Nutrition plays an undeniably-important role in child development. A parent’s choice of what foods and beverages to keep in their home goes well beyond choosing healthy options. Their child’s age, stage of development, allergies and intolerances are important elements. In this first piece in a series on how dairy supports different life stages, we are outlining dairy’s role in supporting child development. What better time to explore the benefits of milk and milk-derived ingredients than during the celebrations around World School Milk Day, commonly celebrated the last Wednesday in September each year.

Products with free-from claims, such as lactose-free, seem to be multiplying overnight. According to Innova Market Insights, 2% of new global product introductions in 2015 included lactose free claims.¹ This number is rising as manufacturers take the opportunity to contribute lactose-free innovations using dairy ingredients.

Sports nutrition products continue their momentum as more mainstream consumers buy into the category. In the last five years (2011-2016), global sports nutrition product launches had a 10.4% compound annual growth rate (CAGR).¹ As more products enter the market, U.S. dairy proteins are helping manufacturers differentiate their products from others in the sports nutrition category.

Food and beverage industry experts gathered to talk about the latest in the protein market during The Protein Trends and Technologies Seminar, held on May 23-24 in Itasca, Illinois. The seminar -explored functional properties, nutrition and application of many protein sources. As discussed, consumers gravitate towards nutrient-dense ingredients, and protein has held its spot as an important macronutrient for achieving a healthy lifestyle.

Permeate is everywhere this summer from trade shows to foreign trade missions. More and more, companies are reaching for milk or whey permeate, often labeled as dairy product solids, to economically improve formulations. Why? Because it works in a variety of applications with added benefits like better product taste and appearance, a clean label and reduced sodium.