Meal Pattern Minute: Apple Butter

Apples are commonly served in the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP). There is a wide range of apples available year-round that can add variety to a child’s plate. Each type of apple has a different flavor and texture profile like crunchy or soft and sweet or tart.  Depending on the apple, they may be ideal to be served as is, blended into a smoothie or even use products like apple butter. Many of these forms are creditable towards the fruits component in the CACFP, so can apple butter credit towards this component as well? 

Watch this Meal Pattern Minute as Isabel Ramos-Lebron, MS, RDN, LD, explains why apple butter may or may not be creditable in the CACFP. 

Transcript: The answer is no. Apple butter is not creditable towards the fruits component in the CACFP because it is considered a fruit spread or condiment. In addition, fruit butter often contains added sugars and is typically served in small amounts.  

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 (or not credited) across all meal components, including apple butter. 
• 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. 
• USDA Food Buying Guide
  • Explore this interactive web-based tool identify fruits that are creditable in the CACFP, including yield information. 
• Webinar Recommendation: Fruits in the CACFP ($)
  • Explore the different forms of fruits allowed in the CACFP, how much to serve, and best practices. 
• Recipe Suggestion 
  • Encourage more vegetable consumption by pairing vegetables with a familiar fruit! Add Fresh Carrot Salad to your menu, it’s made with grated carrots and apples, with lemon juice, oil and raisins. 

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!