Children across the US are headed back to school this month and taking lunches with them. Dairy has faced challenges from milk alternatives and low-fat options in keeping consumers interested in cow’s milk, including within school lunches.
Wisconsin is encouraging more kids to drink milk at school; and the National Dairy Council has been fighting for whole milk’s inclusion in the Dietary Guidelines for Americans on the heels of the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act.
Kids’ milk, veggie ice cream and cheese nibblers
Borden Dairy has a new high-protein milk option for kids, the Kid Builder. With 50% more protein, 50% more calcium and no added sugar, the 2% milk is ready for school lunches in 12oz plastic bottles.
The milk is also available in 52oz multi-serves, in both Chocolate and Strawberry. Borden said Kid Builder is made from cows not treated with the artificial growth hormone rbST. The Kid Builder drinks are Borden’s first new launch since rebranding earlier this year.
Nick Suffredin, VP of research and development at Borden, said, "Growing kids need protein, calcium, vitamins and minerals to build strong bodies and minds. But getting them to eat enough of these key nutrients can be a challenge.
"Whether offering the energy they need for that fun playdate or providing a tasty after-school snack, Kid Builder, with no added sugar, is an excellent high-protein option."
A new kid-friendly healthy dessert launched from Yum Actually this month. It’s positioned as an ice cream made from a base of fruits and vegetables designed to encourage kids to eat healthier and cut back on processed and added sugar.
Available in Creamy Honey Banana, Caramel Sweet Potato, Yummy Mango and Butternut Squash Butterscotch, Yum Actually packages the frozen treats in four-packs of portable 3oz cups.
Nicole Frankel, founder of Yum Actually, said, "When you look at the labels of other kids' desserts sold in stores, the added sugar content is alarming. Because we use such flavorful fruits and veggies in our frozen desserts, we don't need to add a lot."
Crystal Farms is targeting young children and toddlers with its new line of Nibblers cheese snacks. The 0.85oz single serve pouches with small-cut cheese cubes are designed for kids’ small hands and easier snacking.
The Nibblers variety is for kids while the Little Nibblers is geared toward toddlers, available in Mozzarella and Marble Jack. Crystal Farms will donate 500,000 units of the new snack bites to Feed the Children alongside the launch.
Katie Egan, director of marketing at Crystal Farms, said, “With one in five meals taking place outside the home, parents struggle to find snacks that are portable, convenient, nutritious and delicious. The solutions that currently exist are either loaded with sugar or lack nutritional value.”
“Nibblers and Little Nibblers are natural, pre-portioned snacks that kids love to eat, while making their parents’ lives easier.”
