Last Updated on August 6, 2026 by Daily News Staff

Protein-Packed Snacking for Back-to-School Season

(Feature Impact) As busy families prepare for hectic school days, it can be invaluable to have nutritious grab-and-go options on hand for lunches and snacks. Having one less thing to worry about makes a difference when you’re juggling work, school, sports practices and games, and other extracurriculars while trying to keep everyone fed and happy.

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Since protein is an important nutrient for energy and satiety, choosing options like PB2Go Cups could be the perfect solution. As the pioneer of powdered peanut butter, PB2 has made it more portable than ever with the introduction of their new, on-the-go cups.

With 10-11 grams of protein per cup, they’re easy to toss in a lunchbox or backpack, offering a convenient way to keep your family powered up through the afternoon. Simply add water to the fill line, stir with the built-in spoon and enjoy the Original or Chocolate Chip flavors on their own or as a dip with pretzels, crackers, apple slices or bananas for more flavor and fun during your snack break.

“Between packed lunches, busy schedules, and after-school activities, convenient protein options are a game changer,” said registered dietitian Mia Syn, a food and nutrition expert. “That’s why I love PB2Go Cups. With a built-in spoon in the lid, they’re ready to toss in a lunch box, backpack, or gym bag and enjoy wherever the day takes you.”

Whether you’re tackling early-morning school prep or searching for a ready-when-you-are snack to keep in your locker, powdered peanut butter is a healthy, satisfying choice. No stress and no mess makes for a winning combination, and families who value balanced nutrition will appreciate having a quick, pre-portioned source of protein on hand when their schedules are full.

For more information, visit PB2.com.

SOURCE:

PB2Go

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(Feature Impact) Most Americans are eating enough protein. They’re just eating it wrong.

Protein is the macronutrient of the moment – for muscle building, losing weight and staying strong – but nutrition researchers say two things are missing from the conversation: timing and quality.

Spreading protein intake across the day produced about 25% greater muscle protein synthesis, even when the total daily intake was identical, according to research published in the “Journal of Nutrition.”

“Your muscles don’t have a bank account,” said Chris Mohr, PhD, RD, performance nutritionist. “You can’t deposit all your protein at one meal and expect your body to save it for later.”

Most researchers point to a target of about 30 grams of high-quality protein per meal to maximize muscle protein synthesis in most adults.

However, grams aren’t everything. The source matters just as much.

“Aim to get most of your protein from whole, nutrient-dense foods rather than relying on powders, bars and snacks that don’t have much else to offer,” Mohr said. “Supplements have their place but they should build on a real-food foundation, not replace it.”

Quality comes down to amino acids – specifically, whether a source contains all nine essential ones the body can’t produce on its own. Animal proteins (dairy, eggs, meat, fish) check that box. Many plant proteins don’t and tend to be lower in leucine, the amino acid most critical for triggering muscle growth. Dairy is especially rich in leucine.

Mohr recommends a source of dairy at every meal, including milk, Greek yogurt or cottage cheese. He suggests cottage cheese with the highest levels of protein, such as MULU cottage cheese that contains 18 grams of protein per serving – one-third more than the leading brand.

Additionally, Mohr offers these tips to spread protein intake throughout the day:

• Start with a protein anchor. Build your morning meal around protein, such as scrambled eggs with cottage cheese or a Tart Cherry Cottage Cheese Smoothie with nut butter.
• Layer in protein at lunch. A salad with grilled chicken, a turkey and cheese wrap or a grain bowl with edamame and hard-boiled eggs can hit the 30-gram target.
• Make snacks count. Use cottage cheeseas a base for dips or keep hard-boiled eggs on hand for quick, protein-rich options. Or, in just 7 minutes when time is of the essence, you can prepare Air Fryer Cottage Cheese Toast with a delicious drizzle of hot honey.
• Treat dinner as a cap, not a catchup. By evening, protein intake should already be well distributed. Try a moderate portion of fish, lean meat or legumes alongside vegetables.
• Eat slow-digesting protein before bed. Studies show consuming casein protein before sleep – the slow-digesting protein found naturally in dairy – supports overnight muscle repair. One-half cup of cottage cheese or a glass of milk before bed is a practical, evidence-backed way to put science to work.

To find more protein-rich solutions to power your day, visit MULUProtein.com.

