Sharon Gerdes

Even though a cow's diet includes a lot of high-fiber feedstuffs, fluid milk contains no fiber. Yet fiber is an excellent ingredient to boost the nutrition of a wide range of dairy products and dairy alternatives. Let's explore the benefits of adding fiber to foods in the frozen and refrigerated dairy cases.

Most seniors remember grooving to the Bee Gees song "Stayin' Alive." And since the COVID-19 pandemic, their focus might have shifted from enjoying the golden years to literally staying alive.

Like Ponce de León searching for the Fountain of Youth, food manufacturers are always on the hunt for the next superfruit. While there is no exact definition of a superfruit, any fruit with a high antioxidant content, and thus potential to stave off the effects of aging, is a ripe candidate.

At 13, my grandson is starting to lift weights to build strength and be more competitive in sports. At 40-plus, my son continues to lift weights to keep his weight in check. And at 60-plus, I lift lighter weights and do yoga to keep my muscles strong and flexible. And each of us has a favorite protein supplement.

Ethically produced can mean different things for different food categories. For chocolate, it might be fair trade; for eggs, cage-free. But what does it mean for dairy?

Dairy foods are ideal components of a sensible weight management plan, but added sugars can sabotage the healthy aspects of those foods.

Probiotics are most widely recognized for their ability to boost immune function, aid digestion, keep harmful microorganisms in check and aid in nutrient absorption.

Americans are infatuated with protein. Various surveys show that it's one of the top components consumers want to increase in their diet.

What kind of milk is best for the body and the planet is a topic of much debate. Organic dairy products provide higher levels of certain fatty acids, and the organic label ensures freedom from synthetic fertilizers, pesticides and GMOs in the feedstuffs.