Meal Pattern Minute: Fruit Sherbet

Frozen treats can be especially tempting to add to menus during warmer months, but for Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) operators, it’s important to know whether those items can credit toward the CACFP meal pattern. Fruit sherbet is one of those foods that often raises questions. It sounds like it should count because it contains fruit, but does it meet CACFP regulations?  

Want the quick, clear answer straight from a CACFP expert? Isabel Ramos‑Lebron, MS, RDN, LD, provides the answer in this Meal Pattern Minute. Give it a listen! 

Transcript: The answer is no. Sherbets are not creditable in the CACFP for any meal component. This frozen dessert contains not only added sugars and some fruit, but also milk, cream, and/or buttermilk, making it more similar to ice cream. 

Staying current on what is creditable in the CACFP helps protect your program and ensures participants receive nutritious, compliant meals. Explore the resources below and keep checking back for more Meal Pattern Minutes to support your CACFP success! 

• USDA CACFP Crediting Handbook 
  • A guide explaining how foods are credited across all meal components, including fruits. 
• USDA Crediting Fruits in the Child Nutrition Programs Tip Sheet
  • This USDA tip sheet explains which forms of fruits are creditable in Child Nutrition Programs and how they can be prepared and served to meet meal pattern requirements. 
• CACFP Meal Pattern Minute Library 
  • Watch past Meal Pattern Minute reels and review common crediting questions. 

Fruits are naturally sweet! Try adding this Peach, Pineapple & Orange Smoothie as part of a snack or breakfast! 

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