Latest news with #DairyFarmers
Yahoo
10 hours ago
- Health
- Yahoo
$4.50 Woolworths buy hailed as solution to common ‘struggle': ‘Noticed real changes'
Breakfast. It's a surprisingly controversial meal. Not everyone can stomach food first thing in the morning, but research shows that making the right choice can set you up for the day ahead. According to Dairy Farmers, 85 per cent of Aussies say they feel more energised and productive after a high-protein breakfast, but 40 per cent still skip it - and it's likely because finding convenient and tasty protein options can be tough. But what about dairy-based protein drinks? If you look at TikTok right now, it's fair to say they're having a moment. The category has grown a whopping 88 per cent in the past three years, and there's a heap of videos of creators sipping protein milk post-workout or testing out new flavours. Dairy Farmers' Senior Nutritionist Rachael Adams says getting just 30g of protein at breakfast can help you stay fuller for longer, support energy and mood, and reduce snacking later in the day. 'Protein is the most satiating nutrient – meaning it's the best at keeping us feeling full and nourished,' the expert tells Yahoo Lifestyle. "It helps to regulate appetite by increasing our satiety hormones, reducing the hunger-related hormone, ghrelin, and slowing how fast food leaves your stomach.' And Rachael says that dairy protein, in particular, can be a top choice. 'Dairy is one of the highest-quality protein sources available – it's not only a complete protein (containing all nine essential amino acids our bodies can't produce on their own), but also highly bioavailable, meaning our bodies absorb and use its protein more efficiently,' she says. 'In addition to being an excellent protein source, dairy is also nutrient-dense – providing important nutrients including calcium, B vitamins (B2, B5 & B12), iodine, phosphorus and potassium.' The key, Rachael says, is to tune into your body's 'natural hunger cues'. 'If you're not hungry first thing in the morning, forcing yourself to eat breakfast isn't necessarily the right thing to do,' she advises. 'What matters more is making sure your first meal of the day is packed with healthy and nutrient-dense foods, especially protein to help keep you feeling fuller for longer and reduce cravings. 'It's less about the time of day and more about what you eat for your first meal – whether it's at 7am or 11am depending on your lifestyle and hunger levels,' Rachel adds. That's where Dairy Farmers' new Protein Smoothies come in. They're a grab-and-go option for those wanting to get their 30g of natural dairy protein at any time of day, with no added sugar and without chowing down on anything too heavy. The smoothies, which retail for just $4.50 at Woolworths, are designed to fuel busy mornings or satisfy that post-workout chocolate milk fix, and come in three delicious flavours: chocolate, banana honey and mixed berry. The flavours are certainly proving a hit on TikTok, with content creator Namrita Nikita declaring the banana honey smoothie tastes like 'a liquid banana paddle pop' and telling fans the mixed berry version was 'really, really nice'. The chocolate version got her top marks, with the TikToker giving it a '10 out of 10' for taste. You can get your 30g of protein in many different ways, and Rachael says that a 400ml serving of your favourite Dairy Farmers Protein Smoothie is one option. Other suggestions from the expert include three eggs scrambled on toast with a dairy milk or soy milk coffee; 200g of Greek yoghurt topped with muesli, fruit and natural peanut butter; a baked bean and cheese toasted sandwich made with seeded bread with a dairy milk or soy milk coffee, or a smoked salmon and spinach three-egg frittata. The good thing about milk? Rachael says it's 'naturally rich in the good stuff'. 'It's a wholesome, no-nonsense option for people who care about real food that works hard for their health,' she says. 'And compared to other high-protein options like steak or protein powders, milk is also affordable, making it an accessible, everyday way to get high-quality nutrition.' Sydney gym-goer Xander Cross, 33, is one of those who's been embracing 30g of protein at breakfast for the last six years and he credits it for changing him mentally and physically. 'I've always had a smaller frame and found it challenging to gain muscle and size. On top of that, consistently eating enough protein throughout the day to support my fitness goals has been difficult,' Xander tells Yahoo Lifestyle. 'As someone who's very active in the gym, increasing my protein intake became a key priority to support muscle growth and help me reach my goals.' Xander admits that before making the change, he 'didn't have a structured or balanced diet'. 'I would often skip breakfast or grab something convenient, usually with little to no protein. This then carried through to the rest of my meals for the day,' he explains. 'After shifting my focus, especially at breakfast, I began making much more conscious and healthy decisions about what I was eating, starting by choosing a protein and building my meals around it. 'Physically, I noticed real changes,' he adds. 'My energy levels at the gym improved, and I started seeing more positive results from my workouts. 'Mentally, I felt more clear-headed throughout the day, along with the peace of mind that I was fuelling my body. But the biggest mental benefit has been knowing that I'm taking care of myself properly – our bodies are like machines, and we need to fuel and maintain them to function at our best.' When Xander finds himself running late in the morning, he now grabs a Dairy Farmers Protein Smoothie and some fruit on the go. 'I recommend this to anyone who struggles to get organised in the morning,' he says. 'When you build your breakfast around a protein source, it becomes much easier to ensure you're starting your day with a balanced, nourishing meal.' Learn more about the Dairy Farmers Protein Smoothie range, here.
