The dairy industry's brightest minds share their expert opinion and advice. https://www.dairyfoods.com/rss/2656-dairy-foods-columnists en-us Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) analysis changes the calculation. It shifts equipment evaluation from a price comparison to a business decision — and it starts with understanding how equipment design drives every cost category that follows purchase. Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) analysis changes the calculation. It shifts equipment evaluation from a price comparison to a business decision — and it starts with understanding how equipment design drives every cost category that follows purchase.

]]> http://www.dairyfoods.com/articles/99252 Wed, 08 Jul 2026 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.dairyfoods.com/articles/99252-the-hidden-costs-of-dairy-equipment-a-tco-framework-for-smarter-purchasing-decisions Sleep is a fundamental aspect of overall health and is featured in the American Heart Association’s “Life’s Essential 8,” along with diet and physical activity. As a result, consumers are increasingly seeking practical, evidence-based methods to promote healthy sleep patterns, notes Matthew Pikosky. Sleep is a fundamental aspect of overall health and is featured in the American Heart Association’s “Life’s Essential 8,” along with diet and physical activity. As a result, consumers are increasingly seeking practical, evidence-based methods to promote healthy sleep patterns, notes Matthew Pikosky.

]]> http://www.dairyfoods.com/articles/99211 Thu, 25 Jun 2026 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.dairyfoods.com/articles/99211-examining-dairys-link-to-sleep-benefits Can ice cream be healthy? This column, written by William Sipple and Steve Young, is devoted to the topic in honor of this month’s health and wellness theme. Can ice cream be healthy? This column, written by William Sipple and Steve Young, is devoted to the topic in honor of this month’s health and wellness theme.

]]> http://www.dairyfoods.com/articles/99139 Wed, 24 Jun 2026 06:00:00 -0400 https://www.dairyfoods.com/articles/99139-is-ice-cream-a-healthy-food The dairy industry is debating cow's milk vs. plant-based alternatives while non-bovine milks from goats, sheep, camels, donkeys, and buffalo are gaining traction. These milks offer unique nutritional benefits, becoming vital in specialized nutrition and new product development. The dairy industry is debating cow's milk vs. plant-based alternatives while non-bovine milks from goats, sheep, camels, donkeys, and buffalo are gaining traction. These milks offer unique nutritional benefits, becoming vital in specialized nutrition and new product development.

]]> http://www.dairyfoods.com/articles/99212 Tue, 23 Jun 2026 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.dairyfoods.com/articles/99212-researching-the-non-bovine-dairy-sector As Americans increasingly prioritize fitness and personalized nutrition, ice cream and frozen dessert manufacturers are innovating by rethinking formulations, sweeteners, and portion sizes to meet nutritional goals while satisfying indulgence, notes Mary Wilcox. As Americans increasingly prioritize fitness and personalized nutrition, ice cream and frozen dessert manufacturers are innovating by rethinking formulations, sweeteners, and portion sizes to meet nutritional goals while satisfying indulgence, notes Mary Wilcox.

]]> http://www.dairyfoods.com/articles/99137 Wed, 17 Jun 2026 06:00:00 -0400 https://www.dairyfoods.com/articles/99137-can-frozen-desserts-taste-great-and-provide-health-benefits The New Dietary Guidelines for Americans 2025-2030 emphasize three goals: 1) Eat the right amount; 2) Prioritize protein at every meal; and 3) Include dairy, even full-fat options without added sugars. Gut health is also highlighted, and KJ Burrington notes that cultured dairy products meet these criteria. The New Dietary Guidelines for Americans 2025-2030 emphasize three goals: 1) Eat the right amount; 2) Prioritize protein at every meal; and 3) Include dairy, even full-fat options without added sugars. Gut health is also highlighted, and KJ Burrington notes that cultured dairy products meet these criteria.

]]> http://www.dairyfoods.com/articles/99115 Wed, 13 May 2026 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.dairyfoods.com/articles/99115-cultured-dairy-products-are-a-good-fit-for-the-new-dietary-guidelines-for-americans jlucey@cdr.wisc.edu (John A. Lucey Ph.D., Director, Center for Dairy Research) Cheese yield, or the product obtained from milk, is crucial for optimizing plant operations. Even minor yield differences significantly affect revenue. With the increased use of concentrated milk, monitoring efficiency has become even more essential, according to Dr. John Lucey. Cheese yield, or the product obtained from milk, is crucial for optimizing plant operations. Even minor yield differences significantly affect revenue. With the increased use of concentrated milk, monitoring efficiency has become even more essential, according to Dr. John Lucey.

