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Meal Pattern Minute: Dietary Supplements in Smoothies

October 3, 2025

Smoothies are a popular choice in the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) because they are easy to prepare and a great way to serve fruits, vegetables, fluid milk and yogurt.  But when it comes to adding a little “extra” to the blender, like protein powders or vitamin supplements, it’s important to know how these additions affect creditability in the CACFP. What seems like a healthy boost may change how the smoothie fits into your reimbursable meal. 

 Find out in this Meal Pattern Minute as Isabel Ramos-Lebron, MS, RDN, LD, as she shares whether dietary supplements can be included in a creditable smoothie. Transcript found below. 

The answer is no. When dietary supplements like whey protein powders, vitamin powders or herbal supplements are added to a creditable smoothie, the smoothie is no longer creditable in the CACFP. However, smoothies can be made with 100% pasteurized juice that has been fortified with vitamins and minerals, such as orange juice containing calcium and Vitamin D. 

 Learn more about smoothies by exploring the resources below. 

  • Smoothies Offered in Child Nutrition Programs (MEMO CODE: SP 40-2019, CACFP 17-2019, SFSP 17-2019) 
    • Are  smoothies containing nutritional supplements such as whey protein powder and herbal supplements such as Ginkgo biloba creditable in CNPs?
    • No. Smoothies with dietary and herbal supplements are not creditable for CNP. However, smoothies can be made with juice that has been fortified with vitamins and minerals, such as orange juice with calcium and Vitamin D added.
  • Let’s Make a Snack!
    • A USDA resource that provides recipes and additional information about preparing smoothies in the CACFP. 
  • Webinar: Shake Things Up! Adding Smoothies to Your CACFP Menu ($)
    • Smoothies are a delicious and easy way to add variety to your CACFP menu, but how can you serve them as part of a creditable meal or snack? We’ll break down how to incorporate smoothies into the meal pattern, maximize nutrition, and explore creative blends that appeal to those in your care. It comes with two webinar exclusive resources!

 Try adding one of these #CACFPCreditable smoothies to your menu. 

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