2026 May

The May issue of Dairy Foods features “Happiness Hustlers,” the 100 franchisees of Mobile, Ala.-based Frios Gourmet Pops, which delivers 60 SKUs of flavorful pops like White Peach Raspberry to modern-day ice cream trucks. We explore the $51B world of infant formulas, scrutinize flavor modulators and maskers for next-generation dairy formulations, and examine the power of rigid and flexible primary packaging. Check out our Membrane Technologies feature, columns on health snacking and why cultured dairy products are a good fit for the new Dietary Guidelines for Americans, the latest new products, and much more.

A row of Frios Gourmet Pops with a tie dye pattern as a background.

Processor Profile

How Frios Gourmet Pops delivers happiness

Nostalgia and a successful franchise program are driving excellent growth.

Brian Berk

May 18, 2026

Frios Gourmet Pops, based in Mobile, Alabama, has a straightforward mission: to deliver moments of happiness. Their franchisees are known as “Happiness Hustlers.” For CEO Cliff Kennedy, who has held this position for eight years, creating these moments often involves evoking childhood memories, which is reflected in many of their flavor offerings.

Trays of Frios pops in the manufacturing facility.

Inside the Plant

Frios’ E-2 visa program bringing in successful franchisees

Company continues to see good growth.

Brian Berk

May 27, 2026

Frios Gourmet Pops’ Mobile, Ala., facility, located near Interstate 65 and spanning some 21,000 square feet, can employ up to 25 people based on time of year and product demand. Upon visiting the facility, it is clear that the company can expand its operations significantly.

A young Asian mother holding her son and a sippy cup, an older woman is in the blurred background.

Outlook Report

Finding the right infant formula is crucial to a baby’s growth and development

The global infant formula market is valued at $51B.

Barbara Harfmann

May 11, 2026

Proper infant nutrition is crucial for growth and health during the early years. While breastfeeding is recommended, formula options are available for varying needs. Learn how to choose the right infant formula that meets nutritional standards and supports your baby's development.

An overhead and close-up view of a bowl of cottage cheese topped with fresh blueberries.

Market Trends

Cottage cheese sales top $2 Billion

Daisy, Lactalis, Good Culture, Kemps and Darigold among companies that had fantastic years in the cultured dairy category.

Brian Berk

May 6, 2026

Cultured dairy is booming, led by soaring yogurt and cottage cheese sales, according to Circana data. Sour cream and cream cheese showed mixed results, though several brands posted standout gains across key cultured dairy segments.

Cropped image of a person typing on a laptop on a desk.

Editor's Letter

Dietary changes equal big opportunity for dairy

For years, consumers have wanted to make changes and now they are.

Brian Berk

May 4, 2026

A recent survey reveals that U.S. adults prioritizing metabolic health are shifting their diets, focusing on healthier choices over aesthetics. With an emphasis on snacking smarter and the impact of GLP-1 medications, the dairy industry has a significant opportunity to meet evolving consumer needs.

Let's Talk Dairy graphic with a boom microphone and colorful blurred background.

Let's Talk Dairy Podcast

Episode 64 – Why is dairy perfect for GLP-1 consumers?

Fonterra global lead nutritionist joins “Let’s Talk Dairy” podcast to discuss.

Brian Berk

May 1, 2026

Jacqueline Van Schaik, global lead nutritionist, Fonterra, joins Dairy Foods for episode 64 of the “Let’s Talk Dairy” podcast. During this podcast, she discusses GLP-1s and dairy.

Glass of milk next to a mound of dry milk powder and a spoon of milk powder.

Ingredient Showcase

Ingredient suppliers highlight the latest solutions in dairy and plant-based proteins

May 28, 2026

We offer the latest solutions in dairy and plant-based proteins.

Close up of a whipped frozen dessert with a light green color.

Ingredient Technologies

The keys to high-protein dairy formulations

Flavor is still a must for consumers and provides a significant challenge.

David Feder RDN

May 20, 2026

The evolution of flavor modulation in dairy highlights the challenge of maintaining indulgent taste and smooth texture while integrating high-protein and functional ingredients. As consumer preferences shift, formulators are turning to layered systems of flavor builders and modulators for innovative solutions.

Closeup of young Asian man preparing yogurt and muesli breakfast at modern home. Diet and healthy food morning routine concept.

Culturally Speaking

Cultured dairy products are a good fit for the new Dietary Guidelines for Americans

Full-fat dairy plays well into these recommendations.

K.J. Burrington

May 13, 2026

The New Dietary Guidelines for Americans 2025-2030 emphasize three goals: 1) Eat the right amount; 2) Prioritize protein at every meal; and 3) Include dairy, even full-fat options without added sugars. Gut health is also highlighted, and KJ Burrington notes that cultured dairy products meet these criteria.

Cheese and crackers on a round wooden board.

Health & Wellness

How dairy foods can deliver healthy snacking experiences

Staying healthy and happy.

Mary Wilcox

May 8, 2026

Discover the benefits of nutrient-dense dairy snacks! From portable yogurt and protein-rich spreads to savory cheeses, these flavorful options provide balanced energy and health benefits. Embrace strategic snacking for a healthier lifestyle with convenient, tasty dairy choices.

FoodSafe Drains' 10,000 Series Slot Drain

Equipment Showcase

Equipment suppliers provide solutions for cleaning and sanitation

May 29, 2026

Dairy Foods highlights solutions for cleaning and sanitation.

Automated factory milk production process.

Packaging Technologies

Primary Packaging Performs Well

At 45% of the end-use market, food packaging generates $19B in sales.

Barbara Harfmann

May 22, 2026

Primary packaging ensures the freshness and safety of dairy products. In 2024, U.S. flexible packaging sales reached $42.6 billion, up 2.9% from 2023, with a projected growth to $44.6 billion in 2025.

Large copper cheese-making vat filled with milk, equipped with an automated stirring device inside a tiled dairy processing room with wooden windows.

Membrane Technologies

The many ways to recover protein and minerals from whey

Dairy processors target high-margin proteins, minerals and water reuse as filtration technologies evolve.

Sammy Bredar

May 8, 2026

Whey, once seen as a byproduct, is now a valuable resource for dairy processors, projected to grow into a $26.24 billion market by 2034. Innovations in membrane filtration and byproduct recovery are driving this shift, enhancing sustainability and protein extraction.