In the CACFP, 2.2 ounces (1/4 cup) of commercially prepared tofu, containing at least 5 grams of protein, is creditable as 1.0 ounce equivalent meat alternate.

• 1.0 ounce meat alternate = 2.2 ounces (1/4 cup) with at least 5 grams of protein

Use the Nutrition Facts label to determine if tofu is creditable. Looking at the Extra Firm Tofu Nutrition Facts label:

• Serving size = 3 ounces (84 grams)
• 3 ounce portion provides 9 grams of protein

Since this example is for a 3 ounce serving, you must determine the number of grams of protein per ounce so you can calculate how many grams of protein are in a 2.2 ounce serving. Divide the grams of protein (9) by the Serving size (3 ounces) to get grams per ounce.

• 9 grams protein ÷ 3 ounces = 3 grams protein per ounce

Next, calculate how many grams of protein are in a 2.2 ounce serving:

• 2.2 ounce serving X 3 grams protein per ounce = 6.6 grams protein in a 2.2 oz serving

This tofu product is creditable in the CACFP because a 2.2 ounce portion provides 6.6 grams of protein, which is more than the required 5 grams.

Yogurt

In the CACFP, yogurt must not have more than 23 grams of sugar per 6 ounces. Total sugars include both natural and added sugar. To determine if yogurt is creditable, use the Nutrition Facts label on the yogurt and the Sugar Limits in Yogurt chart found in the USDA worksheet Choose Yogurts That Are Lower in Sugar (pictured below).

In the Yummy Yogurt example, use the following information from the Nutrition Facts label:

• Serving size = 8 ounces (227 grams)*
• Total Sugars = 9 grams

Compare the Serving size and Total Sugars amount from the Nutrition Facts label to the Sugar Limits in Yogurt chart. If the yogurt has that amount of sugar or less, the yogurt meets the sugar limit and is creditable.

The Yummy Yogurt is creditable because the 8 ounce (227 grams) serving has 9 grams of Total Sugar, which is less than 31 grams from the Sugar Limits in Yogurt chart.

*The weight of a serving may be listed in either ounces or grams. Some packages will list both. The Sugar Limits in Yogurt chart gives the sugar limits for common serving sizes in ounces (oz) and grams (g).

Breakfast Cereal

In the CACFP, all breakfast cereals, including ready-to-eat, instant, and regular hot cereal, must contain no more than 6 grams of sugar per dry ounce. Total sugars include both natural and added sugar. To determine if cereal is creditable, use the Nutrition Facts label for the cereal and the Sugar Limits in Cereal chart found in the USDA worksheet Choose Breakfast Cereals That Are Lower in Sugar (pictured below).

In the Toasty Oats Cereal example, use the following information from the Nutrition Facts label:

• Serving Size = 1 cup (43 grams)*
• Total Sugars = 8 grams

Find the Serving size in grams and the Total Sugars amount from the Nutrition Facts label. Use the Total Sugar amount from the column without milk and compare it to the Sugar Limits in Cereal chart. If the cereal has that amount of sugar or less, the cereal meets the sugar limit and is creditable.

The Toasty Oats Cereal meets the sugar limit. The 43 gram serving size has 8 grams of Total Sugars, which is less than the 9 grams, as indicated on the chart.

*Some Nutrition Facts labels may show more than one serving size column. For cereals, the second column shows amounts if milk is served. The serving sizes on the label may vary from the serving sizes for the CACFP Meal Pattern.

Flour Tortilla

Locate the Serving size and weight of a product on the Nutrition Facts label. In the Flour Tortilla example:

• Serving size = 1 tortilla (31 grams)

The image on the right shows the FBG Mobile App screen when the product’s serving size (31 grams) is entered. Once entered, the mobile app tells you:

• 1 tortilla provides 1 oz eq grains

Here are some resources that provide more information on the Exhibit A Grains Tool:

• Exhibit A Grains Tool to the Rescue!
• How to Maximize the Exhibit A Grains Tool