Are Your Brands Ready for the Nutrition Revolution?

Want to learn more about the Nutrition Revolution? Plan to attend the International Dairy Foods Association’s Ice Cream & Cultured Innovation Conference on April 14 to 15 in Naples, Fla. I am kicking off the conference with a session on how the global dairy industry is evolving at a rapid pace to stay relevant in the current Nutrition Revolution. There is a lot to learn from countries that are on the cutting-edge of dairy product innovation, including marketing cultured dairy and frozen desserts that play in the personalized nutrition space. This includes dairy products designed for life stage, day parts and more. With these products, packaging also plays an important role to deliver sufficient doses of beneficial nutrients. And, of course, health and wellness includes little treats and tasty luxuries that feed the mind and bring joy. This session will explore innovations from around the world and how brands are keeping cultured dairy and frozen desserts relevant to today’s curious and mindful consumers.

You can learn more about the IDFA’s Ice Cream & Cultured Innovation Conference HERE.

Protein continues to be a big part of the buzz in the Nutrition Revolution, but other nutrients and functional ingredients are gaining traction. Brands need to be proactive and not let the protein insanity currently taking place dilute the power of high-quality, complete protein in a nutrient-dense product. 

 

Some things are just wrong. One of them is new Doritos Protein tortilla style chips with 10 grams of protein per one ounce serving. The dairy protein casein is the first ingredient listed on labels. The new chips also have no artificial colors or flavors. Utz is doing it too with its new protein-fortified packaged salty snack. 

The Kraft Heinz Company is late to the game with its new Kraft Mac & Cheese PowerMac that debuted this week. (Protein-packed cheesy pasta has been around for more than a decade. Think Muscle Mac.) One serving of PowerMac, when prepared according to directions, delivers 17 grams of protein and 6 grams of fiber per serving. 

Scott Dicker, senior director-head of research and insights, SPINS, who spoke a few weeks ago at Natural Products Expo West in Anaheim, Calif., said that we have not hit peak protein, yet. He is correct. Expect to see more protein-enhanced foods that are just wrong in the coming months.

If MAHA has any influence over what protein foods have staying power, and which ones will not get shelving space this time next year, we will see REAL foods stay and ultra-processed foods pitched. But that will only happen if younger generations buy into MAHA. 

SPINS data shows that inherently protein-rich foods, such as cottage cheese, eggs, yogurt and protein powders are in the top-10 dollar growth categories for total store sales; but these sales are coming from older consumers. Younger generations are currently buying into protein-fortified everything. 

Dicker also said fiber will not be the next protein. This is likely because current research suggests that while there are some potential negative long-term side effects of overconsuming protein, they are not as immediate as the negative effects of consuming too much fiber in a single day. This will keep protein in the spotlight for the near future. 

Protein is currently associated with guilt-free consumption. Its addition to junk foods like Doritos gives people permission to “cheat.”

Historically food trends focused on eliminating or reducing. Protein is different. It is not subtractive. It is additive. It is also associated with power, strength and satiety.

Dicker does caution those brands that are just adding protein to give consumers what they want. Protein addition should be thoughtful and make sense. 

Smart protein choices support the trend in foods that may help you live a better, longer life. Indeed, longevity has become a popular topic in recent years, as people search for ways to add years to their lives. With March being National Nutrition Month, let’s explore the nutrition revolution we are in the midst of. 

While people may want to live longer, living healthily during those years is imperative. According to an editorial titled “Nutrition for Healthy Longevity,” which was published in the September 2025 issue of The Journal of Nutrition, Health & Aging, consumers have shifted their focus from “living longer” to “living better for a longer time,” which is aging healthier. The piece reports that nutrition is a core lifestyle factor that has been shown to play a role in all intrinsic capacity, therefore contributing to health longevity.

The April 2025 issue of the Journal of Internal Medicine featured a study titled “Diet strategies for promoting healthy aging and longevity.” Researchers stated that combining a healthy diet with other lifestyle factors could extend disease-free life expectancies by eight to 10 years. They estimate that worldwide, there are 11 million premature deaths annually that are attributed to unhealthy diet factors, such as high sodium and trans-fat, and low fruits, vegetables, nuts and omega-3 fatty acids. The report found that if people adhere to all five of their recommended low-risk factors, it could potentially prolong life by 14 years for females and 12 years for males. The low-risk factors include never smoking, maintaining a normal weight, doing at least 30 minutes per day of moderate to vigorous physical activity, moderate alcohol intake and eating a high-quality diet.

