California Ag Network

Tag: dairy products

  • Dairy Industry Delivers on School Nutrition Commitment

    As students across the country return to the classroom, the International Dairy Foods Association (IDFA) today announced that America’s dairy processors have fulfilled the Healthy Dairy in Schools Commitment, eliminating the use of certified artificial colors in milk, cheese and yogurt products sold to K–12 schools for the National School Lunch and School Breakfast Programs.

    According to the IDFA, the achievement marks the second consecutive year the U.S. dairy industry has delivered on a major voluntary commitment to improve school meals. Last year, processors met the Healthy School Milk Commitment, limiting added sugars in flavored milk to no more than 10 grams per 8-ounce serving—part of a broader trend that has cut added sugars in flavored school milk by 57% since 2006. This year, they removed certified artificial colors from school dairy products ahead of the 2026–2027 school year. The dairy industry has also lowered added sugars in flavored yogurts to meet new school program standards, while preserving the taste and appeal that students choose to consume. Research shows removing flavored milk from school meals alone leads to a 37% decline in overall milk consumption.

    “America’s dairy processors made two ambitious promises to parents, students and school nutrition professionals, and they delivered on both,” said IDFA President and CEO Michael Dykes. “For the second year in a row, America’s dairy processors have taken meaningful action to improve the foods served in schools. Our industry isn’t waiting to be told how to improve—we’re investing, innovating and leading, while staying focused on what matters most: giving children wholesome, nutrient-rich dairy foods they enjoy and will actually eat and drink.”

    The Healthy Dairy in Schools Commitment, announced by IDFA in 2025, eliminated the use of Red 3, Red 40, Green 3, Blue 1, Blue 2, Yellow 5 and Yellow 6 from milk, cheese and yogurt products sold for reimbursable school meals. The commitment went beyond existing federal requirements and most state standards, providing a nationwide approach for schools, families and dairy processors. Participating companies pledged to discontinue affected products or reformulate them using alternative ingredients.

    “America’s dairy processors promised to cut added sugar and remove artificial dyes from school dairy products — and they delivered,” said U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. “American children deserve wholesome, nutritious food made without unnecessary additives. This is the kind of leadership we need from the food industry, and we will keep working with farmers, food producers, and schools to make America healthy again.”

    — Story contributed by the International Dairy Foods Association

  • Real California Milk Foodservice Launches New High-Protein Resource Hub

    As consumer demand for high-protein menu options continues to reshape the restaurant industry, Real California Milk Foodservice has launched a new protein-focused resource center designed to help chefs and foodservice operators capitalize on one of today’s fastest-growing menu trends.

    Available at RealCaliforniaMilkFoodservice.com/protein, the new hub brings together culinary inspiration, nutrition information and practical business resources that demonstrate how California dairy ingredients can help operators create craveable, protein-forward menu items that drive guest satisfaction and profitability.

    From breakfast through late-night menus, milk, cheese and yogurt naturally deliver high-quality protein while offering the flavor, versatility and functionality chefs rely on every day. The new online destination showcases how Real California dairy products can elevate menu innovation across virtually every restaurant segment.

    “Our goal is to provide foodservice professionals with practical tools that make it easier to respond to evolving consumer preferences,” said Katie Cameron, Director of Foodservice at the California Milk Advisory Board. “Protein continues to be one of the strongest drivers of menu decisions, and California dairy offers operators a simple, delicious way to deliver the protein consumers are looking for while creating memorable dining experiences.”

    The new protein section features:

    •           Chef-inspired, protein-rich recipes featuring Real California dairy ingredients

    •           Menu development ideas for breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacking occasions

    •           Business insights on leveraging protein trends to increase menu value and profitability

    •           Guidance for incorporating dairy into protein-forward menu strategies

    •           Educational resources highlighting the nutritional benefits and versatility of California dairy products

    •           Inspiration for building balanced, craveable dishes that appeal to today’s health-conscious consumers

    The new protein hub complements the Real California Milk Foodservice website’s extensive collection of recipes, supplier resources, chef inspiration and product information, further strengthening its role as a comprehensive resource for foodservice professionals seeking innovative dairy solutions.

    California is the number one dairy state. Its family dairy farms are focused on delivering the wholesome goodness of California milk while creating a more sustainable future for dairy in the state.

