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Dairy Products & Foods

Dairy products are truly versatile and take a variety of forms—from foods you can bite into or eat with a spoon and beverages you can sip or slurp. Find out all the reasons to love dairy foods such as milk, cheese, yogurt and whey or maybe even find a new favorite like cream, butter, ice cream and kefir. 

People around the world enjoy a variety of dairy products and foods for delicious, nutritious ways to balance their diets. Whether you rely on milk or yogurt for your overnight oats or cheese for your taco, there are countless ways to benefit from dairy in everyday life.

What Are Dairy Products?

Dairy products are derived from milk, which has been an important source of nutrition for people for thousands of years. These products include cheese, butter and yogurt. 

Milk consists of water, carbohydrate (in the form of lactose, a type of natural sugar), fat (unless non-fat), vitamins, minerals and protein.

Nutritional Benefits of Dairy Products

These foods contain nutrients your body needs. For example, milk, cheese and yogurt contain protein, calcium and vitamin B12, which help rebuild and repair muscle tissue, build and maintain strong bones and teeth, and keep your nervous system healthy, respectively. In addition, the protein, zinc, selenium and vitamins A and D found in every cup of milk help support a healthy immune system.

Dairy products are rich in essential nutrients that support overall health and well-being. Here are some of the key benefits:

  1. Protein: Supports muscle growth and repair
  2. Calcium: Essential for strong bones and teeth
  3. Vitamin B12: Important for nerve function and red blood cell production
  4. Vitamin D: Helps the body absorb calcium and supports bone health
  5. Vitamin A: Supports vision, immune function, and skin health
  6. Zinc: Important for immune function and healing wounds
  7. Selenium: Acts as an antioxidant to protect cells from damage

Including a variety of dairy products in your diet can help ensure you meet your nutritional needs.

Dairy Recommended Daily Intake

The Dietary Guidelines for Americans, or DGA, recommends eating dairy foods every day because of their association with health promotion and disease prevention. The DGA recommends three eating patterns: the Healthy U.S., Healthy Vegetarian and Healthy Mediterranean. The first two include three low-fat or fat-free dairy servings per day, while the Healthy Mediterranean includes two- to two-and-a-half servings for adults and three servings for those ages 9 to 18 years old.

Types of Dairy Products

There are a wide range of dairy products, including numerous types of cheese, yogurt and milk and milk products. Check the list of dairy products below and read more about what all your favorite dairy products offer.

Examples of Dairy Foods

  • Milk: Available in various forms such as whole, skim, and flavored
  • Cheese: Includes varieties like cheddar, mozzarella, Brie, Gouda, and more
  • Yogurt: Available in plain, Greek, flavored, and drinkable forms
  • Cream: Includes heavy cream, light cream, and sour cream
  • Butter: Available as salted, unsalted, and spreadable
  • Ice Cream: Comes in various flavors and is a creamy, frozen treat
  • Kefir: A fermented milk drink that can contain live and active cultures
  • Whey: A byproduct of cheese-making that is also used in protein supplements

Are Eggs A Dairy Product?

No, eggs are not a dairy product. Dairy products are foods or beverages made from the milk of mammals such as cows. Eggs, on the other hand, come from birds like chickens, ducks, and quails. Despite being commonly found in the dairy aisle of grocery stores, eggs do not fall under the dairy category.

How to Incorporate Dairy into Your Diet

Here are tips for including dairy products in your daily meals:

  • Breakfast: Add yogurt or kefir to your smoothies, or enjoy a bowl of cereal with milk.
  • Lunch: Include cheese in your sandwiches or salads for added flavor and nutrition.
  • Dinner: Use cream or butter to enhance the taste of your soups and sauces.
  • Snacks: Enjoy a piece of cheese or a cup of yogurt.
  • Desserts: Treat yourself to a scoop of ice cream or a serving of pudding made with milk.

Incorporating dairy into your diet can be both delicious and nutritious.

Milk

Milk offers nutrients and benefits to help you achieve your wellness goals. Get a glassful of information on milk and all its benefits. Milk contains nine essential nutrients like high-quality protein, calcium, vitamin D and more.
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Cheese

With hundreds of varieties of cheese available, there is an option for almost every palate and diet. Cheese contains calcium and phosphorus, which can help build and maintain strong bones and teeth. It also contains protein, which helps build and repair muscles.
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Yogurt

Go beyond breakfast and discover all yogurt has to offer throughout your day. Most yogurts are made with live and active cultures, and some also provide probiotics that help maintain digestive health.
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Whey Protein

Whey is one of two major high-quality proteins naturally found in cow’s milk. Whey contains all of the essential amino acids or “building blocks” your body needs.

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Cream

Whether you add it to your morning pick me up or serve it on Taco Tuesday, chances are there’s more than one type of cream for your tastes.
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Butter

From salted and unsalted to whipped and clarified, butter can bring that extra burst of flavor to our favorite foods.
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Lactose-Free

With more low-lactose and lactose-free options than ever, nothing’s standing between you and dairy’s nutritious, delicious benefits.
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Ice Cream

Whether celebrating a special occasion with friends and family or making an ordinary moment special, ice cream is often the go-to treat for many.
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Food Storage

Did you know you can freeze a variety of dairy products like milk, butter and cheese? Check out these simple tips to help you get the most out of your foods.
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