ingredients?
It’s made with Lifeway Kefir, strawberries, banana, date purée, fiber powder, beetroot powder, and pea protein.
Is the smoothie dairy-free?
No, it contains dairy-based kefir. However, Lifeway also offers plant-based probiotic alternatives available through retail channels.
About source86
At Source86, we help brands and manufacturers bring functional and clean-label innovations to life. Whether you’re exploring co-manufacturing, private label beverages, or bulk ingredient sourcing for probiotic, plant-based, or protein-enhanced products, our team connects you to trusted suppliers ready to scale your next formulation.Discover how Source86 supports innovation in functional food and beverage manufacturing, from R&D to retail-ready production. Contact us to learn more!
