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Dairy Nutrition
Discover the Power and Health Benefits of Dairy Products
Dairy products are loaded with essential nutrients, including carbohydrates, protein, calcium, phosphorus, potassium, vitamins A, D, B12, riboflavin, minerals, and niacin. Dairy nutrition is a great way to get an array of vitamins and minerals. Learn why drinking cow’s milk helps to lower blood pressure and the risk of cardiovascular disease and type II diabetes. Any form of dairy intake, such as Greek yogurt, cottage cheese, and more, offers various health benefits.
Dairy has been a staple in kitchens and communities for generations. At The Dairy Alliance, we’re passionate about sharing the science, stories, and simple pleasures behind milk, cheese, yogurt, and other dairy foods. Whether you’re a parent planning meals, a fitness enthusiast looking for post-workout fuel, or a teacher seeking nutrition facts for your classroom, we offer great resources.
Sports Nutrition: Fuel with Dairy for Active Lifestyles
Our client education tools, nutrition materials, and recommended web links have been developed to help professionals educate active adults about optimal nutrition practices for a healthy lifestyle, including information on whey protein and chocolate milk.
Whether you’re running a 5K or running after your kids, dairy delivers natural, nutrient-rich energy to keep you going. Chocolate milk, for example, is a popular post-workout recovery drink thanks to its ideal carb-to-protein ratio. Learn how dairy also supports:
Muscle recovery and growth
Hydration with electrolytes like potassium and sodium
Strong bones for injury prevention
Bone Health
Milk and other dairy foods provide an essential blend of vitamins and nutrients to maintain strong bones at all stages of life. Kids need strong bones to grow and develop properly, and adults need strong bones as well to prevent osteoporosis and other harmful conditions. Learn why getting your recommended dairy intake per day protects your bones.
Lactose Intolerance Milk Myths
Lactose intolerance is the inability to digest the natural sugar lactose, which is found primarily in dairy foods. Being lactose intolerant doesn’t require you to avoid dairy foods. Research has shown that people who are lactose intolerant can still eat and drink dairy. Get delicious and healthy lactose-free recipes to make for yourself or your kids who are lactose intolerant.
Is dairy safe for people with lactose intolerance?
Yes—lactose-free milk and yogurt are great options; many can enjoy cheese.
Is milk full of hormones?
No synthetic hormones are allowed in milk production. All milk is tested for safety.What about plant-based alternatives?
While some offer similar taste or texture, most don’t provide the same nutritional value as real dairy.
Milk Impersonators
All cow’s milk varieties offer thirteen essential nutrients, including fortified vitamin D. Alternative beverages like soy and almond can’t say the same. While it is fun to have variety, learn why dairy milk leads the way in nutrition and taste. Without a doubt, cow’s milk meets more of the dietary guidelines for vitamins and minerals compared to its plantbased counterparts.
Fermented Foods
Fermented foods, including Greek yogurt and cottage cheese, are also known as functional foods. This means they have potential benefits beyond basic nutrition. Many people hear the word fermented and are scared to try new things. Surprisingly, fermented foods and beverages are some of the best things to consume for a healthy lifestyle. Learn why fermentation is where it’s at.
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Dairy Nutrition Toolkits
Physicians’ Toolkit
Dairy foods are an important part of the diet throughout life.
WIC Education Toolkit
Find materials about dairy’s role in The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC) program.
Sport Nutrition Toolkit
These materials help professionals educate active adults about optimal nutrition practices for a healthy lifestyle.
Make Every Bite Count with Delicious, Easy Dairy Recipes
Incorporating dairy products into your meals is easy—and delicious. Dairy foods bring flavor, texture, and nutrition to every bite, from creamy smoothies and cheesy casseroles to quick yogurt snacks and comforting soups.
Try some of our favorite dairy recipes:
Pumpkin Pancakes with Greek yogurt
Browse all dairy recipes
Join the Dairy Movement: Connect, Learn & Share the Joy of Dairy
Follow us as we celebrate dairy through real stories, authentic recipes, and real science. Together, we’re making a difference—one glass of milk at a time.
Sign up for The Dairy Alliance newsletter! Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest.
Other dairy resources:
Continuing Dairy Nutrition Education
Watch recorded webinars around dairy foods’ role in nutrition. CPEU certification is available following the webinar and a short survey.
The Dairy Alliance Mission
Everything we do is market-focused and proactively promotes and protects the interests of the Southeast dairy farm families.