Forbes
06-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Forbes
There's A Cheese Festival In Wisconsin With A Next-Level Cheese Ball
The Wisconsin Cheese Ball at The Art of Cheese Festival. The Art of Cheese Festival A decked-out cheese ball with 70+ local cheeses, disco flair, and even cheese cocktails anchors this over-the-top Wisconsin fest. In case you've been living under a rock, Wisconsin's cheese scene is legendary (and the closest you'll get to a European cheese region stateside). The state has been making cheese for over 180 years— before it even became a state. Two years ago, I stumbled upon the first-ever Art of Cheese Festival in Madison, Wisconsin—and the best part? A full-on, next-level cheese ball. Yes, there's a cheese ball! One of my favorite moments was running into my cheesemonger friend Janeè Muha, who I last saw noshing on Gouda in the Netherlands a few years back. At the ball, she had a wedge of Uplands Cheese's Rush Creek Reserve—an ultra-coveted cheese made only in the fall, inspired by the French Vacherin Mont d'Or—stashed in her fanny pack. We stood in a corner scooping it out like ice cream, admiring everyone's cheese-forward attire (including fascinators made of cheese spread). Janeè Muha's Rush Creek Reserve fanny pack stash at the 2023 Cheese Ball. Jenn Rice 'The first-ever Art of Cheese Festival in 2023 was such a hit, and we couldn't be more excited to bring it back—this time, even bigger and better,' says Rachel Kerr, senior director of experiential and brand marketing at Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin. 'We're bringing back festival favorites like Cheese Fair Off the Square and the Wisconsin Cheese Ball, which has a fun new theme for 2025: 'A Night in Lights.' We're also adding a few new experiences that'll give people an even deeper appreciation of Wisconsin Cheese,' she adds. This year, they're also introducing the festival to Milwaukee with a new Friday excursion. In 2023, the inaugural festival drew more than 10,000 attendees from 26 states and Canada, showcasing over 100 cheeses from 30+ local cheese makers and creameries. 'It was a true celebration of the best Wisconsin has to offer,' Kerr says. Wisconsin Cheese Ball at The Art of Cheese Festival. The Art of Cheese Festival This year, the festival is pulling out all the stops. 'To kick things off on Thursday, we're hosting the inaugural Wisconsin Art of Cheese Open—a golf outing perfect for both cheese connoisseurs and golf lovers,' says Kerr. Also on the docket: a creamery tour and tasting at Crave Brothers Farmstead and a cheese-and-wine excursion that begins with a sensory evaluation course taught by experts from the University of Wisconsin-Madison's Center for Dairy Research. Top Chef fans: There's something for you, too. The fest will include a tour and lunch with Top Chef runner-up and James Beard-nominated chef Dan Jacobs. (FYI: Season 21 of Top Chef was filmed in Wisconsin, and Wisconsin cheese played a starring role in episode three's elimination challenge.) 'Two of Wisconsin's top cheesemakers, Andy Hatch of Uplands Cheese and Pam Hodgson of Sartori Cheese, also appeared on the episode—both of their award-winning cheeses will be at the festival!' Kerr says. Wisconsin Cheese Ball at The Art of Cheese Festival. The Art of Cheese Festival Can't-Miss Experiences for First-Timers Obviously, the Cheese Ball is a highlight. The extravagant, disco-themed gala will feature over 70 cheeses, local cheesemakers, and creative cocktail pairings. 'This year's theme, 'A Night in Lights,' is going to be an unforgettable evening!' For first-time attendees, Kerr recommends taking advantage of the festival's immersive experiences. 'One of the best parts of the Wisconsin Art of Cheese Festival is learning the history of cheesemaking in Wisconsin, getting a behind-the-scenes look at how award-winning cheeses are crafted, and tasting new cheeses you may have never tried before,' she says. 'Wisconsin actually wins more cheese awards than any other state or country, so the festival is the perfect opportunity to try the best of the best.' She also suggests the Crave Brothers and Uplands Cheese and dairy farm tours. 'These excursions are unique to the festival and unavailable any other time of year,' Kerr says. And yes—she circles back to the Cheese Ball: 'It's not only about amazing cheese and drink pairings. It's a rare opportunity to meet the makers behind the cheeses you love. I also recommend checking out Cheese Fair Off the Square, which happens alongside the popular Dane County Farmers' Market, and the live taping of the Milk Street radio show and podcast!' Marieke Penterman of Marieke Gouda/The Art of Cheese Festival. The Art of Cheese Festival Cheese Stars to Look Out For The 2025 lineup is packed with cheese and culinary stars, including Top Chef 's Dan Jacobs, Wisconsin Foodie host Luke Zahm, and acclaimed cheesemonger Alisha Norris-Jones. 'We're also thrilled to welcome Christopher Kimball, host of the Milk Street podcast, and Dean Sommers, who will lead a fascinating class on the history of Wisconsin dairy.' Of course, the cheesemakers themselves are the main attraction. Look out for Ron Henningfeld from Hill Valley Dairy, Andy Hatch from Uplands Cheese, and the Crave Brothers. 'We also hope to welcome back makers like Marieke Penterman of Marieke Gouda,' Kerr says. 'Marieke recently became only the fourth woman to achieve Master Cheesemaker status—an incredible accomplishment.' Uplands Cheese dairy farm/The Art of Cheese Festival. Jenn Rice Wisconsin is the only place outside Switzerland where someone can earn the Master Cheesemaker title. The process is intense. Candidates need at least 10 years of experience as licensed cheesemakers, five years focused on a specific cheese, and then a grueling three-year certification process. 'With so many exciting things happening this year, there's really something for everyone,' says Kerr. Whether you're a seasoned connoisseur or just starting your cheese journey, the Art of Cheese Festival offers a rare opportunity to taste, learn, and connect with the people behind every bite.
