TALES FROM THE
daRI^® FARM

Fat is an essential nutrient, yet certain types of fat get a bad rap. Unsaturated fats from nuts, seeds, oils, and fatty fish have a role to play in heart health. Saturated fats, found in dairy foods and meats are thought of the less healthy options. A recent research review showed that there is no significant evidence to conclude that dietary saturated fat ( from the food we eat) is associated with increased risk of heart disease. In fact, research has shown that the consumption of milk and milk products, regardless of fat level, can reduce the risk of high blood pressure, heart disease and Type 2 diabetes.

The fatty acid profile of whole milk is a combination of saturated, monounsaturated, polyunsaturated, and trans fatty acids, such as conjugated linoleic acid. Interestingly, the saturated fat in milk has minimal, if any impact on cholesterol level and may also raise HDL (good cholesterol) levels.

What does that mean for kids and teenagers? The recommended intake of saturated fat for this age range is no more than 10% of daily calories, so seeing as active kids/teens may need at least 2000 calories per day, 20+ grams of saturated fat/day would be acceptable. MOO’V™ has 11 grams of saturated fat or ½ of the daily requirements but also helps to meet the daily needs for protein, vitamins and minerals. 

MOO’V™ supplies 18 grams of fat per serving along with 13 grams of protein and 12 other essential micronutrients along with great mouthfeel and taste appeal. So, if you are looking for the nutrish and delish in your pour, MOO’V™ delivers that…and more!

Leslie Bonci, MPH, RDN, CSSD, LDN, is the Dietary & Nutrition Strategic Advisor at Dari^® and MOO’V™ milk. With over two decades of experience, she is an expert in nutrition with many of Leslie’s blog posts center around active eating and fueling for sport. She is the Head Nutritionist for the Kansas City Chiefs and has been a consulting sports dietitian in the NFL, MLB, and NHL, and worked with Olympic athletes. Bonci has co-authored three books with an active eating focus, is a blogger for US News Eat + Run, and is a sought-after expert for television, radio, print and online media, Bonci speaks regularly on topics including “sciensationalism,” “fuels of engagement” and “communication with conviction” to help influencers and consumers debunk the junk and separate fact from fallacy.

Lets’ face it, when we think about our kid’s favorite taste preferences as well as our own, the taste of sweet is typically the first choice. Why? Foods that are sweet taste great, they can help us to relax and feel good. The tastes of bitter, salty, sour and umami can also be enjoyable but may not be the go-to for our kids.

So as parents and grandparents, how can we help our kids indulge their sweet tooth without going overboard and why? High sugary foods may not give sustained energy and may contribute to excess calorie consumption. Contrary to popular beliefs, there is no such thing as a sugar high or sugar crash, but if we want our kids to nourish to flourish, there are better options for them. We are big fans of powerful pairings – great taste that provides the energy (calories) kids need along with protein and fat to help them feel fuller for longer – This is one of the benefits of MOO’V™. MOO’V™ is food not just a beverage, and it delivers on upping the nutritional value that we can all feel good about, to help our kids strive and thrive.

Sure, fruit is great. It has a naturally sweet taste as well as fiber, vitamins, mineral and plant nutrients. And when we pair fruit with protein and fat, kids stay satisfied for longer. If your kids are begging for cookies, give them 2 and serve them with a bottle of MOO’V™. Dunking chocolate graham crackers in Horchata…delish, AND it will provide the trifecta of protein, fat, and carbs, as well as being a vitamin-mineral powerhouse.

MOO’V™ has a naturally sweet taste but also has the protein and fat to keep kids energized and satisfied over a longer period of time. Having something sweet is not a health defeat. By choosing to pour MOO’V™, you are helping to push your kids towards a #healthyselfie with something on your refrigerator shelfie.

Leslie Bonci, MPH, RDN, CSSD, LDN, is the Dietary & Nutrition Strategic Advisor at Dari^® and MOO’V™ milk. With over two decades of experience, she is an expert in nutrition with many of Leslie’s blog posts center around active eating and fueling for sport. She is the Head Nutritionist for the Kansas City Chiefs and has been a consulting sports dietitian in the NFL, MLB, and NHL, and worked with Olympic athletes. Bonci has co-authored three books with an active eating focus, is a blogger for US News Eat + Run, and is a sought-after expert for television, radio, print and online media, Bonci speaks regularly on topics including “sciensationalism,” “fuels of engagement” and “communication with conviction” to help influencers and consumers debunk the junk and separate fact from fallacy.

DARI^®, a trailblazer in the dairy industry, announces a new taste challenge, “Approve of MOO’V™,” supporting Children’s Hospitals in the upper Midwest. To celebrate June Dairy Month, DARI^® will donate $1 to Children’s Hospital for each social media post by people experiencing the new MOO’V™ ultra-filtered, lactose-free, high-protein, low-sugar, naturally flavored, whole milk beverage. MOO’V’s formula provides parents a healthy, great tasting, and refreshing experience for their children with 19 grams of protein and only 7 grams of naturally occurring sugar in a lactose-free whole milk.  

Sugar is a critical factor in the development of childhood obesity and contributes to other medical problems. The recommended daily limit for kids is less than 25 grams. However, most drinks established for this demographic have excessive sugar and are above this limit. A typical 12oz soda will have anywhere between 40gms up to 65gms of sugar. A leading kid-branded milk-based beverage ranges from 22 grams to 38 grams of sugar. Similarly, most standard chocolate kinds of milk typically have more than 20 grams of sugar as an ingredient in their formulas. 

With sugar recognized as a problem in most kids’ drinks, MOO’V™ provides a better path for parents to deliver the power and nutrition of milk and avoid the downside of this ingredient found in most current options. To this end, the organization has a stated mission of developing clean-label products and giving back through financially supporting health initiatives focused on kids.

The MOO’V™ taste challenge “Approve of MOO’V™” is the first official effort by the company to support children’s health initiatives financially. The program’s goal is to provide $25,000 distributed to specific Children’s Hospitals throughout the Upper Midwest, and the taste challenge will run until the end of June 2023. “While the goal of DARI^® is developing and delivering innovative milk-based products to consumers, our mission is about giving back to the communities we serve. Each team member has been touched personally by the tireless efforts and great work of people in Children’s Hospitals. We are committed to aiding them in their mission of helping kids and families in the time of their greatest need,” commented Dan Ellsworth, CEO of DARI^®.

MOOV™ ultra-filtered, lactose-free, low-sugar beverages are in Hy-Vee grocery stores and many convenience stores throughout the Upper Midwest.  For more information visit us at www.realdari.com or follow @realdari on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

About Dari^®
Dari^® is a 4th generation, family-run dairy farm that prides themselves on producing quality healthy milk from cows that are not only well cared for, but truly loved. They are part of the family. And their state-of-the-art farms not only ensure the optimum care for the cows, but also allows them to follow the highest standards of stewardship and effective management in the industry. Dari^® is committed to their cows, the environment and their communities. That doesn’t just mean doing what is expected…it means going above and beyond to ensure that they always deliver the best to their friends and neighbors – near and far. For more information, visit www.realdari.com or follow @realdari on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and Youtube.