Tart Cherry Cottage Cheese Smoothie

Servings: 2

• 1          cup MULU low-fat cottage cheese
  
• 1          frozen banana, peeled
  
• 3/4       cup frozen tart cherries
  
• 1          tablespoon ground flaxseed
  
• 1          cup low-fat milk
  
• 1          tablespoon nut butter
  
• water

1. In blender, blend cottage cheese, banana, cherries, ground flaxseed, milk and nut butter on high speed until completely smooth, 45-60 seconds.
2. If smoothie is too thick, add water, 2 tablespoons at a time, and blend to preferred texture.
3. Pour into two glasses and serve or pour into sealed jar or container and refrigerate overnight; stir or shake well before drinking.

Nutritional information per serving: 310 calories; 35 g carbohydrates; 22 g protein; 10 g fat.

Air Fryer Cottage Cheese Toast

Servings: 2

• 1          cup MULU low-fat cottage cheese
  
• 2          slices sourdough bread
  
• 2          teaspoons hot honey
  
• 2          teaspoons chili crunch

1. Preheat air fryer to 400 F.
2. Spread 1/2 cup cottage cheese onto each slice of sourdough bread.
3. Transfer slices into fryer basket. Cook about 7 minutes, or until cottage cheese is golden, bubbly and lightly set.
4. Remove toast from air fryer. Drizzle 1 teaspoon hot honey and 1 teaspoon chili crunch over each slice and serve.

Nutritional information per serving: 295 calories; 38 g carbohydrates; 19 g protein; 6 g fat.

SOURCE:
MULU Cottage Cheese

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The beloved bite-sized favorite returns nationwide with new meal options and a social media twist

For years, KFC customers flooded social media with one simple request: Bring back Popcorn Chicken.

Now, after more than three years off the menu, the fast-food chain has answered that call. KFC announced the nationwide return of its iconic Popcorn Chicken, reviving one of the restaurant’s most requested menu items in recent memory.

Originally introduced in the early 1990s, Popcorn Chicken quickly became a favorite among fans who appreciated its crispy, bite-sized pieces that were perfect for dipping, sharing, or enjoying as a quick snack. The menu item disappeared from restaurants in 2023, sparking years of online petitions, comments, and customer requests asking for its return.

According to KFC, those voices did not go unheard.

“We read every comment, every DM, and even every online petition signature,” said Melissa Cash, Chief Marketing Officer for KFC U.S. “The message was impossible to ignore.”

The company says the return is part of its broader “Kentucky Fried Comeback” strategy, which focuses on reconnecting with longtime fans while introducing new ways for customers to engage with the brand.

Three Ways to Enjoy Popcorn Chicken

Customers can now order Popcorn Chicken in several different formats, while supplies last:

• $10 Popcorn Chicken Bucket – A 16-ounce bucket served with four dipping sauces, designed for sharing.
• Popcorn Chicken Big Box ($10.99) – Includes 6 ounces of Popcorn Chicken, two Original Recipe Tenders, medium fries, a medium drink, two dipping sauces, and a chocolate chunk cookie.
• Popcorn Chicken Combo ($8.49) – Features 6 ounces of Popcorn Chicken, medium fries, a medium drink, and one dipping sauce.

Prices and participation may vary by location.

More Than a Menu Item

KFC isn’t just bringing back the food—it is also embracing internet culture.

To celebrate the return, the company partnered with GIPHY to launch a collection of exclusive Popcorn Chicken-themed GIFs featuring Colonel Sanders. The animated reactions are designed to appear alongside the familiar “grab the popcorn” moments that dominate social media during sporting events, reality television, and other viral moments.

The campaign reflects how restaurants are increasingly extending product launches beyond the dining room by engaging customers through social media and digital platforms.

The Power of Nostalgia

The return of Popcorn Chicken highlights a growing trend across the restaurant industry: the revival of discontinued menu favorites.

Major restaurant chains have increasingly found success bringing back nostalgic products after years of customer demand. Limited-time returns often generate excitement on social media while encouraging longtime customers to revisit the brand.

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For KFC, Popcorn Chicken represents more than just another menu option—it is a reminder of a product that helped define the chain for an entire generation of customers.

Whether enjoyed as a quick snack, paired with fries, or shared with family and friends, fans once again have the chance to enjoy one of KFC’s most recognizable comfort foods.

The returning menu item is available now at participating KFC restaurants nationwide while supplies last.

Why This Matters

The revival of Popcorn Chicken demonstrates how customer feedback—especially through social media—can directly influence menu decisions. Rather than relying solely on introducing new products, brands are increasingly looking to nostalgia and fan favorites to reconnect with loyal customers while attracting a new generation of diners.

Related Links

• KFC Official Website
• Yum! Brands
• GIPHY

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