Summer is right around the corner, meaning more daylight hours and no school, resulting in more time for fitness and fun. Research shows that exercise patterns are seasonal, and activity in the winter and autumn months is half of the amount of activity seen in the summer.¹ Because of this, now is a good time to prepare for an approaching influx in activity and U.S. dairy ingredients have the functionalities to provide a convenient, refreshing and nutritious workout-enhancing beverage.

Milkfat was once removed from food formulations due to health misconceptions. But thanks to new studies, milkfat ingredients are making a comeback as they may not have negative effects of heart health, obesity and Type 2 diabetes after all. Susan Larson, Associate Researcher at the Wisconsin Center for Dairy Research at the University of Wisconsin – Madison, explains how manufacturers can make the most of milkfat’s revitalization in the latest Dairy Detective column from Dairy Foods magazine.

As we enter a season full of sweets, presenting more healthful dessert options can help to provide something for everyone. A growing number of health-conscious consumers are ditching sugary treats, which challenges pastry chefs and dessert manufacturers to give alternate options. This is where U.S. dairy ingredients can help, as they are ideal additions for achieving desired flavor, texture and mouthfeel for a more permissible indulgence.

Predictions for the top flavor trends in 2017 are flooding the internet. Reports from McCormick’s Flavor Forecast and Comax Flavors list which flavors they expect to become popular amongst consumers throughout the year. These help inform food and beverage manufacturers and foodservice professionals, encouraging appealing and innovative product options for the market. In reviewing the expected flavor trends, it’s easy to see how U.S. dairy ingredients can bring those flavors to life while still providing better-for-you products.

Health professionals are just one of the sources for consumer information on the benefits of protein. Fitness, nutrition and culinary influencers promoting a high-protein diet have a large impact on the lifestyle decisions of their loyal followers, and as the influencers’ followers amass, so does the need for protein fortified products. U.S. dairy proteins have the ability to boost high-quality protein in products to help consumers meet the recommended 20 to 30 grams at each meal.