Meal Pattern Minute: Liquid Egg Substitutes

Carton egg products are common in Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) kitchens because they save time a. But when a menu lists “liquid egg whites” or “egg substitute,” are those products treated the same as shell eggs for the meats/meat alternates component? The distinction matters, because not every egg‑based product credits the same way in the CACFP and using the wrong one can lead to disallowed meals. 

 Need clarity before you menu it? Isabel Ramos‑Lebron, MS, RDN, LD, explains how liquid egg products are evaluated for CACFP crediting in this Meal Pattern Minute. 

Transcript: The answer is no. Liquid egg substitutes are not whole eggs and are not creditable toward the meats/meat alternates component. Instead, try liquid eggs made from whole eggs, which can then credit toward the meats/meat alternates component in the CACFP. 

Choosing the right egg product makes a big difference for CACFP crediting. Use these resources below to confirm that products are creditable and keep tuning in to Meal Pattern Minute for straightforward guidance you can use every day. 

• USDA CACFP Crediting Handbook
  • Provides detailed guidance on how meats/meat alternates, including eggs, are credited in the CACFP. 
  • USDA Food Buying Guide for Child Nutrition Programs
    Shows how eggs and egg products contribute to the meats/meat alternates component. You can create a free account! 
  • Meal Pattern Minute Library 
    Explore short videos that answer common CACFP meal pattern questions. 
• Recommended Webinars 
  • An Egg-cellent Adventure: Eggs in the CACFP 
    • Get ready to shell-ebrate this #CACFPCreditable favorite! We'll crack open creative ways to serve eggs in your CACFP menus, highlight our CACFP Creditable Spotlight Resource and share tips on how to include eggs in your menu planning. Whether scrambled, boiled or baked into something delicious, eggs are a powerhouse ingredient! Let's explore all the ways to make them work for you. 
  • Meats & Meat Alternates in the CACFP 
    • Meats and meat alternates provide the protein kids need to grow, stay strong and stay full longer. From chicken and eggs to yogurt and beans, there are plenty of ways to serve protein-packed meals.  

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