One way consumers prepare for the holidays is planning what they will serve or bring to their celebratory gatherings. Of course, it wouldn’t be a celebration without an abundance of food that entices people to overeat. This year, give consumers peace-of-mind with food and beverage options that’ll help them eat more sensibly over the holiday season.  

Below are some tips to provide a protein boost to many popular holiday food offerings using U.S. Dairy:

• Pair yogurt-based dips, sauces and dressings with veggies or fruits for added nutritional boost.
• Dairy proteins can enrich foods not commonly high in protein like beverages, bars, pastas and baked goods.  
• Diverse cheese varieties provide nutrients and taste appeal as ingredients in soups, sauces, dips and baked goods.

Dairy foods and ingredients play an important nutrition delivery and cultural role in the daily diets of people around the world. Whether traditional fare or new additions to regional preferences, dairy foods provide clear benefits to people of all ages. Specifically:

• Dairy and dairy-containing foods contribute many essential nutrients including protein, calcium, vitamin D, vitamin A, vitamin B12, riboflavin, niacin, phosphorus, potassium and magnesium
• Milk, cheese and yogurt are core aspects of healthy eating patterns and dietary guidance recommendations in many countries
• Dairy ingredients like whey and milk proteins support healthful diets and are found in dairy-based beverages, yogurt, nutrition and energy bars, ready-to-drink beverages, oatmeal, snacks and powder for homemade smoothies and shakes

Beyond essential nutrient delivery, dairy foods are naturally high in protein and can play an important role in positive health outcomes. Likewise, dairy ingredients like whey and milk proteins can provide a variety of health and wellness benefits when added to products such as ready-to-drink shakes, snack bars and even meals.

Research shows higher-protein diets, which can be achieved by adding whey and milk proteins into meals, can help people:

• Promote muscle repair and recovery after exercise
• Maintain a healthy weight
• Curb hunger
• Build lean muscle (when combined with regular resistance exercise) 
• Enhance exercise recovery
• Maintain muscle mass as they age

For more recipe ideas and information on incorporating U.S. Dairy in applications, visit our Formulas and Recipes page.