Clio Snacks, Piscataway, N.J., unveiled three new additions to its refrigerated handheld bar portfolio: Chocolate Greek yogurt bars, Vanilla less sugar yogurt bars and Vanilla Almond granola & yogurt parfait bars.

Americans are snacking more often. The NPD Group notes that U.S. consumers added 25 between-meal snacking occasions per capita in the five years ending in 2020 (from 505 occasions in 2015 to 530 in 2020).

By consuming snacks, consumers are meeting a wide range of personal needs ranging from indulgence and comfort to nutritional benefits and emotional considerations. Innovating with dairy ingredients plays an increasing role in this trend. 

The California Milk Advisory Board (CMAB), Tracy, Calif., announced the return of its dairy product innovation competition with the launch of the Real California Milk Snackcelerator.

Dairy foods and beverages are sold in smaller and more convenient snack-size packaging. You’ll find yogurt on a stick and cheese in single-serve packs. Dairy is even used to make packaging; The USDA has developed a film made from milk protein.

 Americans are on the go. There is an opportunity for processors to develop dairy-protein-fortified snacks and beverages that can be eaten away from the dining room table. 

Dairy brands promote yogurts for breakfasts and snacks and cheese for lunch and dinner in this week's free-standing inserts. Featured are Yoplait, Dannon, Kraft, Hormel and Sargento.