The fourth annual National Dairy Council® New Product Competition undergraduate and graduate students developed dairy beverages that appeal to millennials. Of the six semifinalists highlighted onUSDairy.com, three finalists will appear at the 2015 Institute of Food Technologist Annual Meeting and Food Expo (IFT) to be held July 11-14 in Chicago for the announcement of the winner.

Dairy beverages hold great potential to be reinvented to meet the Millennial generation's sense of adventure and independence. The innovation platforms driving beverage consumption among this group aged 18 - 31 includes a broad range of need states including:

• Health and wellness
• Tasty treat and fun
• Energy
• Thirst/hydration
• Relaxtion

The 70 million Millennials that make up 22% of the U.S. population will be a powerful force in transforming the food industry. Visit USDairy.com for more information onMillennial Market Insights and how innovating with dairy fits those needs.

The three finalists are (in alphabetical order by University):

• Shake and Go Kefir - North Carolina State University: Looking for an on-the-go hearty breakfast or an appealing snack? Shake and Go Kefir smoothie provides separate layers of chunky fruit and one dairy food group serving in a 12-ounce jar, with all the potential benefits of probiotics. Shake and Go Kefir is an excellent source of protein (13 grams) and has all the nutrients of an 8-ounce serving of milk to go along with 4 ounces of fruit. Just invert, shake to mix the fruit and kefir, and enjoy!
• TranquiliBee - Ohio State University: Need to take a break after a busy day? TranquiliBee includes valerian root extract, which is currently being studied for potential calming effects. Each 8-ounce serving contains 12 grams of milk protein from 1% milk and milk protein isolate, making it an excellent source of protein and calcium (400 mg per 8 ounces). The perfectly portioned milk and honey allow hard-working, stressed and busy people to pause and enjoy.
• Chilk-Out - Pennsylvania State University: Chilk-Out is a functional dairy drink that can be enjoyed any time of day. Each 12-ounce serving contains up to 270 calories and a wide range of nutrients. Chilk-Out is an excellent source of dairy protein and calcium and a good source of dietary fiber. Available in vanilla and chocolate, Chilk-Out contains 90% dairy ingredients provided by skim milk and milk protein isolate.

Come support the students and hear the announcement of the first, second and third place winners at the IFT Dairy Foods Division Social to be held Sunday, July 12 at 5:30 p.m. Also stop by the USDEC IFT booth # 1043 for information on the winning beverages and to sample prototypes that use U.S. dairy to deliver on some of the biggest consumer trends in protein, snacking and weight wellness. More details are available on ThinkUSAdairy.org.