Milk, cheese, and yogurt play a critical role in the diets of adults and children by providing essential nutrients. Drinking one cup of milk can help you meet the Dietary Guidelines for Americans’ recommended three servings of daily low-fat or fat-free milk or milk products.
One cup (8-ounce) serving of milk provides the following nutrients: (Information based on one cup of fat-free white milk)
Calcium provides 30% of the Daily Value. It helps build and maintain bones and teeth, and it plays a role in nerve function, muscle contraction, and blood clotting.
Vitamin D provides about 25% of the Daily Value. Vitamin D helps promote the absorption of calcium and enhances bone mineralization.
Protein provides about 16% of the Daily Value and essential amino acids. Protein builds and repairs muscle tissue and is a source of energy during intense physical activities.
Vitamin B12 provides about 22% of the Daily Value. Vitamin B12 helps build red blood cells that carry oxygen from the lungs to the muscles.
Riboflavin (Vitamin B2), provides about 26% of the Daily Value. Riboflavin helps convert food into energy. It is also involved in exercising muscles.
Phosphorus provides about 25% of the Daily Value. Phosphorus helps strengthen bones.
The National Dairy Council provides user-friendly nutrition education materials. It advocates healthy living and is committed to our communities and health care needs.
National Dairy Council® (NDC) is the nutrition research, education and communications arm of Dairy Management Inc™. On behalf of U.S. dairy farmers, NDC provides science-based nutrition information to, and in collaboration with, a variety of stakeholders committed to fostering a healthier society, including health professionals, educators, school nutrition directors, academia, industry, consumers, and media.
Established in 1915, NDC is comprised of a staff of nutrition science researchers, registered dietitians and communications experts dedicated to educating the public on the health benefits of consuming milk and milk products throughout a person’s lifespan. In addition, NDC funds independent research to aid in the ongoing discovery of information about dairy foods’ important role in a healthy lifestyle. This research provides insights to the industry for new dairy product innovations.
In partnership with its network of state and regional dairy councils, NDC disseminates nutrition programs, materials and research to support government recommendations for improved nutrition for Americans, including consumption of at least three servings of low-fat or fat-free milk and milk products a day.
3-Every-Day™, a Dairy Promotion. Consuming 3-Every-Day™ of Dairy – three daily servings of milk, cheese, or yogurt is an easy way for families to get a powerful punch of nutrients to help build stronger bones and healthy bodies and reduce the risk of osteoporosis. In addition, a growing body of research suggests that enjoying three servings of dairy foods a day as part of a nutrient-rich, balanced diet may help maintain a healthy weight.
American Dairy Association of Indiana's Every Single Day TV Spot.
Fuel Up to Play 60is an in-school nutrition and physical activity program launched by National Dairy Council (NDC) and National Football League, in collaboration with the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). The program encourages youth to consume nutrient-rich foods (low-fat and fat-free dairy, fruits, vegetables, and whole grains) and achieve 60 minutes of physical activity every day. Visit the Fuel Up to Play 60 website to learn more.
Over the last couple of decades, milk alternatives have gained significant popularity, offering a variety of choices for different dietary needs and preferences. Here's a brief description of the differences between various types of milk:
Cow's Milk: Cow's milk comes from cows; it is rich in protein, calcium, and Vitamin D. Cow's milk has a creamy texture and is widely used in dairy products. It's suitable for those who aren't lactose intolerant or allergic to dairy. The farmers milk the cows, and then it's brought to our stores."
Almond Milk: Almond milk is made from ground almonds and water. Almond milk has a light, slightly sweet, and nutty flavor. It's lower in calories and protein than cow's milk but is often fortified with vitamins and minerals. Ideal for those allergic to soy or avoiding dairy.
Soy Milk: Soy milk comes from soybeans. These are small beans that are soaked in water, ground up, and then strained to make milk. it's the closest in nutritional profile to cow's milk among plant-based options, rich in protein, and often fortified with calcium and vitamins. It has a creamy texture and a mild, sometimes beany flavor.
Oat Milk: Oat milk is made from oats and water, oat milk has a naturally sweet and mild flavor. It's high in carbohydrates and fiber but lower in protein and fat compared to cow's and soy milk. Great for those with nut and soy allergies.
Hemp Milk: Hemp milk comes from the seeds of the hemp plant. It has a creamy texture and a slightly nutty taste. It's rich in omega-3 fatty acids but lower in protein. Suitable for those with soy, nut, and dairy allergies.
Rice Milk: Rice milk is made from milled rice and water, rice milk is the most hypoallergenic of all milk alternatives. It's naturally sweet with a watery texture, low in protein and fat, but high in carbohydrates.
