Meal Pattern Minute: Fresh Fruits in Yogurt

Yogurt is a Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) favorite because it is smooth, creamy, packed with protein, and children and adults alike love it. But when you stir in fresh fruit, does that sweet addition change how it credits toward your meal pattern? With all the talk about added sugars and creditable components, it’s easy to wonder if mixing fruit into yogurt might tip the scales. Before you start second-guessing your menu, let’s break down what really matters when it comes to yogurt, fruit and how they credit in the CACFP. 

Tune in to this Meal Pattern Minute as Isabel Ramos-Lebron, MS, RDN, LD, clears up any confusion between yogurt and when fresh fruit is added to it. Transcript can be found below. 

The answer is no. If fresh fruit is mixed into yogurt, it does not count as added sugar. However, the purchased yogurt must meet the added sugar limits of containing no more than 12 grams of added sugar per 6 ounces. The fruit is considered a creditable component and adds nutritional value. 

Looking for more guidance? Check out these helpful resources to support your menu planning and ensure your yogurt and fruit combos stay creditable and compliant. 

• USDA FNS Crediting Meats/Meat Alternates in the Child Nutrition Programs Tip Sheet 
  • This USDA tip sheet helps CACFP operators understand how to credit meat and meat alternates including yogurt accurately in meals and snacks. 
• Is Your Yogurt CACFP Creditable? 
  • This quick-reference guide walks you through how to determine if a yogurt product meets the CACFP added sugar requirement. 
• Free Webinar: Choose Yogurts That Are Lower in Added Sugars
  • This webinar will highlight the new added sugars limit for yogurt and how to identify yogurt that meets this limit. Presented by USDA Food and Nutrition Service. 
• Try adding this USDA recipe, Mango Smoothie Bowl, to your menu. 

Want to share this video on Facebook? Click here, and then you'll find three icons along the right side of the screen. Click on the arrow, and you'll be able to choose whether you want to share it to your feed or to a group. You can also include a short note about why this Meal Pattern Minute is so important! Click on the "Post" button when you're finished, and that's it!