Make the Dairy Aisle Your Destination for the Perfect-Sized Snack
It’s clear we’ve become a nation of people who love their snacks and often opt for smaller meals throughout the day. With many people aiming for a well-balanced diet that combines healthy and occasionally indulgent options, the dairy aisle can be your one-stop shop for endless snacking possibilities. Your grocer’s dairy case is a perfect place to find nutritious, protein-packed snacks and easy, grab-and-go meals to fuel your busy summer days.
And since June is Dairy Month, now is the time to take advantage of special deals, stock up and make the dairy aisle your new snacking destination. Many items in the dairy aisle help you get the recommended daily amount of calcium and other essential vitamins that are responsible for keeping bones healthy and strong. From farm-grown, wholesome ingredients to favorite treats, a variety of delicious choices that fit into a well-balanced lifestyle can all be found right in the dairy aisle.
As a Together Counts™ ambassador for healthy and active living, we want to share a few options to help snack sensibly.
- Cheese – Lately, there has been a rise in the amazing variety of cheeses in the dairy aisle with something to suit every taste. Innovative trends in packaging are also providing on-the-go and single-serve options that can help keep portion sizes sensible. Whether you like to snack on plain cheese or prefer a cheesy concoction like Broccoli and Cheese Bites, the cheese section of the dairy aisle is full of creative and convenient snack choices.
- Yogurt – From Greek to full-fat to fat-free options, there is a yogurt to meet every lifestyle and dietary need. Yogurt can star in sweet and savory dishes or of course, be eaten on its own. Individual-sized yogurts and yogurt drinks are perfectly portioned making it an ideal snack option that gives you a protein boost. Make your favorite flavor smoothie, a yogurt parfait or try Fruit Kabobs with Yogurt Dip for a well-balanced snack.
- Milk and milk alternatives – Whether you’re looking for traditional milk, organic milk or a dairy alternative, the dairy aisle has something to satisfy every taste and need. In addition to cow’s milk, soy milk and nut milks there are many new-comers to the scene like flax milk and pea milk. Regardless of your milk choice, it offers a nutrient- and protein-rich snack. Enjoy a refreshing glass or mix it up in a Peanut Butter Banana Smoothie.
- Eggs – Did you ever wonder about the color of your eggs? Different breeds of chickens lay different colored eggs. Regardless of the shell color, all eggs have every vitamin and nutrient the body needs except vitamin C. This includes 12% of your daily protein and 11% of your daily Vitamin D in one large egg. So many convenient options are also available in your grocer’s dairy aisle like already hard-boiled eggs and liquid egg whites. For the perfect bite-sized summer snack, Pesto Deviled Eggs offer a tasty twist on a classic.
This June Dairy Month, don’t just make a mad dash down the dairy aisle grabbing your weekly staples. Take time to explore the many new options and all their creative applications. You might just find you’ve been overlooking many nutritious, convenient snacking possibilities. There are a lot of tasty new products waiting to be discovered. From the dairy staples you know and love, to tasty treats and ingredients for your favorite dishes, the possibilities in the dairy aisle are endless.
The National Frozen & Refrigerated Foods Association (NFRA) is a Together Counts™ partner. For more nutritious recipes and information on June Dairy Month, visit EasyHomeMeals.com.