Food & Beverage Manufacturing
Soups & Sides
Flavor, nutrition and comfort are three characteristics consumers are looking for in their diets, and side dishes such as soups, pasta and noodles, rice and salads have strong potential to deliver on this desire. All types of soup and sides can benefit from the nutrition, flavor and textures U.S. cheese, whey and milk proteins, permeates, yogurt and other dairy ingredients provide. Dairy ingredients and products from the United States help product developers keep on-trend with innovation in the soups and sides category. Learn more about U.S. dairy products in the Product Section.
Trends in Soups and Sides
Hectic lifestyles make easy-to-prepare soups and sides a natural choice for consumers to dine on at home as meal accompaniments or even center of plate items for heartier fare.
Product innovation is strong as formulators create items designed to meet consumer demands in categories including pasta and noodles. The natural healthfulness perception of ingredient lists continues to gain prominence as consumers seek clean labels.
Pasta and Noodles
Pasta and noodles, both prepared and plain, are popular side items. Cheese is a frequent, popular fixture in global prepared pasta and noodle products launched. The addition of cheese and U.S. dairy ingredients to pasta and noodle side items can be a valuable inclusion. Whey protein also is a useful ingredient, providing essential protein content that is easily digestible.
Clean Label
There is a marked trend for food marketing based on the intrinsic, natural healthfulness of the product and its ingredients. New global product development activity in the soup category supports consumers' desire for a clean label, with product claims such as "no additives" and "all natural" positioning supporting growth in the category.
One important consumer cue to discern real, fresh and natural foods is a short list of recognizable ingredients. Dairy-based ingredients and products provide a source of good nutrition, often supporting a shorter and clean label-friendly ingredient list.
Utilization
The chart below illustrates the benefits of common dairy ingredients.
| Butter & Milkfat(Details) | Cheese(Details) | Reduced-fat Evaporated Milk(Details) | Whey Permeate(Details) | Whey Proteins(Details) | Yogurt(Details) | |
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| Appearance |  |
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| Flavor | |
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| Opacity | |
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| Sodium Reduction | |
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| Butter & Milkfat Details | Cheese Details | Milk Powder Details | Permeate Details | Whey Details |
Formulas & Recipes
Access U.S. Dairy Export Council prototype formulations for inspiration on delicious soups and sides incorporating a variety of U.S. dairy products.
Squash and Apple Soup
Simmer up a pot of this golden potage and bask in the delightful combination of squash and apple.
Italian Bread Balls
These classic Italian bread balls with soft and fluffy interiors are great as a snack to nibble on. Serve with antipasti and dipping sauce for a scrumptious accompaniment to an Italian meal.
Reduced-sodium Protein Udon Soup
Easy-to-prepare comfort food gets upgraded with this fresh take on a popular dish.
Resources & Insights
Looking for further innovation ideas and technical support? Download the resources below for more information on developing soup and side dish applications with U.S. Dairy.
Whey Protein Concentrates in Low-Fat Applications
Their high nutritional quality and unique range of functional properties make whey ingredients valuable in a variety of low-fat products.