In my December column, I pointed to two areas of particular consumer interest, products that boost immune health and products that target the microbiome, that will spell innovation opportunity for dairy processors in 2021. Those areas of interest are huge, but they are not the only trends that bode well for dairy in the New Year.

Anti-inflammatory diets are trendy, and some of my friends are avoiding dairy because they've heard that it causes inflammation. According to Greg Miller, chief science officer for National Dairy Council, "The current scientific evidence suggests that the opposite may be true."

Although better nutrition, adequate exercise and less stress may lead to a healthier, longer life, researchers are looking for quick fixes to slow the aging process. How do dairy foods fit in?