A high-quality diet is not protein-fortified chips. It’s nutrient-dense, high-in-protein foods, such as dairy, meat and eggs.  

“What’s encouraging is that longevity nutrition is not about restriction or perfection," said Jennifer Scherer, registered dietitian, medical exercise specialist and owner of Fredericksburg Fitness Studio. “As a registered dietitian and studio owner working largely with adults over 50, I see every day how returning to simple, minimally processed foods can dramatically improve health span, not just lifespan.”

“It’s about building meals around foods that your great-grandmother would recognize: vegetables, fruits, beans, nuts, intact grains and thoughtfully sourced proteins,” she said.

Applications Now Open for Second Annual Midwest Dairy Accelerator, Seeking Next Generation of Dairy Innovation 

Midwest dairy, in partnership with VentueFuel, is launching its second annual Accelerator, which is designed to accelerate the next generation of dairy-forward entrepreneurs, Applications are now open and will be reviewed on a rolling basis through May 5, 2026, at 11:59 pm CST.

The program provides mentorship, industry connections and resources to help startups grow innovative businesses with real dairy at the core. The 10-week hybrid accelerator program will connect six early-stage, revenue-generating companies of products using Midwest dairy as a prominent ingredient with top dairy, food and consumer packaged goods industry leaders to fast-track growth through expert mentorship, tailored commercialization support and strategic guidance. 

Participants will receive professionally created brand assets, including video commercials and sales materials, gain media exposure, and connect with buyers, investors and innovation leaders. Startups will refine their pitch with 1:1 support and showcase their product at a final pitch event, on September 16, 2026, in Minneapolis, where a panel of judges will award up to $30,000 worth of total value prizes, including one grand prize winner to receive a prize of $20,000, and a finalist to receive $10,000. To be eligible, companies must have a safe, working product prototype that has been reviewed under USDA oversight.

“The future of dairy depends on our commitment to innovation and our recognition of the vital role entrepreneurs play in driving the industry forward,” said Corey Scott, CEO of Midwest Dairy.

Interested entrepreneurs are invited to RSVP HERE for a virtual information session on April 28, 2026, at 9:00 am CST to learn more about the program, areas of interest and the application process.

Expo West Exhibitors “Made It with Dairy.”

 

The new U.S. Dietary Guidelines emphasize eating whole foods and avoiding products considered ultra-processed; however, the latter remains an undefined term in the U.S. These recommendations align with the trend towards foods made with real, understandable ingredients. With dairy now at the top of the inverted food pyramid, dairy ingredient suppliers anticipate growing interest in brands formulating everything from snack foods to heat-and-eat entrees to premium desserts with “real dairy” and flagging so on packages.  

To read more about what dairy ingredient suppliers are saying, link HERE to an article I wrote for Food Business News on the topic. 

Real dairy—as whole foods, such as cheese, ice cream, milk and yogurt—were everywhere at Natural Products Expo West 2026, which was held March 3 to 6 in Anaheim, California. Real dairy ingredients were also featured in all types of new product introductions. 

The American Dairy Products Institute Make it with Dairy initiative has been promoting the use of dairy ingredients in food and beverage applications for the past few years. It clearly has paid off, as shown by the recent innovations showcased at Expo West. To learn more about Make it with Dairy, link HERE.

To learn more about the dairy ingredients business and meet with suppliers, plan to attend ADPI’s Annual Conference in Chicago this April 26 to 28. Get the details HERE. 

Here are some of the many new products from Expo West that feature dairy ingredients.

“Lose the junk, not the flavor” is the tagline for Junkless Protein Bars from Junkless Foods. They are made without any “junk.” They feature only clean, simple, wholesome ingredients, with the first ingredient being: Protein Blend (whey protein isolate, milk protein isolate and calcium caseinate). Other dairy ingredients in the bars include yogurt powder, whole milk powder and crisps made with whey protein isolate and whey protein concentrate. 

