By: Michelle Matto, MPH, RDN, IDFA Associate Vice President, Regulatory Affairs and Nutrition
Dairy gets a bad rap sometimes, but the truth is, dairy is central to healthy diets for people of all ages, backgrounds, income levels, and nutritional needs. This June Dairy Month, let's explore five surprising facts about dairy that will make you reach for that milk, yogurt or cheese a little more often.
1. Dairy: A Nutritional Powerhouse
Did you know 8 out of 10 Americans from all backgrounds believe dairy is essential for a healthy diet? That’s one of the main takeaways from a recent survey of 3,200 Americans conducted by the International Food Information Council (IFIC) that draws on the beliefs, behaviors, and perceptions of Black, Latino, Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders, and other consumers toward dairy. There's good reason for that! Dairy products like milk are packed with 13 essential nutrients, including protein, calcium, and vitamin D. These foods contribute to strong bones, lower or even prevent your risk of type 2 diabetes, and keep your heart healthy. Most people are familiar with the bone-building benefits of milk and dairy, but did you know dairy can also help your immune system, manage blood pressure, and keep your smile bright?
2. Taste and Affordability: A Winning Combination
Let's be honest, taste matters! Most of us choose dairy because it's simply delicious. The good news is, dairy is also budget-friendly. In fact, dairy prices are actually declining this year, making it a great value compared to other foods. Milk is in 93% of American households. Dairy naturally complements so many other popular categories, such as cereal, crackers, and fruit, making it a great addition to delicious meals or snacks! Plus, with a shelf life of 10-30 days for different varieties of milk thanks to new pasteurization methods, and a month or more for many cheeses, you won't have to worry about constant grocery runs.
3. Lactose-Free Options for Everyone
For those with lactose sensitivity, there's no need to miss out on the goodness of dairy! The lactose-free market is booming, offering a variety of products like milk, yogurt, cheese, and even ice cream that taste great and deliver big nutrition without discomfort. This is especially important for communities with higher lactose sensitivity rates, such as Black Americans, as dairy consumption is linked to lower risks of health issues like type 2 diabetes. Unfortunately, two in three Americans say they’ve never consumed lactose-free milk (64%), lactose-free flavored milk (76%), or other lactose-free dairy products other than milk (68%). Avoiding dairy may result in lower intake of nutrients that are part of a healthy diet, including calcium, protein, and vitamin D. So have a look in the dairy case—you’ll likely see milk, yogurt and cheese that are lactose free!
4. Busting Dairy Myths
There's a lot of misinformation out there, but here's the truth about dairy:
- Dairy is good for you: Milk fat is not like other fats— there’s science that demonstrates the health benefits of full fat dairy in healthy diets. Plus, dairy is packed with 13 essential nutrients.
- Dairy is affordable: Prices are dropping, options are endless, and milk remains a budget-friendly choice for all families.
- Lactose-free options exist: Don’t dismiss dairy because of discomfort. Enjoy dairy by choosing one of the many lactose-free options out there!
- Today's milk stays fresh longer: Thanks to modern pasteurization, enjoy a longer shelf life on milk, yogurt, and cheese than ever before.
5. Don’t Know Who to Trust? Get Reliable Information
Confused about conflicting dietary advice? Look to trusted sources for accurate information about dairy nutrition, like the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, the Mayo Clinic, your doctor, the federal Dietary Guidelines for Americans or Nutrition.gov, or the International Food Information Council (IFIC). Avoid making decisions based on what someone says on social media—these claims are almost always unverified. By making informed choices and understanding the benefits, you can incorporate dairy into a healthy and delicious diet that is appropriate for you and your family.
This June Dairy Month, let’s find new reasons to celebrate the power of dairy to bring us all together. Read and download IDFA’s resources on June Dairy Month by visiting our media kit, here.