Dairy Research Institute™ provides Dairy's Contributions to the U.S. Diet, a collection of consumption data for dairy foods and dairy’s key nutrients based on a national dietary survey representative of the U.S. population – the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). 

The 2010 Dietary Guidelines for Americans recognize the importance of dairy in a healthy diet and recommends 3 daily servings of low-fat or fat-free milk and milk products for people ages 9 and older, 2.5 servings for 4-8 year olds and 2 servings for children ages 2-3.  

Daily consumption of milk and milk products in the U.S.

NHANES 2007-2008, ages 2 years and older

The chart clearly shows that the gaps between recommended servings and average daily consumption of dairy begin at a young age. Even at current intakes, dairy foods make significant nutrient contributions to the American diet. 

Dairy’s Contributions to the U.S. Diet demonstrates the significant contribution of dairy through charts, key points, and data tables. These dairy nutrition facts provide opportunities to support marketing messages and position products. View more information on messaging opportunities.