Key Differences:
Nutritional Content: Cow's milk is generally higher in protein and essential vitamins, while plant-based milks vary widely in their nutritional content.
Allergen-Friendly: Plant-based milks are ideal for people with dairy, nut, or soy allergies.
Flavor Profile: Each milk has a distinct taste - from the nuttiness of almond and hemp milk to the sweetness of oat and rice milk.
Environmental Impact: Plant-based milks generally have a lower environmental footprint compared to cow's milk.
People choose these kinds of milk for different reasons, like how they taste, if they're allergic to cow's milk, or if they want to avoid animal products. Choosing between these milks often depends on dietary restrictions, nutritional needs, and personal taste preferences.
Milk, cheese and yogurt play a critical role in the diets of adults and children by providing essential nutrients. Drinking one cup of milk can help you meet the Dietary Guidelines for Americans’ recommended three servings of low-fat or fat-free milk or milk products per day.
One cup (8-ounce) serving of milk provides the following nutrients: (Information based on one cup fat-free white milk)
Calcium, provides 30% of the Daily Value. Calcium helps build and maintain bones and teeth. It plays a role in nerve function, muscle contraction and blood clotting.
Vitamin D, provides about 25% of the Daily Value. Vitamin D helps promote the absorption of calcium and enhances bone mineralization.
Protein, provides about 16% of the Daily Value and all of the essential amino acids. Protein builds and repairs muscle tissue and is a source of energy during intense physical activities.
Vitamin B12, provides about 22% of the Daily Value. Vitamin B12 helps build red blood cells that carry oxygen from the lungs to the muscles.
Riboflavin (Vitamin B2), provides about 26% of the Daily Value. Riboflavin helps convert food into energy. It is also involved in exercising muscles.
Phosphorus, provides about 25% of the Daily Value. Phosphorus helps strengthen bones.
The National Dairy Council provides some of the best nutrition education materials. They are advocates for healthy living and committed to our communities and health care needs. They are truly a user friendly organization.
National Dairy Council® (NDC) is the nutrition research, education and communications arm of Dairy Management Inc™. On behalf of U.S. dairy farmers, NDC provides science-based nutrition information to, and in collaboration with, a variety of stakeholders committed to fostering a healthier society, including health professionals, educators, school nutrition directors, academia, industry, consumers, and media.
Established in 1915, NDC is comprised of a staff of nutrition science researchers, registered dietitians and communications experts dedicated to educating the public on the health benefits of consuming milk and milk products throughout a person’s lifespan. In addition, NDC funds independent research to aid in the ongoing discovery of information about dairy foods’ important role in a healthy lifestyle. This research provides insights to industry for new dairy product innovation.
In partnership with its network of state and regional dairy councils, NDC disseminates nutrition programs, materials and research to support government recommendations for improved nutrition for Americans, including consumption of at least three servings of low-fat or fat-free milk and milk products a day.
Programs, Blogs and More from the National Dairy Council.
3-Every-Day™, a Dairy Promotion. Consuming 3-Every-Day™ of Dairy – three daily servings of milk, cheese, or yogurt is an easy way for families to get a powerful punch of nutrients to help build stronger bones and healthy bodies and reduce the risk of osteoporosis. In addition, a growing body of research suggests that enjoying three servings of dairy foods a day as part of a nutrient-rich, balanced diet may help maintain a healthy weight.
American Dairy Association of Indiana's Every Single Day TV Spot.
Fuel Up to Play 60is an in-school nutrition and physical activity program launched by National Dairy Council (NDC) and National Football League, in collaboration with the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). The program encourages youth to consume nutrient-rich foods (low-fat and fat-free dairy, fruits, vegetables and whole grains) and achieve 60 minutes of physical activity every day. Visit the Fuel Up to Play 60 website to learn more.
Dairy farms incorporate many sustainable practices that minimize their impact on the environment.
Messages from the Dairy Councils and Associations
American Dairy Farmers, 1990’s
Maine Dairy and Nutrition Council
Got Milk? Campaign encourages the consumption of cow's milk and was created by the advertising agency Goodby Silverstein and Partners for the California Milk Processor Board in 1993. It was later licensed for use by milk processors and dairy farmers. You may want to stop by and visit their website. It is colorful, interactive and has great information
Got Milk?
Sponsored by the American Dairy Farmers
Tribute to the Dairy Advertisers.
I’m not sure who gets the credit for the Cow Tap Dancing, but the Message is Milk gets you swinging again.
California Cheese "Sunshine" commercial
1977 Dannon Yogurt Commercials "Georgians Over 100"
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