Give Now  »

wfiu logo
WFIU Public Radio

wtiu logo
WTIU Public Television

Choose which station to support!

Indiana Public Media | WFIU - NPR | WTIU - PBS

U.S. Schools May Add Greek Yogurt To Lunches

Chobani Greek Yogurt Cups

Some are pushing to add a new protein-rich item to school lunches: Greek yogurt. USDA officials stated the dairy product -- which owes its distinct flavor and thick texture to the absence of whey -- may very well end up serving as a meat substitute in public school cafeterias nationwide.

Trending



By some estimates, the past decade has seen overall yogurt consumption double. Indeed, almost one in three people eat yogurt on a daily basis.

As for trends in Greek yogurt, Chobani, a leading producer, is projected to sell nearly $1 billion worth of the stuff this year. According to investment film AllianceBernstein, one-third of all U.S. yogurt sales is comprised by Greek yogurt.

These figures are likely to grow significantly if Greek yogurt becomes a staple of school lunches.

Rejoice, New York Dairy Farmers



In hopes benefiting both his states' students and dairy farmers, New York senator Charles Schumer asked the USDA to consider Greek yogurt as an alternative to meat last June.

In response, USDA has decided make Greek yogurt available to a number of New York schools as a part of a pilot program. If all goes well, Greek yogurt could become available at schools across the country.

Read More:



  • At Chobani, the Turkish King of Greek Yogurt (Bloomberg Business Week)
  • More Grains and Meat Allowed In School Lunches (Earth Eats)
  • USDA Proposes Standards to Provide Healthy Food Options in Schools (USDA)
  • Greek yogurt may be coming to a school near you (USA Today)


Support For Indiana Public Media Comes From

About Earth Eats

Harvest Public Media