]]> http://www.dairyfoods.com/articles/99030 Mon, 13 Apr 2026 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.dairyfoods.com/articles/99030-boosting-cheese-yield-small-tweaks-big-gains A quick look at the composition of some cultured dairy products shows that they are well designed for GLP-1 diets. High-protein yogurts, including skyr and Greek yogurt, are the first products that comes to mind. A quick look at the composition of some cultured dairy products shows that they are well designed for GLP-1 diets. High-protein yogurts, including skyr and Greek yogurt, are the first products that comes to mind.

]]> http://www.dairyfoods.com/articles/98900 Wed, 18 Feb 2026 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.dairyfoods.com/articles/98900-cultured-dairy-holds-the-key-to-proper-glp-1-diets Cleaning and sanitizing dairy processing equipment is a complex task influenced by the nature of dairy products, intricate equipment designs, strict regulatory standards (FSMA, PMO), and environmental conditions. Inadequate sanitation can lead to product recalls and outbreaks, especially when manual cleaning is required for dry systems or equipment with complex internal geometries, such as heat exchangers. Cleaning and sanitizing dairy processing equipment is a complex task influenced by the nature of dairy products, intricate equipment designs, strict regulatory standards (FSMA, PMO), and environmental conditions. Inadequate sanitation can lead to product recalls and outbreaks, especially when manual cleaning is required for dry systems or equipment with complex internal geometries, such as heat exchangers.

]]> http://www.dairyfoods.com/articles/98899 Tue, 17 Feb 2026 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.dairyfoods.com/articles/98899-validating-cleaning-performance-in-dairy-processing-equipment The healthfulness of ultra-processed foods often sparks debate, particularly regarding the definitions of "hyper-palatable." Many associate these foods with being unnatural and inherently unhealthy, overlooking scientific considerations to the contrary. The healthfulness of ultra-processed foods often sparks debate, particularly regarding the definitions of "hyper-palatable." Many associate these foods with being unnatural and inherently unhealthy, overlooking scientific considerations to the contrary.

]]> http://www.dairyfoods.com/articles/98888 Wed, 11 Feb 2026 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.dairyfoods.com/articles/98888-why-is-ice-cream-both-ultra-processed-and-hyperpalatable As individuals eat, two processes occur: satiation and satiety. Satiation is the gradual feeling of fullness during a meal, influenced by factors like sight, smell, and texture. Satiety, explained by Mary Wilcox, is the satisfied state after finishing a meal. As individuals eat, two processes occur: satiation and satiety. Satiation is the gradual feeling of fullness during a meal, influenced by factors like sight, smell, and texture. Satiety, explained by Mary Wilcox, is the satisfied state after finishing a meal.

]]> http://www.dairyfoods.com/articles/98882 Mon, 09 Feb 2026 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.dairyfoods.com/articles/98882-how-dairy-plays-a-huge-role-in-satiety U.S. headline milk production growth was much stronger than expected in September, up 4% compared to the forecast of +3.2%. The only other time that we’ve seen an expansion like this was the mid-1980s, reveals Nate Donnay. U.S. headline milk production growth was much stronger than expected in September, up 4% compared to the forecast of +3.2%. The only other time that we’ve seen an expansion like this was the mid-1980s, reveals Nate Donnay.

]]> http://www.dairyfoods.com/articles/98813 Fri, 23 Jan 2026 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.dairyfoods.com/articles/98813-is-herd-head-expansion-going-to-continue Milk has been a basis of nutrition for centuries, but the modern fluid milk industry faces challenges in maintaining its heritage while adapting to changing consumer preferences, technological advancements, and sustainability issues. The future of milk presents both opportunities and challenges, as noted by Sonali Raghunath. Milk has been a basis of nutrition for centuries, but the modern fluid milk industry faces challenges in maintaining its heritage while adapting to changing consumer preferences, technological advancements, and sustainability issues. The future of milk presents both opportunities and challenges, as noted by Sonali Raghunath.

]]> http://www.dairyfoods.com/articles/98794 Fri, 16 Jan 2026 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.dairyfoods.com/articles/98794-innovation-essential-to-continued-growth-of-milk jlucey@cdr.wisc.edu (John A. Lucey Ph.D., Director, Center for Dairy Research) Casein proteins in milk self-associate to form large aggregates called casein micelles. This self-association occurs because the hydrophobic amino acids in caseins prefer to cluster together, minimizing their contact with water, according to Dr. John Lucey. Casein proteins in milk self-associate to form large aggregates called casein micelles. This self-association occurs because the hydrophobic amino acids in caseins prefer to cluster together, minimizing their contact with water, according to Dr. John Lucey.

