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Meal Pattern Minute: Sugar in Muffins and Sweet Crackers

February 2, 2024

In the federal regulations, all muffin types and sweet crackers are creditable in the Child and Adult Care Food Program. However, there are sweeter versions of both these food types like chocolate chip muffins and chocolate-flavored crackers. So, you might be wondering if there are sugar limits regarding these products in the CACFP. We know that ready-to-eat breakfast cereals and yogurts have sugar limits, but does anything else? 

 Well, it only takes a minute to find out! Listen in to Isabel Ramos-Lebron, MS, RDN, LD, as she gives more information about this question. However, remember to always check with your sponsoring organization or state agency for any state-specific regulations. 

 Need more information about muffins and sweet crackers? Review the resources listed below. 

  • Exhibit A: Grain Requirements of Child Nutrition Programs
    • This chart provides a general guideline for crediting prepared grains items. 
    • Once you have determined that a food product is creditable (see “Examples of Foods That Are Creditable Toward the Grains Component” and “Criteria for Determining Acceptable Grain Items” sections), find the Group on the chart containing the name of the food product. Read the minimum serving size required for that group on the right-hand side of the chart.  
  • Grain-Based Desserts in the CACFP
    • Find out which foods are considered grain-based desserts, and which are considered creditable in the CACFP.  
  •  Free Webinar: Exhibit A Grains Tool to the Rescue!  Earn 1 hour credited CEUs! 
    • Go digital and learn about the Exhibit A Grains Tool, a feature included with the Food Buying Guide for Child Nutrition Programs Interactive Web-Based Tool. The Exhibit A Grains Tool allows you to search for your grain product (as listed on Exhibit A) and enter in the serving size from the product label. The tool then helps you determine: 1) ounce equivalent (oz eq) grains or grains/bread serving(s) for the grain product, and 2) amount to serve to provide your desired grains contribution. In this webinar, Team Nutrition also provided in-depth practice for using the grains tool as well as highlighting the available training video. Participants can also experience the Exhibit A Grains Tool on the Mobile App. Program operators can calculate the grain contributions on-the-go. 

 

Consider adding one of the recipes below into your menu. 

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