Healthee’s soon-to-roll-out Protein & Fiber beverage is being marketed as a GLP-1 support drink. The no-added-sugar shelf-stable canned beverage provides 20 grams of protein (from micellular casein, for long-term satiety) and 10 grams of fiber. Flavors are Chocolate, Sea Salt Caramel and Vanilla. 

In case you missed Monday’s Daily Dose of Dairy, Muscle Milk is now being made with real complete cows’ milk. The new Muscle Milk PRO series from PepsiCo features ultra-filtered milk as the first ingredient. The shelf-stable beverages come in prisma boxes and plastic bottles and flag “high-quality protein” and “sustains healthy muscles.” Three protein contents per container are available: 42, 33 and 26 grams. The drinks are also described as clean label, as they contain no artificial flavor or sweeteners and no added colors. They are sweetened with stevia. 

On Tuesday, Zen Protein Pudding was featured as a Daily Dose of Dairy. The new refrigerated dairy desserts feature milk protein concentrate as the first ingredient. Milk and cream are also part of the formulation. One 6-ounce cup contains 20 grams of protein. 

Legendary Foods (opening image) packs almost every dairy ingredient imaginable into its new line of Protein Pasta cups. The first ingredient is: Dairy Protein Blend (milk protein, casein, milk protein concentrate and whey protein isolate). Other ingredients include cheese, cream, butter, buttermilk, milkfat and nonfat dry milk. 

Protein Pop is growing its canned beverage range with sparkling Protein Pop Plus. The zero-sugar carbonated drink provides 30 grams of a clear protein blend of whey and bovine collagen per 12-ounce can. The product is described as supporting muscle growth and retention, and being highly satiating. Flavors are Citrus, Mango Peach and Orange Cream. The new line joins the original non-carbonated Protein Pop line that delivers 22 grams of whey protein isolate per can. Flavors are: Blue Raspberry, Peach, Pina Colada and Watermelon. 

Designer Wellness is adding caffeine to its shelf-stable dairy protein and fruit smoothies. Each 4.2-ounce Energy Smoothie pouch provides 100 milligrams of caffeine and 5 grams of protein from whey protein isolate. Varieties are Blue Raspberry, Fruit Punch and Strawberry Watermelon. 

Refrezz is a line of shelf-stable canned postbiotic beverages. The beverage is designed to help one relax and recharge, and it supports improved immunity. It is crafted with the power of two scientifically researched postbiotics, CP2305 and L-92, which deliver benefits through inactivated bacterial strains and bioactive compounds. The wellness sodas contain less than 1 gram of protein per serving, which comes from the nonfat dry milk used in the formulation. 

A shout out to Dairy Management Inc., a U.S. nonprofit organization that promotes and markets dairy products and is funded primarily by dairy farmers through the checkoff program. DMI’s booth, located next to the California Milk Marketing Board’s booth, gave dairy a huge presence in the North Hall in the Hot New Products section. The organization also hosted an educational session titled “What Consumers Really Want and Emerging Ways to Deliver It.”

Here are some functional food concepts created by DMI and its partners. The innovations were fueled by products in the marketplace and address four booming functional needs: beauty, muscles, nutrition and sleep.  

Expo West 2026: Dairy Owned the Show

 

Everything old is new again! That includes milk’s rise to fame, again. This magazine cover of NFM Natural Foods Merchandiser, a publication of New Hope Media, the organizers of Natural Products Expo West, which is wrapping up its 45th installment in Anaheim, California, features the billboard from the first Natural Foods Expo in 1981. Notice the “Time for Milk” call out on the signage. 

Once again, it is time for milk. 

Dairy owned Expo West 2026. Dairy processors and brands were bold, big and everywhere. Dairy proteins, often coupled with fiber, and frequently in products marketed to GLP-1 users, could be found in in every aisle.

Today’s blog sponsor—BENEO—showcased its many ingredient solutions for GLP-1 food and beverage formulations. See what the company has to offer HERE.