  • Real California Milk’s Street of Dairy Showcases Latest Trends

    The California Milk Advisory Board (CMAB) will spotlight a variety of on-trend dairy products at the 2026 International Dairy Deli Bakery Association (IDDBA) show in Orlando, Fla. June 7-9. As a key exhibitor at the event, which brings together 10,000 attendees and more than 800 exhibiting companies at the largest industry-only trade show for dairy, deli, bakery, and foodservice professionals, CMAB will connect with industry professionals while sharing all that California dairy has to offer through on-trend culinary dishes and more.

    An assortment of dairy applications will be sampled throughout the show in CMAB’s booth #2035, including specialty cheese, cultured dairy beverages, kefir, desserts and premium dairy ingredients. California culinary expert Joe Baird will showcase a selection of trending recipes including Kimchi Grilled Cheese with Black Sesame Orange Compound Butter, French Onion Soup Dip On Toasted Brioche, Lavender Blackberry Chai Latte, Quesadilla Al Pastor With Pineapple Lime Crema, Panna Cotta Chocolate Dipped Drumsticks with Roasted Hazelnut Crunch and Banana Fosters Milkshakes will be featured in the Real California Kitchen.

    California dairy processors in attendance include Albertson’s (Lucerne), Amazing Ice Cream, Angelo & Franco, Bellwether Farms, Belfiore Cheese, Cheese Bits/Yummy Industries, Crystal Creamery, Fiscalini Cheese Co., Karoun Dairies, Lifeway Foods, Marin French Cheese Co., Marquez Brothers, Mid Valley Family Foods, Pacific Cheese, Point Reyes Farmstead Cheese Company, Scott Brothers Dairy, Sierra Nevada Cheese Co. and Sweet Craft Dolceria. — Story Contributed by the California Milk Advisory Board

  • Innovations Enable Fluid Milk Exports

    While California is celebrated for its cheese, demand is high for fluid milk exports. Dairies are updating their technology to give milk a longer shelf life and with it, producers can more easily get in on the export market. Matthew Malcolm from California Ag Network spoke with Glenn Millar from the California Milk Advisory Board to talk about these developments and how dairy producers can expand their presence in the international market. Watch this quick video and learn more in California Dairy Magazine.

  • California Milk Advisory Board Offers Opportunity For Student Ambassadors With International Audiences


    The California Milk Advisory Board (CMAB) has announced the return of its student internship program where young agriculture ambassadors will represent Real California Milk internationally. Applications are now open for summer representatives in  CMAB’s partner countries.

    The interns, selected from students enrolled in agriculture-related programs at colleges and universities throughout the state, will be chosen based on academic achievement, connection to the dairy industry and a willingness to travel abroad and learn more about international dairy sales and marketing, as well as a plan to work in the California dairy industry in the future.

    Over the six-week period, interns will spend time with CMAB marketing organizations overseas in order to gain a better understanding of these markets, consumer buying habits and promotional efforts on behalf of California’s dairy industry.

    “Over the last decade, the CMAB has worked closely with partners in Mexico and Asia to develop markets for California dairy products. This program is focused on providing insight into international marketing for future leaders who will work in the dairy business and one day serve on dairy industry boards and lead industry groups,” said Glenn Millar, Vice President of International Business Development for the CMAB.

    Interested candidates must submit a completed application, essay, and other requirements by Friday, November 14, 2024. Additional information is available here.

    California is the nation’s leading milk producer, and makes more butter, ice cream and nonfat dry milk than any other state. California is the second-largest producer of cheese and yogurt. California is the leading U.S. state in dairy production. Its family dairy farms are focused on delivering the wholesome goodness of California milk while creating a more sustainable future for dairy in the state.

    About Real California Milk/California Milk Advisory Board

    The California Milk Advisory Board (CMAB), an instrumentality of the California Department of Food and Agriculture, is funded by the state’s dairy farm families who lead the nation in sustainable dairy farming practices. With a vision to nourish the world with the wholesome goodness of Real California Milk, the CMAB’s programs focus on increasing demand for California’s sustainable dairy products in the state, across the U.S. and around the world through advertising, public relations, research, and retail and foodservice promotional programs. For more information and to connect with the CMAB, visit RealCaliforniaMilk.com.