Meal Pattern Minute: Freezing Yogurt
June 6, 2025
During the hot summer months, Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) operators seek creative ways to serve refreshing, nutritious meals that help keep participants cool and energized. From crisp, hydrating fruits to light, chilled dishes, they may include seasonal flavors that bring nourishment to those in their care.
A quick online search can uncover plenty of delicious summer recipes that align with the CACFP meal pattern. One popular idea is freezing store-bought yogurt for a cool, creamy treat. But does serving yogurt in its frozen form still meet CACFP crediting requirements?
Let’s dive into the details by listening to this Meal Pattern Minute where Isabel Ramos-Lebron, MS, RDN, LD, provides the answer to this question. Read the answer here or listen to the video by clicking the Meal Pattern Minute video.
The answer is that it depends! Yogurt that meets the CACFP sugar limit and has been frozen by the CACFP provider may contribute towards the meat/meat alternate in the CACFP. Commercially frozen yogurt is not creditable in the CACFP as it is similar to ice cream.
Supporting resources to help you better understand freezing store-bought yogurt can be found below. Always check with your State agency or Sponsor for more guidance as your State may have stricter regulations.
In the Crediting Handbook for the CACFP under the Meats/Meat Alternates section, there are several yogurt products listed. Locate the food item labeled “Yogurt, Frozen”. In the table, this item may be creditable and expanded in the “Additional Information” section on what type of frozen yogurt is creditable.
Program operators may credit yogurt that they have frozen. Please note that crediting of meats/meat alternates in this form is discouraged, as it is perceived as a dessert. Commercial frozen yogurt is similar to ice cream and is not creditable. See the Other Foods section in the Food Buying Guide for purchasing information of commercial frozen yogurt.
As a friendly reminder, flavored and unflavored yogurts are creditable in the CACFP if it follows the CACFP sugar limit regulation. As of October 1, 2025, all yogurts served in the CACFP must have no more than 12 grams of added sugars per 6 ounces (3/4 cup).
For more information on how to determine if your yogurt is creditable in the CACFP check out the resources below.
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