Morton Grove, Ill.-based Lifeway is diving further into better-for-you options with its latest flavor of low-fat kefir smoothie. The Coconut Chia flavor features chia seeds, a grain known for their strength and vitality-boosting properties. Chia seeds are said to be the richest known plant source of omega-3 fatty acids and are easy to digest. They’re also a good source of protein, fiber, calcium and antioxidants.

Lifeway’s kefir includes 12 live and active cultures per cup, including Lactobacillius Lactis, Lactobacillus Acidophilus, Streptococcus Diacetylactis and Bifidobacterium lactis. The kefir is all natural, gluten-free, 99% lactose-free and a good source of calcium and protein.

As noted previously in our article — Build a better dairy product — chia seeds have “become a healthy, natural ingredient that formulators and manufacturers are incorporating into a number of different applications,” said Alison Raban, a food technologist at BI Nutraceuticals in Long Beach, Calif.

Dairy processors should take note of opportunities to compete in the BFY market with up-and-coming ingredients like chia seeds.

Lifeway’s Coconut Chia kefir is available in a 32-ounce container.