The new dairy products showcased in the exhibition will be featured over the next month as a Daily Dose of Dairy. But here’s a sneak peek: Muscle Milk now is made with real complete cows’ milk, specifically it is made with ultra-filtered milk. (Learn more this Monday.) 

The brand hosted sunrise yoga on Thursday where samples were available. I talked about the use of real milk, and the rep said, “It’s what our customers want. They like the taste better, and it’s no longer gritty!” Go Milk, Go!

The “winning” dairy product--in my eyes—at Expo West came from a company that started out as a manufacturer of vegan frozen meals. It’s Tattooed Chef, a former plant-based frozen food brand focused on nostalgic innovation. The company filed for bankruptcy in 2023, and since was acquired by Planted Ventures, a vertically integrated manufacturer of private-label frozen entrees, bowls, vegetables and more. Now it is reinventing itself. 

Tattooed Chef shined with its new line of first-to-market frozen Cottage Cheese Crust Pizza. That’s right, pizza with a cottage cheese crust, which allows for a gluten-free claim and a decent dose of protein per serving. 

The pizza comes in four varieties, with an entire pizza containing 840 to 960 calories and 40 to 47 grams of protein, depending on variety. 

Varieties are Bianca (white sauce rather than traditional red), Killer Bee (hot honey), Spicy Vodka (the sauce) and Four Cheese. The latter is technically five cheese, as the cottage cheese crust is topped with mozzarella, provolone, cheddar and an aged white cheese.   

The pizza is amazing!!! From the ingredient legend, it would appear that the crust is made with a proprietary blend of cottage cheese, rice flour, brown rice flour, egg white and yeast, meaning it is leavened. Congrats to Tattooed Chef!

(pictured: Ice Cream for Bears has new frozen novelties.)

(pictured: Clover Sonoma is entering new dairy categories and will be a full-service dairy brand this spring.)

(pictured: Dairy Farmers of America showcased its numerous new products, including high-protein milks under its many fresh and UHT milk brands.) 

A shout out to Dairy Management Inc., a U.S. nonprofit organization that promotes and markets dairy products and is funded primarily by dairy farmers through the checkoff program. DMI’s booth, located next to the California Milk Marketing Board’s booth, gave dairy a huge presence in the North Hall in the Hot New Products section. The organization also hosted an educational session titled “What Consumers Really Want and Emerging Ways to Deliver It.”

DMI is out to re-establish dairy nutrition leadership through product innovation that modernizes dairy’s health and wellness benefits. DMI’s Health & Wellness playbook can assist. The Innovation Center for U.S. Dairy conducted research that identified 37 health conditions that consumers are actively managing. These were clustered together to create eight demand moments. These demand moments were then evaluated and scored based on level of science, dollar sales opportunities, openness to dairy and existing consumer dissatisfaction. 

(pictured: Protein Pints was one of many dairy protein ice creams at the show.)

The playbook dives deeper into four of the demand moments, providing finished product concepts and approaches to marketing the product to different demographics. I cannot give it all away in this space but can share that the top-four demand moments represent more than a $150 billion market opportunity. 

They are, in order of valuation:

• Growth and Performance (conditions addressed include bone health, energy, hydration and physical/athletic performance)
• Healthy Heart and Weight (conditions addressed include heart health, metabolic health and weight management)
• System Supercharge (conditions addressed include digestive health, general health and joint health/mobility)
• Mental and Emotional Health and Wellness (conditions addressed include cognition, fast-acting energy and mindfulness)

(pictured: In case you missed Wednesday's Daily Dose of Dairy, Organic Valley now has a line of pasture-raised higher protein milks. The product was sampled in the plaza every day, as well as at the co-op's booth.)

(pictured: Goodles, the higher-protein pasta meal, continues to make dairy a key component of its products. I had a little fun in a life-sized bowl of mac and cheese-shaped pillows.)

Earlier this week, the dairy checkoff unveiled Dairy Does More, a national marketing communications platform to help grow demand by reshaping how consumers think about dairy foods. The DMI initiative brings to life the Undeniably Dairy brand in a contemporary way and reflects a long-term strategy to strengthen dairy’s role in modern lifestyles.

