New Standards, New Opportunities

New K-12 nutrition guidelines are in, and now is the time to look at all of your menus from top to bottom. These new federal rules require careful planning, potential ingredient adjustments and menu changes to maintain compliance. Here’s a high-level rundown of the USDA’s phased-in nutrition standards rolling out through 2027 and a quick tip for adapting to meet these new guidelines without sacrificing student appeal and participation.

WHO’S AFFECTED?

Any K-12 schools that participate in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) and School Breakfast Program (SBP) are required to meet the phased-in standards to maintain funding. Both programs are a critical lifeline for tens of millions of participating students.

WHAT’S CHANGING FEDERALLY?

Through 2027, the USDA has set phased-in adjustments and requirements in three key areas: sugars, sodium, and whole grains.1

2025-26

• Compliance expected by July 1, 20251

• Breakfast cereals: ≤6g added sugars per dry ounce

• Yogurt: ≤12g per 6 oz

• Flavored milk: ≤10g per 8 oz (or 15g per 12 oz for à la carte in middle/high school)

2027-28

• Compliance expected by July 1, 20271

• Menu-wide: Weekly average for added sugars must be <10% of total calories

2025-26

• No changes

2027-28

• Compliance expected by July 1, 20271

USDA is encouraging gradual sodium reduction through smart procurement and culinary technique and plans to offer technical support and conduct further study on sodium and student participation.1

New Definition: The USDA codified the term “whole grain-rich” to indicate that the grain content of a product is between 50 and 100 percent whole grain with any remaining grains being enriched.

Culture Shift: The whole grain requirement will help meet local and cultural preferences and allow schools to offer enriched grains, such as white rice or non-whole grain-rich tortillas.

WHAT’S CHANGING STATE-WIDE?

Several states are introducing new restrictions that go beyond USDA guidelines. In recent months, a wave of proposed and enacted legislation has targeted food additives and ultra-processed ingredients in school meals.

 

WHAT HASN’T CHANGED?

With various incoming restrictions, one thing hasn’t changed: every flavor of Smucker’s® Uncrustables® sandwiches already meet the updated standards both federally and statewide. These beloved, all-day all-star sandwiches check all the boxes and then some:

Looking for ways to stay compliant while maintaining student satisfaction and participation? Contact your Smucker Away From Home representative for more ideas and product support any time.

 

1USDA, Updates to the School Nutrition Standards, Updated January 2025

2USDA, Child Nutrition Tables, FY2024 Preliminary Data

3Datassential K12 Keynote Report February 2025

4Foodservice Director, California bill banning certain food dyes from school meals signed into law, September 2024

5West Virgina Office of the Governor, Governor Patrick Morrisey Signs Food Dye Legislation Into Law, March 2025

6Foodservice Director, Wisconsin lawmakers introduce bill to get rid of certain additives in school meals, April 2025

Share to:

Share to Facebook Share to Pinterest

Video cannot play if cookies are rejected.

Accept Cookies