Now that 2016 has wrapped up, let’s review some of the most influential discussions about dairy products and ingredients from the year. In our own Dairy Spotlight archives, we highlighted a study from Nutrition and Metabolism. It emphasizes the importance of protein quality, reporting high-quality proteins have characteristics for improved muscle benefits. Also, a position paper on sports nutrition states all athletes should consume complete proteins for maximum results. Both studies conclude that dairy proteins are high-quality for their branched-chain amino acid content, including leucine.     

Protein is an integral part of the daily diet, whether for strength training or for trying to preserve muscle mass throughout the aging process. A recently published review study in Nutrition and Metabolism¹ suggests that the quality of protein consumed for muscle building is more important than previously perceived, with whey protein’s high leucine content providing clear muscle benefits.

Coffee and tea are popular day-to-day drinks and their desirability is on the rise with recent reports stating more consumers want a nutritious way to stay energized. Something as simple and nutritious as dairy paired with the possibilities in staple beverages can create successful beverages options worth further exploration.