Meal Pattern Minute: Lemonade and Limeade

When it comes to serving refreshing drinks in the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP), especially during hot summer months, it’s easy to assume that beverages like lemonade or limeade might count toward the fruits component. After all, they’re made from fruit, right? But in the world of CACFP meal patterns, what seems like a fruit serving doesn’t always meet the crediting criteria. Understanding these distinctions is key to staying compliant and ensuring participants receive the full nutritional benefits intended by the program. 

Tune in to this Meal Pattern Minute to hear Isabel Ramos-Lebron, MS, RDN, LD, explain what type of fruit beverages credit towards the CACFP meal pattern. 

Transcript: The answer is no. Lemonade and limeade are not creditable toward the fruits component in the CACFP because they are typically made with water and added sugars and are not 100% full strength juice. Only 100% pasteurized, full-strength fruit and/or vegetable juice are creditable in the CACFP. 

Staying up to date on crediting rules helps you confidently plan menus that are both compliant and nutritious. Be sure to explore these resources and keep learning with each Meal Pattern Minute! 

•   USDA CACFP Crediting Handbook
• • A guide explaining how foods are credited across all meal components, including fruit beverages. 
• 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/or served to meet meal pattern requirements. 
• Meal Pattern Minute
  • Explore quick videos on common CACFP meal pattern questions. 
• 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 
  • If you’re looking for a refreshing, creditable alternative to lemonade or limeade, Big Bird’s Happy Day Sunrise Smoothie is a great option that uses real fruit to help meet CACFP meal pattern requirements. It offers the same bright, fun appeal as citrus drinks while meeting CACFP regulations. Big 

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