]]> http://www.dairyfoods.com/articles/98773 Mon, 12 Jan 2026 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.dairyfoods.com/articles/98773-the-science-behind-curd-fusion The U.S. has been in the process of building a record amount of new cheese processing capacity which has now been coming online during 2025. The U.S. has been in the process of building a record amount of new cheese processing capacity which has now been coming online during 2025. 

]]> http://www.dairyfoods.com/articles/98599 Wed, 22 Oct 2025 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.dairyfoods.com/articles/98599-how-changes-in-federal-milk-marketing-orders-are-impacting-dairy-markets Increasing manufacturer interest in mixed-milk cheeses was on full display during this year’s U.S. Cheese Championship, featuring more than 200 entries competing for top honors. Increasing manufacturer interest in mixed-milk cheeses was on full display during this year’s U.S. Cheese Championship, featuring more than 200 entries competing for top honors.

]]> http://www.dairyfoods.com/articles/98590 Fri, 17 Oct 2025 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.dairyfoods.com/articles/98590-mixed-milk-could-provide-a-new-flavor-source-for-cheese Milk is widely recognized as a source of essential nutrients like protein and calcium, but it’s also rich in a unique class of bioactive lipids known as milk phospholipids (MPLs). Milk is widely recognized as a source of essential nutrients like protein and calcium, but it’s also rich in a unique class of bioactive lipids known as milk phospholipids (MPLs). 

]]> http://www.dairyfoods.com/articles/98577 Mon, 13 Oct 2025 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.dairyfoods.com/articles/98577-milk-phospholipids-bring-essential-nutrients-for-infants-brain-development jlucey@cdr.wisc.edu (John A. Lucey Ph.D., Director, Center for Dairy Research) Most of the fat in milk (around 99%) is in the form of triglycerides. Triglyceride molecules consist of a glycerol backbone with three fatty acids attached (or esterified) to it (hence the name “tri” “glyceride”). Most of the fat in milk (around 99%) is in the form of triglycerides. Triglyceride molecules consist of a glycerol backbone with three fatty acids attached (or esterified) to it (hence the name “tri” “glyceride”). 

]]> http://www.dairyfoods.com/articles/98556 Wed, 08 Oct 2025 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.dairyfoods.com/articles/98556-whats-the-significance-of-lipases-in-cheesemaking Most consumers consider yogurt a nutritious food because it is a cultured dairy product that contains live and active cultures. Most consumers consider yogurt a nutritious food because it is a cultured dairy product that contains live and active cultures. 

]]> http://www.dairyfoods.com/articles/98530 Thu, 25 Sep 2025 07:30:00 -0400 https://www.dairyfoods.com/articles/98530-why-nutrition-research-looks-at-yogurt-differently-than-in-the-past Dr. Bruce Tharp taught that much depends on factors not yet in evidence, i.e., “it depends.” Then, turn around with directive to “stay tuned.” Given the pace of development and utility of artificial intelligence (AI), when does “it depends” become “it’s certain?” Dr. Bruce Tharp taught that much depends on factors not yet in evidence, i.e., “it depends.” Then, turn around with directive to “stay tuned.” Given the pace of development and utility of artificial intelligence (AI), when does “it depends” become “it’s certain?”

]]> http://www.dairyfoods.com/articles/98521 Fri, 19 Sep 2025 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.dairyfoods.com/articles/98521-can-ai-be-used-for-ice-cream-formulation Consumers are increasingly adopting a personalized nutrition mindset, using wearable technologies and apps that track their food intake, heart rate, and sleep patterns — kind of like getting a daily physical. Consumers are increasingly adopting a personalized nutrition mindset, using wearable technologies and apps that track their food intake, heart rate, and sleep patterns — kind of like getting a daily physical.

]]> http://www.dairyfoods.com/articles/98510 Mon, 15 Sep 2025 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.dairyfoods.com/articles/98510-bioactives-are-dairy-industrys-next-opportunity Snacking is defined as the consumption of foods or caloric beverages between meals. Snacking opportunities arise from a variety of situations and may present themselves at social or sporting events, outdoor activities, out of desire to reward oneself, or even before bedtime for relaxation. Snacking is defined as the consumption of foods or caloric beverages between meals. Snacking opportunities arise from a variety of situations and may present themselves at social or sporting events, outdoor activities, out of desire to reward oneself, or even before bedtime for relaxation. 