“This is about reigniting relevance for dairy and unlocking new growth by helping consumers see our products in a whole new light,” said Aris Georgiadis, senior vice president of marketing communications for DMI. “Most people already love dairy for its taste. Now we’re showing them all the other benefits dairy provides and why it deserves a bigger role in their everyday lives.

“At its core, Dairy Does More aims to disrupt what Georgiadis describes as consumer “tunnel vision,” or the narrow ways people sometimes think about food categories.

“Consumers often put food into fixed boxes,” Georgiadis said. “Milk is for kids. Yogurt is for breakfast. Cheese is for dinner. Our job is to break that pattern and expand how people see dairy. If they only think of milk as something for kids, how do we broaden their horizons? If yogurt is only for breakfast, how do we help them see it as a snack, a recovery food or something that pairs with meals?”

Dairy Does More launched nationally March 2 with a new tagline, “So Many Reasons for Dairy.” It is supported by three 30-second digital video spots, social media activations and in-market programs. State and regional checkoff teams will have opportunities to leverage campaign elements in their social and marketplace programs. 

The creative tone is bold, fun, lighthearted and informed, reinforcing dairy’s role as both a trusted nutrition source and a joyful part of everyday life. The goal is to have consumers see dairy’s familiar benefits paired with the unexpected, highlighting dairy’s versatility, functionality and emotional appeal while giving consumers new reasons to enjoy it throughout the day.

“We’re showing young athletes there’s more to dairy beyond protein, showing parents there are incredible mind-boosting benefits beyond calcium and engaging teenage foodies by talking about nutrition in a way that feels authentic to them,” Georgiadis said. “By pairing an obvious benefit with a surprise benefit, we can disrupt that tunnel vision and inspire new behaviors.”

A key objective of Dairy Does More is to increase dairy use by adding new consumption occasions. Despite dairy’s strong presence in American diets, most consumers still fall short of the recommended three daily servings. This goal carries strong appeal to farmers.

“This campaign is about building value for farmers and importers by strengthening dairy’s place in consumers’ lives,” said Marilyn Hershey, Pennsylvania dairy farmer and chair of DMI. “When people understand all that dairy does for their health, performance and everyday enjoyment, they’re more likely to choose dairy more often. That demand ultimately supports farm families across the country.”

“We want to be an undeniable and delicious part of people’s lives,” Georgiadis said. “We are the dairy experts, but we never want to be preachy or arrogant. Our role is to be a trusted, joyful voice that makes dairy nutrition approachable and enjoyable.”

For information about how the dairy checkoff is driving sales and building trust, link HERE.

The BENEO team is also HERE to help.

Here’s What to Expect at Expo West 2026: Foods and Beverages that Give Consumers More Out of Every Bite and Sip

 

Will you be at Expo West in Anaheim this coming week? Dairy processors with a booth, I promise to visit. Just attending? Meet me at morning exercise class/yoga in the Grand Plaza at 7:30am! I will be there on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday. Shoot me a text (312-656-6453). Let’s visit and talk all things dairy. Don’t forget to stop by Dairy Management Inc.’s The Innovation Center for U.S. Dairy booth on the second floor of North Hall in the Hot New Products section. It’s booth N2211. 

And today’s blog sponsor—Arm & Hammer Performance Products, a part of Church & Dwight’s Specialty Products Division, the B2B engine behind its legendary bicarbonate products and beyond—is a new player in the “probiotics for dairy space.” Make sure you visit them at booth 3187.

Today’s consumer understands the role of probiotics in promoting overall wellness and is driving demand for continually advanced products. Evolved Probiotics strains are designed to naturally transform in the body, activating targeted health benefits for gut, immune and women’s health. Limosilactobacillus reuteri 3613-1 produces reuterin, a potent antimicrobial compound that inhibits vaginal and urinary pathogens up to 90% more effectively than other strains. For gut health, Lactiplantibacillus plantarum 276 is clinically shown to improve digestive health, enhance intestinal barrier repair and increase cell migration in wounded intestinal monolayers, with superior restorative properties compared to competitors. These strains are both built for versatility across key delivery formats, with seamless integration into powder mixes, cultured products and capsules.

