Sharon Gerdes Article

Milk consumption supports healthy weight in children

Most health professionals continue to recommend lower-fat milks, despite growing evidence for whole milk.

Sharon Gerdes

September 9, 2022

Most health professionals continue to recommend lower-fat milks, despite growing evidence for whole milk.

Plant-based milk alternatives top $3B in sales

Blends of plant proteins help overcome nutritional shortfalls.

Sharon Gerdes

July 21, 2022

Retail sales of plant-based milk alternatives have reached $3.1 billion dollars in the United States and $20.9 billion worldwide. Yet, there’s no disputing the power of nutrients found in real dairy milk. In fact, real dairy milk contains nine essential nutrients, including 8 grams of protein; while almond milk, the most popular milk alternative, contains only 1 gram.

Dairy delivers for seniors’ health needs

Protein plus added ingredients for mobility, blood-glucose control and immune support help seniors navigate the challenges of aging.

Sharon Gerdes

May 16, 2022

Protein plus added ingredients for mobility, blood-glucose control, and immune support help seniors navigate the challenges of aging.

New postbiotics support a healthy microbiome

Higher diversity is the hallmark of a healthy gut microbiome.

Sharon Gerdes

April 18, 2022

Higher diversity is the hallmark of a healthy gut microbiome.

Dairy does an athlete’s body good

Supplementing a plant-based diet with dairy protein increases muscle synthesis.

Sharon Gerdes

March 18, 2022

Supplementing a plant-based diet with dairy protein increases muscle synthesis.

Functional ingredients support immune, brain and digestive health

Immune health will continue to drive food and beverage purchases in 2022.

Sharon Gerdes

February 14, 2022

Immune health will continue to drive food and beverage purchases in 2022.

Sugar reduction top of mind among consumers

Sweetener blends deliver the sweet spot in reduced-sugar dairy applications.

Sharon Gerdes

January 12, 2022

In 2021, 72% of consumers were trying to limit or avoid sugar entirely, according to a survey by the International Food Information Council (IFIC). Consuming less sugar will likely remain a key consumer goal in 2022.

New technologies boost dairy sustainability from farm to table

The first carbon-neutral milk was introduced in 2021.

Sharon Gerdes

December 13, 2021

At the recent 2021 United Nations Climate Change Conference in Glasgow, Scotland, the United States announced that it would join the international Global Methane Pledge, which aims to limit methane emissions by 30%, compared to 2020 levels, by 2030. That’s an ambitious goal, but one that the U.S. dairy industry is already tackling.

Immune support needs spell opportunity for healthy dairy snacks

FDA announces plan to update definition of healthy and add symbol.

Sharon Gerdes

November 17, 2021

Americans are snacking more often. The NPD Group notes that U.S. consumers added 25 between-meal snacking occasions per capita in the five years ending in 2020 (from 505 occasions in 2015 to 530 in 2020).

School milk provides nutrition and more

Variety in global school milk encourages consumption.

Sharon Gerdes

September 16, 2021

Across the globe, 400 million children consume a meal at school daily. These meals provide more than just good nutrition; in many underdeveloped countries, school lunch is an incentive for children to attend school.