Dairy Processing - September/October 2023 - 32

FORMULATION
dairy processors are smart to hone in on promoting the
inherent nutrition of milk, while reducing some ingredients
and boosting others.
More than half (51%) of global consumers report they
have increased their strong belief that foods and beverages
can offer medicinal benefits, as compared to two years
ago, according to proprietary research from HealthFocus
International, Des Plaines, Ill. Consumers feel foods and
beverages are safer and more effective than prescription
medication for maintaining health and preventing illness.
" Consumers, in general, are highly interested in numerous
functional benefits, with immunity, energy, bone health,
digestion, healthy aging, mood and focus being some of their
top priorities when choosing foods and beverages, " said Cali
Amos, human insights manager at HealthFocus.
This is particularly true with Gen Z. This cohort became
aware of the connection between health and food at a much
younger age than previous generations thanks to COVID-19.
" They are the only modern generation impacted so
intensely by a health scare as youths, " said Barb Stuckey,
chief innovation and marketing officer, Mattson, Foster City,
Calif. " They see food as health, with mental health just as
important as physical health. They look for functionality
from everything they eat and drink. Gen Z consumers spend
a greater percentage (20%) of their money on food than
previous generations at the same age. "
Winnie Liu, senior food scientist at Mattson, added,
" Gone are the days of eating just to eat. Food is expected
to supplement and nurture the body while balancing and
supporting a healthy, strong mind. "
SUGAR IS GOING DOWN
Reducing and eliminating added sugars is paramount to
keeping dairy products relevant in the better-for-you food
movement. Many dairy processors are already there.
" Everyone is watching their sugar intake, " said Stuckey.
" Sugar reduction is a trend that is here to stay. It's a big
business. "
That's because Americans, on average, consume almost
152 lbs of sugar each year, according to the US Department
of Health and Human Services, Washington, DC. The added
sugar intake story is even more grim for children. This
presents an opportunity for dairy processors to get added
sugar out of kids' favorite dairy foods, such as flavored milk
and yogurt.
" US children consume 66
grams of added sugar per day,
on average, " said Stuckey.
" That is about 53 lbs, or the
equivalent of a bathtub of
sugar per year. "
Mattson worked with
Clover Sonoma, Petaluma,
Calif., to develop Clover the
Rainbow Milk with a Splash
of Flavor. The organic 2%
lactose-free milk comes
in chocolate, strawberry
and vanilla varieties and is
designed for kids and kids at
heart. It's free of any artificial
flavors or sweeteners and
is a good source of calcium
and protein.
Clover Sonoma adds
lactase to the milk before
processing in order to make
the lactose-free claim. The
32 SEP-OCT 2023 | DAIRYPROCESSING.COM
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Dairy Processing - September/October 2023

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