Dive Brief:
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Dairy is an excellent source of protein for children, containing more of the nutrient than plant-based counterparts, according to a University of Illinois study reported by Prepared Foods.
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Protein quality has traditionally been measured by evaluating its availability throughout the digestive tract. However, absorption of the various amino acids that make up proteins only occurs in the ileum, so this latest research used a novel measure that focused on the digestibility of individual amino acids.
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The researchers looked at four dairy proteins — whey protein concentrate, skimmed milk powder, milk protein concentrate and whey protein isolate — and found they all met the United Nations' Food and Agriculture Organization's standards as "excellent/high" sources of protein for people aged six months and older, with scores of over 100. Soy protein isolate and soy flour qualified as "good" protein sources, scoring between 75 and 100, while whole grain wheat and pea protein concentrate did not qualify for protein quality recommendations, with scores below 75.
Dive Insight:
The U.S. dairy milk market has been declining in recent years, and plant-based alternatives are on the rise. Dairy milk sales fell 7.8% in 2015 alone, according to Mintel figures, and alternatives have skyrocketed. Soy milk is still the number one plant milk alternative, but it saw U.S. sales drop 57% in 2015. Almond milk sales, on the other hand, have grown 14-fold since 2008.
Although sales of plant-based milk alternatives are still low next to dairy milk sales ($1.9 billion compared to $17.8 billion), a Mintel poll found seven in 10 consumers (69%) agreed that non-dairy milks were healthy for children, compared to just 62% who agreed that dairy milk was healthy for children.
However, this latest research suggests that dairy milk could actually be the superior option for kids, at least in terms of protein. In general, few U.S. children consume enough calcium-rich foods. One major study found that of all age groups of children, only 2- and 3-year-olds met nutritional recommendations for dairy — mainly through drinking whole milk. Both dairy and calcium intake was found to be inadequate for 4- to 18-year-olds.
The dairy industry is taking action in an effort to stem the decline. They are promoting protein-enhanced and other functional products, as well as the fresh and natural credentials of milk. A recent report for the Innovation Center of U.S. Dairy recognized that children and teens who drink milk tend to continue doing so as adults. The report stressed the need to make dairy fun for kids. Suggested approaches include focusing on the taste of milk drinks and promoting dairy as a healthy, satisfying, convenient and enjoyable snack.