INDUSTRY ADVISORY
SERVE UP WINTER WARMTH WITH Hot Chocolate Milk and Moo Lattes BY ANIA STILWELL Content Marketing Specialist American Dairy Association North East Cold weather is the perfect time to add
comforting favorites like Hot Chocolate Milk and Moo Lattes to school menus. These creamy drinks bring a cozy touch to school
“Adding Moo Lattes to our breakfast menu has not only increased breakfast activity but it has helped the students make the healthy choice to add milk to the start of their day,” said Joy Maclaren- Farrell , Food Service Assistant Director
meals while adding flavor, variety, and essential nutrients that help students stay energized and focused throughout the day. Hot Chocolate Milk is an easy, crowd-pleasing recipe that uses ingredients already on hand in most school kitchens. It offers the familiar taste of cocoa students love while providing key nutrients like protein, calcium, and vitamin D that support balanced school meals. For older students, Moo Lattes offer a chilled, frothy, coffeehouse- style drink that’s quickly become a high school favorite. The fun flavors and familiar café feel encourage students to choose a nutritious option they truly enjoy.
at Greece Central School District. Moo Lattes and Hot Chocolate Milk are simple to prepare, customizable for students and perfect for winter promotions. Find recipes, preparation tips, and marketing materials at NutritionConnection.org to help bring these fun, nutritious beverages to your winter menu. ■
SMART SWAPS That Power Student Success BY ANIA STILWELL Content Marketing Specialist American Dairy Association North East
Breakfast sets the tone for every school day, and sometimes all it takes to refresh a menu is a smarter twist on familiar favorites. With Smart Swaps developed by the National Dairy Council, schools can bring fresh ideas to the table with dairy-powered recipes that satisfy students’ tastes, meet nutrition standards, and support success in and out of the classroom. To keep menus fresh and students engaged, Smart Swaps offers a growing library of school-tested, student- approved recipes that fit seamlessly into
This year, we encourage more schools to explore Fuel Up!, a free, student-focused initiative that promotes healthy eating,
movement, and leadership. Monthly challenges give students a chance to get involved and share ideas that make wellness fun and meaningful in their schools. The program also offers valuable resources for school nutrition professionals, teachers, and others who support student well-being. Whether you’re introducing new grab- and-go options or looking for ways to boost student engagement, turn to these resources to support success throughout the school year. Every school day is an opportunity to help students thrive—one balanced meal at a time. ■
The Strawberry Pancake Yogurt Parfait layers pancakes, yogurt, and strawberries for a fun, student favorite breakfast option.
breakfast programs. Popular options include Strawberry Pancake Yogurt Parfait, Cherry Lime Smoothie Bowl, and Broccoli, Egg & Cheese Pizza. These recipes meet school nutrition standards while delivering flavors students love.
The Cherry Lime Smoothie Bowl combines fruit, yogurt, and whole grains for a Smart Swap that fuels students to start the day strong.
“Dairy. Powered By Protein.” supports growing bodies and active minds with high-quality protein and essential nutrients like calcium and vitamin D that play a crucial role in school meals. Whether served in a smoothie, layered in a parfait, or paired with whole grains and fruit, dairy foods help round out a meal that keeps students satisfied and focused throughout the day. And remember, dairy and plant-based foods can complement each other to create balanced, appealing school meals!
Egg & Cheese Pizza is a Smart Swap that’s easy to make and popular with students.
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FreshBites
WINTER 2026
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