If you’re a WIC participant, you can get plain, unflavored yogurt that meets certain criteria. The yogurt must be:
– Pasteurized
– Low-fat or nonfat
– Unsweetened
– Free of added flavors or sweeteners
Some brands of yogurt that meet these criteria include:
– Yoplait Original Plain Non-Fat Yogurt
– Chobani Plain Nonfat Greek Yogurt
– Stonyfield Organic Plain Non-Fat Yogurt
– Fage Total 0% Milkfat Plain Greek Yogurt
You can find WIC-approved yogurt at most grocery stores. Just be sure to check the label carefully to make sure that it meets the WIC criteria.
WIC Yogurt Requirements
The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) provides supplemental foods, including yogurt, to eligible participants. To be eligible for WIC, you must meet certain income and nutritional risk criteria.
Eligible Yogurts
The specific types of yogurt that are eligible for WIC vary by state, but they generally include the following:
- Plain, low-fat (1%) or fat-free (0%) yogurt
- Flavored, low-fat (1%) or fat-free (0%) yogurt
- Greek yogurt, plain or flavored
- Dairy-free yogurts, such as soy or almond yogurt
WIC Yogurt Allowance
The amount of yogurt that you can receive through WIC depends on your age, income, and family size. The general allowance is as follows:
| Age | Monthly Allowance |
|---|---|
| Infants (under 1 year) | 24 containers (6 ounces each) |
| Children (1-5 years) | 32 containers (6 ounces each) |
| Pregnant women | 48 containers (6 ounces each) |
| Postpartum women | 48 containers (6 ounces each) for the first 6 months postpartum |
It’s important to note that these allowances are subject to change based on your specific circumstances.
Choosing WIC Yogurt
When choosing yogurt for WIC, it’s important to select products that are low in sugar and fat. Look for yogurts that contain no added sugar or that are sweetened with natural sweeteners, such as fruit or honey.
Eligible Yogurt Brands for WIC
The WIC program provides nutritious food to low-income women, infants, and children. Eligible yogurt brands for WIC vary by state, but the following are commonly accepted:
- Dannon
- Yoplait
- Chobani
- Fage
- Siggi’s
- Oikos
- Wallaby Organic
- Brown Cow
To ensure eligibility, it’s always best to check with your local WIC office before purchasing yogurt with WIC benefits.
Note: Not all flavors or varieties of yogurt within these brands are covered by WIC. Check the nutrition facts label to ensure that the yogurt meets WIC requirements.
WIC Yogurt Requirements
| Nutrient | Minimum Requirement |
|---|---|
| Protein | 8 grams per serving |
| Vitamin D | 100 IU per serving |
| Calcium | 200 mg per serving |
Yogurt that meets these requirements can provide essential nutrients for the health and development of WIC participants.
Yogurt Serving Sizes
Yogurt is a healthy and nutritious food that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. It is a good source of protein, calcium, and other essential nutrients. WIC participants can get yogurt through the program, but there are some restrictions on the type and amount of yogurt that can be purchased.
- Yogurt must be plain, unflavored, and low-fat (1% or less milkfat).
- The maximum serving size for yogurt is 8 ounces per day.
The following table shows the different types of yogurt that are available through WIC and their serving sizes:
| Type of Yogurt | Serving Size |
|---|---|
| Plain, unflavored, low-fat yogurt | 8 ounces |
| Plain, nonfat yogurt | 8 ounces |
| Greek yogurt | 6 ounces |
WIC participants can get yogurt from any authorized grocery store or pharmacy. WIC vouchers can be used to purchase yogurt, but they cannot be used to purchase other dairy products, such as milk, cheese, or ice cream.
Health Benefits of WIC-Approved Yogurt
Yogurt is a nutritious food that offers a variety of health benefits. Thanks to the WIC program, pregnant women and parents with young children can access nutrient-rich foods, including WIC-approved yogurt, to ensure their families are getting balanced nutrition for optimal health and growth.
The following list highlights some of the significant ways WIC-approved yogurt can positively impact health:
- Promotes gut health: Yogurt contains probiotics, beneficial bacteria that help maintain digestive balance and support immune function.
- Strengthens bones and teeth: It is an excellent source of calcium, protein, and vitamin D, essential nutrients for maintaining strong bones and teeth.
- Boosts immunity: Yogurt is rich in vitamins and minerals, including vitamin A and zinc, which help strengthen the immune system and protect against infections.
- Supports weight management: The protein and calcium content in yogurt can promote satiety and help control hunger, aiding in weight management goals.
- Reduces the risk of chronic diseases: Some studies suggest that yogurt consumption may be linked to a reduced risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and certain types of cancer.
For WIC-eligible individuals, here is a table summarizing the specific types of yogurt approved under the program:
| Yogurt Type | Fat Content | Yogurt with Fruit |
|---|---|---|
| Low-fat yogurt | < 5% | Allowed, but sugar content must be less than 6 grams per serving |
| Non-fat yogurt | 0% | Allowed, but sugar content must be less than 6 grams per serving |
| Greek yogurt | < 5% | Allowed, but sugar content must be less than 6 grams per serving |
Thanks so much for reading! I hope you found this article helpful in understanding which yogurts are covered by WIC. If you have any more questions, don’t hesitate to ask. And come back soon for more great information on all things WIC-related. See you later!