]]> http://www.dairyfoods.com/articles/98501 Tue, 09 Sep 2025 14:00:00 -0400 https://www.dairyfoods.com/articles/98501-the-rise-of-snacking-how-dairy-processors-can-capitalize-on-the-opportunity With advancements in technology, traditional practices regarding surface finishes warrant reevaluation rather than blind adherence. With advancements in technology, traditional practices regarding surface finishes warrant reevaluation rather than blind adherence. 

]]> http://www.dairyfoods.com/articles/98448 Fri, 22 Aug 2025 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.dairyfoods.com/articles/98448-the-right-finish-for-a-food-contact-surface-are-we-protecting-consumers With constant population growth, consumer expectations toward quality of food and its impact on nutrition and public health shift significantly. With constant population growth, consumer expectations toward quality of food and its impact on nutrition and public health shift significantly. 

]]> http://www.dairyfoods.com/articles/98441 Mon, 18 Aug 2025 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.dairyfoods.com/articles/98441-digitalization-in-dairy-through-ai jlucey@cdr.wisc.edu (John A. Lucey Ph.D., Director, Center for Dairy Research) For thousands of years, people of all ages, across various cultures, have eaten cheese for its great taste and versatility in food products. For thousands of years, people of all ages, across various cultures, have eaten cheese for its great taste and versatility in food products. 

]]> http://www.dairyfoods.com/articles/98429 Mon, 11 Aug 2025 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.dairyfoods.com/articles/98429-emerging-benefits-of-cheese-for-healthy-aging As consumers search for high quality, nutritious and locally sourced food products to serve their families, artisan cheese can be a great choice. By definition, artisan cheeses are natural cheeses produced in smaller batches from fresh milk with minimal ingredients. As consumers search for high quality, nutritious and locally sourced food products to serve their families, artisan cheese can be a great choice. By definition, artisan cheeses are natural cheeses produced in smaller batches from fresh milk with minimal ingredients.

]]> http://www.dairyfoods.com/articles/98428 Fri, 08 Aug 2025 10:58:00 -0400 https://www.dairyfoods.com/articles/98428-why-consumers-desire-artisan-cheeses Congress is considering legislation that would once again allow schools to serve whole milk to their students. Earlier this year, the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act was reintroduced with bipartisan support in both the House and Senate. Congress is considering legislation that would once again allow schools to serve whole milk to their students. Earlier this year, the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act was reintroduced with bipartisan support in both the House and Senate. 

]]> http://www.dairyfoods.com/articles/98301 Wed, 18 Jun 2025 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.dairyfoods.com/articles/98301-whole-milk-for-healthy-kids-act-picks-up-steam-in-congress Beyond the diversity, equity and inclusion headlines lies a deeper truth: ensuring that diverse populations have access to nutritional foods like dairy. Beyond the diversity, equity and inclusion headlines lies a  deeper truth: ensuring that diverse populations have access to nutritional foods like dairy.

]]> http://www.dairyfoods.com/articles/98295 Tue, 17 Jun 2025 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.dairyfoods.com/articles/98295-going-beyond-the-deia-headlines-to-elevate-the-health-of-americans Ice cream and related products are both special as they're the only products for sale that are consumed frozen. Ice cream is one of Mother Nature’s most complex food products, so formulating to ensure consistency is important. Ice cream and related products are both special as they're the only products for sale that are consumed frozen. Ice cream is one of Mother Nature’s most complex food products, so formulating to ensure consistency is important.

]]> http://www.dairyfoods.com/articles/98285 Thu, 12 Jun 2025 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.dairyfoods.com/articles/98285-how-to-troubleshoot-regarding-ice-cream-formulation Membrane filtration technology has revolutionized the food and dairy industry by providing practical, sustainable, and optimal cost solutions, enabling the production of minimally processed dairy foods, new dairy ingredients, and recovering bioactive components. Membrane filtration technology has revolutionized the food and dairy industry by providing practical, sustainable, and optimal cost solutions, enabling the production of minimally processed dairy foods, new dairy ingredients, and recovering bioactive components.

]]> http://www.dairyfoods.com/articles/98277 Tue, 10 Jun 2025 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.dairyfoods.com/articles/98277-membrane-filtration-technology-transforms-dairy-foods-industry