ROSEMONT, Ill. – Dairy Management Inc. (DMI) is now accepting entries for its 2026 New Product Competition, inviting undergraduate and graduate students across the U.S. to develop innovative dairy-based products that meet today’s consumer demands for bone and muscle health and weight management.
This annual contest challenges students to create forward-thinking products that showcase the power and versatility of dairy in promoting health and wellness. The deadline for entries is Jan. 12.
As consumers increasingly seek functional foods to support active and healthy lifestyles, dairy’s nutrient-rich profile presents a major opportunity. The competition encourages students to tap into current industry and consumer insights, aiming to bring fresh dairy-based concepts to market.
Products should target one or more of the following benefits:
- Bone Health
- Muscle Health
- Weight Management
Finalists will have their entries evaluated by a panel of industry experts and will be recognized at the 2026 American Dairy Science Association Annual Meeting, June 21-24 in Milwaukee, Wis.
Cash prizes will be awarded, including:
- Platinum Award – $10,000
- Gold Award – $7000
- Silver Award – $4000
- More awards – $2000 each (for three additional teams completing Phase 2)
For contest rules and entry details, visit www.usdairy.com/research-resources/new-product-competition and for questions, contact Kapoor at rohit.kapoor@dairy.org
