Cutting back on desserts with a high sugar content has been an ever-increasing priority of caterers in the education sector: looking for the latest alternatives that still provide student diners with the much needed nutritional benefits on a daily basis that can also be viewed as tasty treats. Bearing the vital portions of calcium that are paramount in supporting the growth and development of young pupils, the dairy category is one that cannot go understated. A particular dessert under this group that would be perfect for any school menu is of course the flavourful sensation: yogurt.
When diverting from the sugar-filled brands, a low fat and sugar-free yogurt can be a plethora of benefits to the lunchtime diner. The most well-known would of course be its calcium content: accounting for 49% of a person’s daily calcium needs in just one serving. Whilst not the case with all yogurt varieties, you’ll find on the labels that some are added made with vitamin D, boosting the body’s absorption of calcium and further assisting with teeth and bone health. Other minerals included in a yogurt serving are magnesium and potassium, which also help boosting bone health along with maintaining a healthy blood pressure and metabolism.
Adding to the vitamin cocktail, yogurt is abounded with B vitamins. Especially B12 and riboflavin. Blood cell growth, energy levels, eyesight, digestion, appetite, nerve functions, cholesterol production, muscle health and even cardiovascular health are all supported by this one vitamin group that a daily yogurt could contribute.
Protein is another excellent gain from lunchtime dairy products. Bearing 12 grams for every 200 grams of yogurt, consistent servings would lend the nutrients’ advantages of supporting metabolism and appetite regulation. Studies have shown that due to increasing the production of hormones which make diners feel full, they may consume less calories later on in the day when it comes to tea time. With Greek and Icelandic yogurts in particular being very high in protein, the dessert can be an undoubted aid in appetite and weight control.
As nutritionally beneficial as they are, it goes without saying that yogurt and other diary-based desserts aren’t for everyone. In addition to lactose intolerance, students with other special diets due to gluten allergies or vegan lifestyles need to also be considered when implementing any part of a school menu.
First: gluten allergies. In its pure form, yogurt can actually be enjoyed on a gluten-free diet. However, the flavourings and sweeteners that manufacturers add to complete the product are what usually make them inedible for a gluten intolerant individuals. This doesn’t go for all brands, though. Select brands offer a wide selection of gluten-free options amongst their yogurt products. Chobani, Stonyfield Farm and Fage have the widest selections, but by all means shop around to find out which one caters specifically to your catering operation’s needs.
For your vegan and lactose intolerant students, there are also brands which offer options that are entirely dairy-free. Alpro and Koko are the most well-known dairy free brands, although there are other brands like Provamel which sell more premium flavours. As the nutritional content will of course differ due to being dairy-free, be sure to check all of the nutritional information provided beforehand so that you’re making an informed purchase that meets your student’s needs.
Being the leading independent catering and kitchen equipment supplier to the hospitality and public sector, Alliance is dedicated to providing the best service and expertise to any educational institution. No matter what’s on your school menu, there’s always something available that will help improve your service. For optimal dining periods with minimal breakages, try out polycarbonate bowls by Harfield: being virtually unbreakable with small meals and desserts. Also among our disposables range, you can find our Easystyle plastic bowls from Plastico, being lightweight and practical. Finally, we have our Chinet bowls from Huhtamaki: featuring an elegant yet leak-resistant design that can be relied on for even the heaviest meals. To find out what else our range of outstanding products can do for you, visit us at our online store or give us a call at 0844 499 4300.
