Milk and dairy foods provide essential nutrients that all individuals need. From calcium that helps keep bones strong and B vitamins that help bodies use carbohydrates to proteins and fats for fuel, all 13 essential nutrients found in milk are vital for overall health. And, while consuming dairy is as simple as drinking a glass of milk or adding a slice of cheese to a sandwich, there are fun and creative ways to work a serving of dairy into your daily routine. Enter smoothies!

In recent years, the popularity of smoothies has continued to rise. Combining milk and yogurt with fruits (and even vegetables) has helped individuals boost their dairy servings along with other food groups. Smoothies are both an easy grab-and-go option for busy work mornings and a quick-fix breakfast that powers brains and bodies for the day ahead.

Servin’ Up Smoothies in Schools

Schools have also jumped on the rising popularity of this creamy beverage. Smoothies offered in schools contain a serving of milk (which is required at both breakfast and lunch), a serving of meat/meat alternates (think protein), and a serving of fruit or vegetables. These delicious drinks are the perfect option for students making their way through the breakfast line or looking for a lunch item to help power them through the afternoon. When you consider the 13 essential nutrients found in milk, along with the protein in yogurt, smoothies provide lasting nutrition and at least one full serving of dairy for the day. The Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommends individuals consume 3 servings of dairy every day. One cup of milk, one cup of yogurt, and 1.5 ounces of cheese each count as one serving.

Servin’ Up Smoothies grants were recently offered throughout St. Louis District Dairy Council’s 131-county service area, and 20 local schools were awarded grants. Each school received an immersion blender, mixing bucket, and recipes suited for school breakfast and lunch. Schools will offer smoothies at least two days per week and all smoothie recipes will meet school nutrition requirements. The Servin’ Up Smoothies grant is the perfect opportunity for school cafeterias to provide milk and yogurt to their students in a creative and delicious way.

Creating Sensational Smoothies

When creating smoothies at home, make sure to include foods from multiple food groups. This variety will help deliver many different nutrients needed for optimal health. Start with a base of three ingredients, such as milk, yogurt, and fruit. Ingredients can then be added to the base. Some SLDDC favorites include chocolate peanut butter banana smoothies (made with chocolate milk, yogurt, banana, and peanut butter), strawberry banana smoothies (made with milk, strawberry yogurt, strawberries, banana, and spinach) and mango avocado smoothies (made with milk, yogurt, mango, banana, avocado, and honey). Don’t be afraid to try new combinations, such as your favorite flavored milk or yogurt and seasonal fresh produce like peaches, avocados, or even kale!