A Dynamic Duo: The Quaker Oats Man and the Milk Mustache Icons Remind Families a Protein-Filled Breakfast of Oatmeal and Milk Never Goes Out of Style

WASHINGTON, Sept. 18, 2014 /PRNewswire/ — For the first time since 1877, the Quaker Oats Man, affectionately known as Larry, is donning a new accessory – the iconic Milk Mustache. Larry’s new ‘stache puts him in good company among a long and impressive line-up of actors, athletes and musicians who have worn the iconic Milk Mustache. It’s all part of a partnership between America’s Milk Companies, dairy farm families and Quaker Oats, that’s designed to encourage Americans to make their oatmeal with low-fat milk instead of water and serve it alongside a glass of milk for a boost of protein.

The Milk Mustache ad featuring Larry’s new important accessory will debut this week as part of People Magazine‘s “Best Dressed” issue, hitting newsstands on September 19. In addition, the image will be featured on Quaker Oats canisters, marking this the first time a Milk Mustache has made its way on-shelves in the grocery aisle.

“Quaker has encouraged consumers to lead a healthy lifestyle for more than 135 years,” says Justin Lambeth, chief marketing officer of Quaker Oats. “With Larry sporting a Milk Mustache, families will be reminded to start their days with this ultimate breakfast powerhouse.”

The Added Benefits of Milk + Old-Fashioned Quaker Oatmeal
The Quaker partnership with America’s Milk Companies highlights the nourishment – including high-quality protein and whole grains – families need for successful days. Research shows that few Americans prioritize breakfast as part of their daily routines, with approximately one out of five Americans skipping breakfast.¹ A breakfast of whole-grain old-fashioned Quaker Oatmeal made and served with lowfat milk delivers 21 grams of protein² and key nutrients, like fiber, calcium and vitamin D. The combination of Quaker Oatmeal and lowfat milk is a simple, affordable breakfast option that provides key nutrients Americans need.

“Milk is a natural source of protein – a nutrient that half of Americans are trying to increase in their diets,” said registered dietitian, Michelle Dudash. “Oatmeal with milk is a delicious, easy and affordable way to get protein and other key nutrients in the morning.”

Dudash offers additional tips to “Make it With Milk” including:

• Tasty Ingredient Swap: Making oatmeal with milk is easy by swapping milk for water, ounce-for-ounce. Since the milk starts out cold, you may need to cook the oats a bit longer than listed on package directions.
• Add 8 for 8: Cooking oats with eight ounces of milk (or one cup) instead of water adds eight grams of high-quality protein per serving – compared to a large egg, which has six grams.³ Serve with a glass of milk to increase protein to 21 grams.² Each serving of milk provides nine essential nutrients, including nearly one-third of the daily-recommended amount of calcium, and is an excellent source of vitamin D.
• Make it a (Oat) Meal: Top made-with-milk oatmeal with nuts and fruit, and you’ve got a square meal all in one bowl. A few winning combinations include bananas and walnuts, raisins and peanut butter, or dried cherries and almonds. Toss the fruit in before cooking to plump and smooth, and add the nuts after cooking.
• No Time? No problem!: Overnight oats are the perfect grab and go meal with no cooking required! To prep the night before, combine 1/3 cup old-fashioned rolled oats and 1/2 cup milk in a bowl or jar. Refrigerate. The next morning, your oats will be ready when you are – cool, creamy, delicious and ready to enjoy with your favorite toppings, like a tablespoon each of nuts and dried fruit. Warm your oats, if you prefer, by zapping them quickly in the microwave. And don’t forget to enjoy them alongside a glass of milk to boost the protein!
• Fiber-rific Smoothies: For more protein and fiber in your whole-fruit smoothie, make it with oats and milk. For a Mango Ginger Smoothie, buzz 1/4 cup rolled oats in the blender until fine. Swirl in 1/2 cup fat free milk, then puree with 1/2 cup of mango and 1/2 can (or 5.5 oz.) of mandarin oranges. Add a tablespoon of almond butter, sweeten with a half teaspoon each of honey and lime juice, and add 1/4 teaspoon of ground ginger for zing. Now … drink up.

In addition to the ad in People Magazine, the partnership will feature TV and online ads and robust content living on Quaker and Milk Life social media properties. On-pack messaging will also feature interactive mobile technology allowing shoppers to scan the package to unlock recipes and snap and share their very own Milk Mustache selfies.