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2025-2030 Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee recommendations recognize the importance of dairy

January 31, 2025

2 minute read
dairy foods

The 2025 Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee recently submitted its 400-plus-page Scientific Report to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). HHS and USDA will utilize this report to develop the official 2025-2030 U.S. Dietary Guidelines for Americans (DGAs). The Scientific Report is currently open for public comments until Feb. 9, 2025 (Docket HHS-OASH-2024-0017).

Below are some committee recommendations that are key highlights for dairy. It is important to note that these are proposed, not the final approved DGAs. 

  • The committee acknowledged dairy foods as a major contributor to Vitamin D and calcium and a source of potassium, all of which are nutrients of public health concern. They also acknowledged some research-supported the benefits of full-fat dairy, but saturated fat and calories remain a concern, and more research is needed. As a result, three servings of low-fat and fat-free dairy continue to be recommended as part of the Healthy U.S.-Style Dietary Pattern. 
  • Plant-based alternatives (aside from the currently included fortified soy) will not be recommended as substitutes for dairy foods. The committee acknowledged that the nutrition in dairy cannot be easily replaced, and the varied nutrition across alternatives could lead to unintended nutritional consequences.
  • Lactose-free dairy foods were recognized as culturally relevant.  To increase public awareness of lactose-free dairy and fortified soy beverages and yogurts as equivalents, the committee recommended renaming the food group as “Dairy and Fortified Soy Alternatives.”
  • The committee recommended unsweetened milk in beverages to reduce added sugar consumption. Check-off will continue educational efforts to help amplify the important role of flavored milk and yogurt in assisting people to meet their recommended three daily servings of dairy, which 88 percent of Americans are currently unable to meet with an average intake of 1.7 cups per day. 

The official DGA release is expected by the end of 2025. Midwest Dairy is committed to continuing to engage with key thought leaders to help ensure that dairy continues to be recognized as a critical source of affordable nutrition for Americans across all life stages.