Meal Pattern Minute: Sweet Toppings

Pancakes are a breakfast favorite in many child and adult care settings, but providers operating the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) may wonder,  does adding a sweet topping like syrup or honey turn pancakes into a grain-based dessert? Grain-based desserts are not creditable towards the grains component in CACFP meals and snacks. So, it’s important to know if you can credit pancakes when you add a sweet topping. 

Before you drizzle that syrup, find out the answer by listening to this Meal Pattern Minute as Isabel Ramos-Lebron, MS, RDN, LD, reviews what the USDA says about sweet toppings on pancakes. You can find the script and supporting USDA resources below. 

The answer is no. Adding sweet toppings like maple syrup to pancakes or waffles does not make them grain-based desserts. However, FNS strongly encourages CACFP operators to explore healthier alternatives for toppings, such as fruits or yogurts. Minimizing sweet toppings will help reduce participants’ consumption of added sugars. 

• Memo Code CACFP 05-2025: Grains Requirements in the CACFP; Questions and Answers 
  • Pancakes and waffles are not grain-based desserts according to Exhibit A. If syrup, honey, jam or another sweet topping is served with the pancakes or waffles, are they then considered grain-based desserts? No. Adding a sweet topping to pancakes or waffles does not make them grain-based desserts. However, FNS strongly encourages institutions and facilities to explore healthier alternatives for toppings, such as fruit or yogurt. Minimizing sweet toppings will help reduce participants’ consumption of added sugars. When sugars are added to foods and beverages to sweeten them, they add calories without contributing essential nutrients. 
•  To learn more about what foods qualify as grain-based dessert refer to the helpful resources below. 
  • Policy Memo CACFP 16-2017: Grain-Based Desserts in the CACFP 
  • Grain-Based Desserts in the CACFP 
    • This helpful chart provides common examples of what foods are considered to be a grain-based dessert and which foods are creditable in the CACFP. 
•  Use one of these toppings next time you plan to serve pancakes or waffles. 
  • Applesauce 
  • Sliced strawberries or bananas
  • Vanilla yogurt that meets the CACFP added sugars limit
•  Try out one of these CACFP Creditable recipes:
  • Waffle Fruit Pizza
  • Oven Baked Pancakes with Spiced Pears (Family Child Care Homes)
  • Oven Baked Pancakes with Spiced Pears (Centers)

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