The Acosta Group reports that half of U.S. shoppers are worried about artificial ingredients in food. A new ingredients-focused shopper study from Acosta Group underscores the growing importance of transparency in food, beverage and beauty purchasing decisions. Reflecting Acosta Group’s 2026 Predictions, the research highlights how personalization, transparency and trust are shaping wellness-driven consumer behavior. The study, released ahead of Expo West, was conducted with Acosta Group’s proprietary U.S. Shopper community. 

“Label reading is becoming a routine part of shopper decision-making,” said Mark Rahiya, Group President of Omnichannel Sales and Services, Acosta Group. “Consumers are actively seeking ingredients that support specific health goals. That creates an opportunity for natural and organic brands to connect through transparency and clearly communicated benefits.” 

Two-thirds of omni shoppers have a balanced or flexible approach to food and nutrition, selecting both healthy and indulgent foods for their grocery carts based on product availability, taste, occasion and mood. 

A significant percentage of all consumers, however, are selecting products that support health and wellness: 

• 35% of all shoppers define themselves as “health aware,” or trying to eat healthy most of the time but enjoying occasional indulgences. 
• 15% of Gen Z and 21% of Millennials define themselves as “health focused,” or actively seeking nutritious foods, avoiding processed foods and prioritizing health in nearly every food choice, regardless of price. 

“We learned that 58% of all shoppers are reading labels all or most of the time prior to purchasing a new item,” said Kathy Risch, Senior Vice President-Thought Leadership and Shopper Insights, Acosta Group. “That number jumps to 87% for health-focused shoppers. That’s a clear message to brand owners, confirming that ingredient transparency is key to purchasing decisions.” 

And label reading is on the rise, with 40% of health-focused shoppers and 39% of Gen Z saying they’re reading labels more often than they were six months earlier, specifically those who are seeking out nutritious non-processed foods.

For consumers with specific health goals, whether weight management, digestion, allergy-free or increased energy levels, ingredient transparency is critical. More than 25% of U.S. shoppers have someone in their household with an allergy or sensitivity to ingredients in foods, beverages or beauty products, and 76% of these shoppers are reading labels all or most of the time. These shoppers called out natural and specialty stores as the highest-rated for assortment selection.

Consumers report that they are worried about health risks from artificial ingredients, chemicals and preservatives in foods. 

• 50% of all shoppers 
• 79% of health-focused shoppers 
• 63% of natural channel shoppers 

According to this new study, nearly half of all shoppers are aware of national initiatives related to ingredients and product safety, and 58% support efforts to ban synthetic food dyes and certain sweeteners, transition to natural alternatives, and standardize regulations across states. 

Notably, nearly 62% of all shoppers believe that more food product safety regulation is required, with 71% supporting U.S. efforts to meet Europe’s stricter standards on artificial ingredients.

Moving on. Gut microbiome and holistic health awareness drive food and beverage innovation, according to new research from GlobalData.

Rising awareness of the importance of gut health and of the diverse gut microbiome needed to support holistic health goals is driving demand for gut-focused food and beverage products. In addition, greater recognition of the gut-brain axis and its role in supporting mental health and a strong immune system has further reinforced this shift. 

This is substantiated by a 4th quarter 2025 survey by GlobalData with 22,613 respondents across 42 countries. The survey found that 66% of global respondents stated that their food and drinks purchases are either always or often influenced by how the product impacts their health and wellbeing.

“The growing gut microbiome trend is driving demand for innovative gut-health-focused food products,” said Naveed Khan, consumer analyst at GlobalData. “Consumers are increasingly looking for prebiotics and probiotics in food products to improve digestion and gut health. Functional ingredients that boost the immune system, as well as fermented products, are also preferred by consumers for fostering a healthy gut.”

Manufacturers are introducing products that promote a healthy gut to capitalize on this trend. At Expo West 2025, Alec’s Ice Cream introduced Culture Cup, a line of low-guilt ice creams. The company states that the product contains more than a billion probiotics and prebiotics, is low in sugar and is marketed as clean label. 

I promise there will be a lot more players in this space at Expo West 2026. Alec’s Ice Cream will be exhibiting on Tuesday at the Fresh Ideas Organic Marketplace, booth F37, under the Big White Tent.

