Probiotic Pioneer Chuck Kesey Dies at 87

Chuck Kesey, a key figure in the natural foods movement and brother of novelist Ken Kesey, has died at age 87. In 1970, he co-founded what is now Nancy's Probiotic Foods, introducing the first probiotic-rich yogurt to the American market. This pioneering effort significantly contributed to the growth of the natural foods industry.

Kesey's innovative spirit transformed a defunct creamery into a successful enterprise. The company, originally Springfield Creamery, gained recognition for its probiotic yogurt, with customers affectionately calling it "Nancy's Yogurt." The Grateful Dead even held a benefit concert to help the struggling business in 1972.

Now known as Nancy's Probiotic Foods, the family-owned company offers a wide array of cultured products, including cottage cheese and kefir, distributed across the nation. The brand has successfully capitalized on the growing consumer interest in digestive health and probiotics, a market now valued at billions of dollars annually.