The Dairy Council of California, Sacramento, works on behalf of California dairy farmers and milk processors to provide free nutrition lesson plans and programs to school children and their families. The council said these 10 trends affect or influence milk consumption this year. (Read an extended version of this article at dairyfoods.com.)
1. Protein is a hot food component
Once esteemed only by athletes to build muscle mass, protein’s list of benefits expands to other groups as well — from dieters in their weight-management efforts to older adults trying to maintain their muscle mass and function. Some authorities believe the current Recommended Dietary Allowance should be 50% higher than the current 46 grams per day recommended for women and 56 grams per day for men. Research is also focusing on type and timing of protein intake throughout the day to optimize body composition, blood pressure, satiety, insulin sensitivity, weight management and other health considerations.