Abstract: A shelf-stable probiotic composition comprising a lyophilized probiotic dispersed in a food grade oil, wherein the probiotic in the shelf-stable probiotic composition remains viable for at least 12 months at room temperature, wherein the shelf-stable probiotic composition may further include one or more oligosaccharides dispersed in the food-grade oil. The probiotic in the shelf-stable probiotic composition may remain viable by maintaining a CFU/mL of at least 20%, for at least 12 months at room temperature, relative to a starting CFU/mL of the probiotic when first dispersed in the food-grade oil. The probiotic in the shelf-stable probiotic composition may exhibit substantially the same metabolic activity with substantially no genetic mutation after 12 months of storage at room temperature. Methods of producing the probiotic compositions are also described.