Khan concludes, “Shifting consumer preferences for holistic health goals are driving the popularity of gut-friendly foods and drinks, which present ample growth opportunities and help attract a larger audience. As holistic health goals gain traction among consumers, manufacturers need to invest more in reformulating products to achieve the desired outcomes and appeal to consumers.” 

See you in Anaheim! 

The Tool for Innovation that all Dairy Processors Need

 

More than 20 years ago, I worked closely with Dairy Management Inc., a U.S. nonprofit organization that promotes and markets dairy products and is funded primarily by dairy farmers through the checkoff program, to develop a series of print publications called “Tools for Dairy Innovation.” I am honored to be collaborating again with DMI to share with you in this blog highlights from DMI’s Health & Wellness Playbook. Additional resources are available at Dairyinnovator.com, which you can reach by clicking on DMI’s banner ad. 

If you will be attending Natural Products Expo West in less than two weeks, please stop by DMI’s The Innovation Center for U.S. Dairy at booth N2211. This is on the second floor of the North Hall in the Hot New Products section. They are also hosting an educational session on March 5, 12:30 to 1:30 pm, at the Marriott in Ballroom Platinum 5.

DMI provided Dairy Forum 2026 attendees with a sneak peek of what they have been up to in terms of innovation. After all, now that we have whole milk back in schools and dairy is at the top of the inverted food pyramid, we still need to make sure products remain relevant to what consumers want from food and beverage. DMI’s Health & Wellness Playbook is one of the tools to assist you with your formulating and marketing efforts. (The Daily Dose of Dairy, of course, is another.)

The Innovation Center for U.S. Dairy’s vision is to create a future where dairy unlocks transformative good for people and the planet. A significant part of the plan is to advance the well-being of the people it serves. This includes delivering dairy nutrition that meets emerging needs in personalized health, while also enhancing nutrition security all around the world. 

We have long known that “milk does the body good.” And today we know more about the how behind this and have even discovered greater benefits with consuming whole dairy foods. Emerging evidence suggests there’s a strong relationship between consumption of dairy foods and reduction in inflammation, improved digestive health and even calming of the nervous system. (I’m currently reading “Let Them” by Mel Robbins. Think of milk and dairy and the edible approach to Let Them.)

During my 30 years-plus in writing for the dairy trade, I have seen the nutrition landscape evolve, first sort of slowly, and in recent years, quite rapidly thanks to advancements in science. Consumers are embracing the “food as medicine” approach to health and wellness, and dairy has a prominent role in it. 

This landscape presents an opportunity to re-establish dairy nutrition leadership. By modernizing dairy’s health and wellness benefits and advancing new innovations that meet personalized needs, we—together--can increase dairy’s relevance and consumption across life stages. 

DMI’s Health & Wellness playbook can assist. The Innovation Center for U.S. Dairy conducted research that identified 37 health conditions that consumers are actively managing. These were clustered together to create eight demand moments. These demand moments were then evaluated and scored based on level of science, dollar sales opportunities, openness to dairy and existing consumer dissatisfaction. 

The playbook dives deeper into four of the demand moments, providing finished product concepts and approaches to marketing the product to different demographics. I cannot give it all away in this space but can share that the top-four demand moments represent more than a $150 billion market opportunity. 

They are, in order of valuation:

• Growth and Performance (conditions addressed include bone health, energy, hydration and physical/athletic performance)
• Healthy Heart and Weight (conditions addressed include heart health, metabolic health and weight management)
• System Supercharge (conditions addressed include digestive health, general health and joint health/mobility)
• Mental and Emotional Health and Wellness (conditions addressed include cognition, fast-acting energy and mindfulness)

At Dairy Forum 2026, DMI sampled the Daylee prototype, an on-the-go nutrition shake line that starts with a whey protein base that delivers 24 grams of complete protein per serving. Daylee can come in four varieties, each specially formulated to address a specific need. 

• Clarity & Focus contains L-Theanine.
• Digestive Health contains Fiber and Probiotics.
• Energy contains B12 Vitamins. 
• Inflammation & Joint Health contains Cinnamon and Turmeric. 

