As reported by the USDA guidelines for 2020-2025, 90 percent of Americans don’t consume enough milk to hit their daily dairy goals. That means many are missing out on key sources of calcium and vitamin D.
But it’s not just about drinking more milk. “Most people would benefit from getting more fat-free or low-fat dairy,” current USDA guidelines suggest. “This can come from milk, yogurt, or cheese. It can also come from lactose-free milk and fortified soy milk or yogurt.”
Despite government and industry efforts, cow’s milk consumption has steadily declined since the 1970s. On the flip side, cheese consumption has hit an all-time high. Reports from the USDA in 2022 found Americans consumed an average of 40 pounds of cheese annually.
So, why isn’t that 40 pounds of cheese impacting daily dairy goals? Well, cheese contains fairly high levels of saturated fats and salt, which most dietary guidelines suggest avoiding. Most guidance suggests off-setting this consumption with options like low-fat yogurt and milk.
According to a review published in the National Institute of Health, more research is needed into the health impacts of cheese, separate from other dairy products.
“Although high saturated fat and sodium in some cheeses tend to be emphasized as a health concern in dietary guidelines, cheese also provides some nutrients and bioactive compounds, which potentially may confer some benefits,” the study explains.
While moderation remains key, incorporating a variety of low-fat dairy options alongside cheese could help strike the right balance for a healthy diet.
