While many Americans consider dairy a key part of a healthy diet, they are not reaching the recommended daily intakes outlined in the Dietary Guidelines for Americans. A recent report released by the International Food Information Council and supported by the International Dairy Association and the National Milk Producers Federation examines barriers to dairy nutrition among Americans and how they can be eliminated.
The report provides a roadmap for industry, governments, health and nutrition organisations to improve awareness and access to lactose-free milk and dairy products, increase understanding of the nutritional value of dairy products, and work with the dairy industry to extend shelf life and improve the value of dairy purchases for consumers.
The report is based on the beliefs, behaviors and perceptions of Black, Latino, Asian/Pacific Islander and non-Hispanic White consumers regarding dairy products.
Key data points:
- Missed lactose-free opportunities: Nearly two in three Americans say they have never tried lactose-free milk (64%), lactose-free flavored milk (76%), or lactose-free non-milk dairy products (68%). More than half of Latino, Black, and Asian/Pacific Islander communities have never tried a lactose-free dairy product, indicating lower lactose awareness among groups with higher rates of lactose sensitivity.
- Affordability is a major factor for both SNAP and non-SNAP households. Nearly 30% of all races and ethnicities at all income levels cited affordability as a reason for consuming milk.
- Expiration dates and “passive avoidance” are the biggest barriers: Concern that it will spoil before consumption (19%) is the main reason consumers avoid milk, while 37% of respondents did not give a specific reason for limiting their dairy consumption, suggesting a “passive avoidance” that could be overcome with increased media, medical and community outreach. Self-reported lactose intolerance also contributes to higher avoidance rates.
- Taste and health are top purchasing factors, with cheese coming out on top: Cheese is the most frequently consumed dairy product (90% weekly), followed by butter (85%), milk (75%) and yogurt (60%). Consumers overwhelmingly cite taste as the main driver for purchasing cheese, yogurt and milk, followed by dairy being a good source of protein. Health benefits cited are most commonly bone health (90%), with other benefits including immune system support (65%) and heart health (54%).
Disconnect
The “Exploring Fluid Milk and Dairy Consumption Patterns to Improve Diet Quality and Nutrition Equity” study revealed a disconnect between consumer perceptions and actual dairy intake: While the majority of Americans (78%) believe dairy is essential, many are not getting the benefits they deserve.
“Good nutrition is the foundation of health and wellness for adults and children of all ages, and dairy is an essential component of starting healthy eating habits at an early age,” said Michelle Matto, MPH, RDN, IDFA’s vice president of regulatory affairs and nutrition. “This survey shows that consumers value dairy for its nutrition and taste, but may lack adequate information or access to the types of dairy products that are right for them and their families. The dairy industry needs to expand its partnerships with communities of color, health and nutrition experts, and policymakers to remove barriers that prevent Americans from consuming adequate dairy nutrition, including the health benefits of high-quality protein, calcium, vitamin D, potassium, improved bone health, and reduced risk of type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease.”
Michela Hanselman, NMPF’s director of regulatory affairs, said the survey clearly shows the need for greater education efforts.
“The IFIC study presents data that supports both the importance of dairy nutrition and the need for improved education about dairy options and their benefits,” said Hanselman. “As discussions of the next Dietary Guidelines are ongoing, it is important that this information is communicated clearly and powerfully to all who could benefit, from consumers who need dairy nutrition to policymakers determining federal programs.”
The IFIC study highlights the importance of targeted outreach programs to improve overall diet quality and promote nutrition equity.
“While dairy is a chronically underconsumed food group among many Americans, BIPOC and SNAP-eligible households may benefit most from learning more about the health benefits of consistent dairy consumption. Education and outreach efforts to increase awareness and availability of lactose-free dairy products and beverages present additional opportunities, in addition to highlighting the benefits dairy provides to all beyond bone health,” said Wendy Reinhardt Kapsak, MS, RDN, president and CEO of IFIC. “Increasing dairy consumption across all populations will have a positive impact on improving diet quality and nutrition equity (availability, accessibility, and affordability), goals that help improve the health of all Americans.”
