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Crediting Foods in School Nutrition Programs

Meats and Meat Alternates

The crediting guidance and resources below include the changes to the NSLP, SBP, and ASP meal patterns required by the USDA final rule, Child Nutrition Programs: Meal Patterns Consistent with the 2020-2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans. For more information, visit the "Upcoming Meal Pattern Changes" section of the CSDE's Meal Patterns for Grades K-12 in School Nutrition Programs webpage.

The meats/meats alternate (MMA) component includes fresh and frozen meats (e.g., lean beef, pork, poultry, fish, and shellfish), processed meats (e.g., chicken nuggets, deli meats, and fish sticks), canned meats (e.g., chicken, tuna, and salmon), and meat alternates (e.g., eggs, cheese, yogurt, nuts and seeds and their butters, beans, peas, and lentils, tofu, and tempeh). 


Serving Requirements  |   Crediting MMA at Breakfast  |   General Guidance
Alternate Protein Products  |   Beans, Peas, and Lentils  |   Commercial Processed Products
Dried Meats  |   Nuts and Seeds  |   Tofu  |   Yogurt


Serving Requirements

  • Serving size: MMA are measured in ounce equivalents (oz eq). The minimum creditable amount is ¼ oz eq. 
  • Required quantities for 1 oz eq: The required quantities depend on the type of MMA and refer to the edible portion of cooked lean meat, poultry, or fish (i.e., without bone, breading, binders, fillers, extenders, liquids, or other ingredients). A 1-oz eq serving of MMA equals 1 ounce of cooked lean meat, poultry, or fish; 1 ounce of cheese (low-fat recommended); 2 ounces of cottage or ricotta cheese, cheese food/spread, or cheese substitute (low-fat recommended); ¼ cup of cooked beans/peas/lentils; ½ large egg; 2 tablespoons of nut or seed butters; 1 ounce of nuts or seeds; 1 ounce of commercial tofu (must contain at least 5 grams of protein in 2.2 ounces); 1 ounce of tempeh; 3 ounces of surimi; ½ cup or 4 ounces of yogurt or soy yogurt; and 1 ounce of alternate protein product (APP). 
  • Main dish requirement for lunch: The MMA component must be served in a main dish or in a main dish and one other food item. 

Crediting MMA at Breakfast

General Crediting Guidance

Alternate Protein Products (APPs)

Beans, Peas, and Lentils

Beans, peas, and lentils credit as either MMA or vegetables but one serving cannot credit as both meal components in the same meal or afterschool snack. 

Commercial Processed Products

Commercial processed products require a CN label or PFS to document their meal pattern contribution. Products without this documentation cannot credit in school meals and afterschool snacks.

Dried Meats

Nuts and Seeds

Tempeh and Surimi

Tofu and Tofu Products

Yogurt and Soy Yogurt

Effective July 1, 2025, the final rule implements changes to product-based limits for sugars in yogurt and soy yogurt.