Dairy has not escaped the influencing trend – in fact, it’s been the focus of a nutrition beat. Cottage cheese and Greek yogurt boast a healthy portion of protein (25 grams and 17 grams per cup, respectively) prompting health-conscious consumers to create unique recipes incorporating the dairy products. This trend follows suit of a larger one: tracking macronutrients.

While the dairy industry has always understood the importance of a balanced ration for peak performance, the public has struggled to grasp the concept when it comes to personal nutrition. Diets that focus on eliminating food groups or restricting caloric intake have reigned supreme over the American people for years, until a recent buzz surrounding tracking macronutrients (macros) took the stage. Macros consist of proteins, fats and carbohydrates. A balanced diet should include healthy portions of each. A focus on intake of protein-based products resulted in a search for high-protein, satiating foods; enter dairy products.

Cottage cheese can be used in pancakes, cake, ice cream, pasta sauce, you name it. Greek yogurt is a great staple in smoothies, sauces and more. Health coaches, nutrition experts and homemakers caught on to the buzz – posting new recipes incorporating dairy products. These influencers finally realized what the dairy industry has known all along: Dairy is a healthy, versatile source of nutrition. While this isn’t exactly new to our industry, or those who remember that cottage cheese was marketed as a health food in the 1960s-70s, it is new to an entire generation that spends their time on TikTok and Instagram.