Functional ingredients boost the health and nutrition of dairy foods
Makers of dairy foods and beverages can boast about the inherent nutrition in their products. They also can boost the health claims by adding functional ingredients such as protein and omega-3s.
In the words of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, “All foods are functional at some physiological level.” Those of us in the dairy business couldn’t agree more, and we’re likely to point to our own category as representative of functional foods par excellence.
But, the Academy continues, “[F]oods that include whole foods and fortified, enriched or enhanced foods have a potentially beneficial effect on health when consumed as part of a varied diet on a regular basis.” And that’s just where the benefits of plain ol’ dairy are eclipsed by the added functional benefits of what we might call “dairy plus.”