Another prototype was Elevate, a refrigerated dairy creamer-style product that can whiten coffee, but it can also be used to make dirty soda, overnight oats and more. Each serving is crafted with a targeted nutrition blend including 10 grams of protein. Elevate can come in four varieties, each specially formulated to address a specific need.

• Balance contains Collagen and Vitamins A and K to promote skin health.
• Calm contains Magnesium and L-Theanine to support restful sleep.
• Revive contains Vitamin C and Miracle Berry to support the immune system. 
• Soothe contains Antioxidants and Probiotics to support overall health and gut health. 

Check out this product from Australia, which highlight milk’s inherent electrolytes on the front of package. Milk naturally contains key electrolytes, including calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium and sodium. This is something every dairy marketer can be doing right now, especially in flavored milk drink boxes for hydration before, during and after playing sports. 

Dairy Forum 2026: Loving the Path to Continued Growth for Dairy

 

It’s Valentine’s weekend so I am going to get sappy and just put it out there. I LOVE my dairy family. It was wonderful to visit with so many Daily Dose of Dairy subscribers at Dairy Forum. It’s been a rough few years for me since becoming a widow and an empty nester within 45 days on June 23, 2023, but thanks to my dairy family, I can now say that and not feel hollow, or as hollow as I once did. This is another testament to the fact that “we are all better when we work together.” Love one another as you want to be loved!

I hope you love the path to continued growth for dairy as much as I do. 

“Dairy is entering a new era in 2026, blending indulgence, wellness and creativity to meet evolving consumer expectations,” according to Synergy, today’s blog sponsor. “From affordable luxury and functional formulations to seasonal surprises and organic authenticity, the category is redefining what it means to deliver comfort and nutrition.”

Synergy is on target. Read the company’s “Five Trends to Watch” by linking HERE or on one the banners in today’s blog.

These trends align with my recent interview on The Dairy Download, which was taped during Dairy Forum. You can view the entire “Adapting to the New Consumer” episode HERE or a brief one-minute clip HERE.

Here are some of my favorite remarks from Michael Dykes, president and CEO of the International Dairy Foods Association at Dairy Forum 2026. 

“Record crowd again this year, we broke 1,200 people. So, you've got 1,199 of your best friends here.” (It sure felt like that to me!)

“Everyone in this room is a partner in the most powerful story in the nation today. The story of the dairy industry. So, thank you for being here. You are stewards of a powerhouse industry.”

“Before I move forward with 2026, let’s take a look back at 2025. I would characterize 2025 as one of our greatest years for American dairy:

• We’ve had four years of record consumption. 
• We’re consuming about 651 pounds of dairy. We’re eating a lot more of our dairy, 651 pounds of dairy per person. Quite phenomenal. 
• Because of our efforts, because of our focus on health and wellness and the superior quality of protein we have in our dairy products, dairy has topped all categories at retail at $80 billion.
• Our processing industry has invested $11 billion in new processing facilities, 50 plus projects in about 20 different states.” 

“Our theme for this year’s Dairy Forum is not simply a tagline, but a fundamental belief in our future and the importance of being united to grow, to thrive, to secure our freedom to operate and to make sure that this is a thriving industry for future generations. We know that when we unite, we are stronger.”

“We’re in a new era for dairy. Dairy was made for this opportunity. We’ve got a nutritional profile on protein. We’ve got the healthy fat. Finally, the science on fat is coming forward.” 

“We’re innovating our product offerings. Amazing the things we’re doing with the quality milk coming from today’s farms, the various ingredients, the bioactives, all the enzymes, all the proteins. Absolutely amazing.” 

“We are reclaiming relevance for some of our dairy staples, milk, cheese, yogurt. How about cottage cheese? 20% growth in the last five years.”

“We know dairy delivers complete, natural, affordable nutrition. We were the original functional food. That is a competitive advantage for us in dairy, and we need to make sure that we’re leading with that effort.”

“The nutritional value of food should be based on sound science and the nutritional density of the product. We know that dairy is pasteurized, fortified and packaged to be accessible to consumers around the world and that we are part of a of the solution to a healthy lifestyle.”

Keep on LOVING dairy!