The newest variant in the Kaiku Kefir Plus yogurt line in Spain is “with Honey and Royal Jelly” (direct from honeybees). The Kefir Plus line is all about fueling digestive health and the immune system. The yogurt is lactose free and loaded with probiotics. It’s also fortified with vitamins B6 and B12. The honey variant joins Natural, Lemon-Ginger and Strawberry-Pomegranate.
“Gut health is no longer a niche concern. It’s a global driver of food and beverage choices,” said Julie Johnson, president, HealthFocus International. “Among our trended markets, 58% of consumers worldwide say they choose foods and beverages to improve digestion and gut health, up from 54% in 2018.
“This growth is being fueled by key audiences, particularly consumers under 40 and households with children, who are leading the shift toward proactive, everyday wellness solutions,” said Johnson.
New national survey data from organic egg producer Pete & Gerry’s suggests Americans may be rethinking what “healthy protein” actually means. They are shifting away from heavily processed, protein-fortified products in favor of simpler whole-food options they perceive as more trustworthy., like eggs and dairy foods.
The survey explores how consumer attitudes around protein have evolved over the past five years, including growing interest—particularly among younger Americans—in understanding where their food comes from and how it’s produced. Notably, more than 70% of Gen Z and Millennials (18 to 34) say it’s important to know the sourcing behind their protein choices. The data also reveals shifting trends in ingredient transparency and food trust amid the ongoing boom in high-protein eating.
And, a new survey from the International Food Information Council (IFIC) highlights how Americans approach healthy eating. This research is fascinating. It shows that nearly half of Americans have heard about the new Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2025-2030, and have seen the new Food Pyramid within just three weeks of their release, underscoring how quickly federal nutrition guidance can break through. Still, the research reveals gaps in understanding when it comes to healthy eating. This is where dairy marketers need to step up, and quickly!
Fielded January 20 to 27, 2026, just weeks after the January 7 release of the new Guidelines and accompanying Food Pyramid, this IFIC Spotlight Survey offers one of the first snapshots of how Americans are receiving and interpreting the latest federal dietary advice.
“This survey captures a rare and important moment: when first impressions are taking shape and awareness is forming,” said Wendy Reinhardt Kapsak, IFIC president and CEO. “The speed at which Americans have heard about the new Dietary Guidelines is remarkable, yet awareness alone is not enough. The real work of eating real food begins with enhanced understanding, application and building trust.”
Nearly half of Americans (47%) report having seen the new Food Pyramid, which replaces the MyPlate graphic after nearly fifteen years. Early interpretations of its messaging are many:
- 31% feel it communicates eating fruits and vegetables throughout the day.
- 12% see a call to consume dairy.
Because the design inverts the original Food Guide Pyramid (1992–2005), a central question is whether its implied hierarchy is understood. Survey results suggest this message may need reinforcement:
- 36% believe the new Food Pyramid recommends eating more of the foods at the top and less of those at the bottom.
- 11% infer the opposite.
This disconnect underscores the challenge of translating dietary guidance into clear, actionable understanding.
When it comes to putting healthy eating into practice, Americans gravitate towards what feels achievable:
- 63% say eating more protein makes a diet healthier.
- 63% also say eating healthier costs more than less healthy options.
- Perceived ease varies by type of food and behavior. Actions that involve adding foods are more often seen as achievable:
- 79% say consuming more dairy would be easy to do consistently, followed by fiber (75%), fruits and vegetables (68%), whole grains (64%), protein (63%) and “real food” (8%).
At the same time, some Americans say that reducing certain elements from their diet would make the biggest difference in eating healthier:
- 16% said consuming less highly processed foods and 12% said consuming less added sugars.
These results reflect a mix of “add more” and “cut back” approaches to healthy eating.
“Americans are looking for easy and realistic ways to eat healthier,” said Reinhardt Kapsak. “Protein stands out as something people feel confident that they can easily incorporate. Yet many believe healthier eating comes with a higher price tag. That tension is palpable.”
Dairy is healthy, affordable and delicious. It is the perfect canvas for adding superfoods to make it a superfood-plus!
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