dairy

  Dairy refers as any milk or milk product made with the mammary secretion of a non-human animal. This includes milk from cows, goats, camels, yaks, reindeer, buffalo, horses, donkeys, and sheep. It also includes all products primarily made with milk including but not limited to lactose-free milk and lactose-free products, ice cream, sherbet, frozen yogurt, yogurt, cheese, butter, ghee, buttermilk, cream, cream cheese, whipped cream, cottage cheese, and coffee creamer.

Dairy foods vary in fat content. For example, milk comes in:

• full fat = 3.5% fat
• low fat = less than 1.5% fat
• skim = less than 0.15% fat

Why is dairy an important food group?

Dairy foods provide many nutrients, including:

• minerals such as calcium, iodine and zinc
• protein
• vitamins A, D, B12 and B2 (riboflavin)
• Calcium is needed in both children and adults.

It helps to grow strong bones and can also help reduce blood pressure. Dairy foods can also lower your risk of heart disease, stroke and some cancers.