"This contest provides a glimpse into future possibilities for the food industry," says Mike LaPolla, dir. of ingredient marketing for DMI's Do it with dairy[r] program. "The student response to this year's contest was fabulous and demonstrates that we can count on inventiveness in the food industry in the years ahead. Plus, the entries represent a refreshing reminder of how powerful dairy ingredients are."

The Best Overall entry was Fiesta Rolls, premium frozen Parmesan cheese rolls influenced by traditional Brazilian bread. Developed by students from the University of Minnesota, the team took home a $5,000 cash prize. "Dairy ingredients can provide a lot of flavor," says Kristen Schmitz, team captain. "In addition, they can provide superior nutritional qualities." A single serving of Fiesta Rolls provides 25% of the RDA for calcium.

"Considering the fact that dairy ingredients in Fiesta Rolls account for 37% of the total formula and contribute extensively to the main flavor development, they really are essential to the success of the product," says Schmitz.

Other winners are Washington State University, which earned a Most Creative award (and $3,000) for its Cheezzlers fruit-flavored string cheese, and Cornell University, Ithaca, N.Y., which merited a Most Marketable mention (and $3,000) for its FroYum! freeze-dried yogurt cereal.

Of course, the food-science students aren't alone in their glory. The U.S. dairy industry reaps rewards as well since major food companies might pick up these innovative entries and investigate their marketplace potential.

DMI will display the winning entries at IFT booth 1558.

For more information on the Discoveries in Dairy Ingredients Contest winners and how to enter the sixth annual contest, call 800/248-8829 or visit www.doitwithdairy.com.