Innovative dairy foods manufacturers recognize the opportunity in developing foods and beverages formulated for the needs of baby boomers.
A few players have rolled out products in recent years, including most recently, Lifeline Food Co., Seaside, Calif., which has reformulated its pasteurized process low-fat cheese line to contain phytosterols. Phytosterols are natural compounds derived from plants and are recognized for reducing blood cholesterol. A 1-oz serving of the cheese contains 55 calories, 2.5g fat and 0.65g phytosterols. Based on data from various studies, daily intake of at least 1.3g phytosterols as part of a diet low in saturated fat and cholesterol helps lower blood cholesterol, thereby reducing the risk of heart disease.