Dairy

What Foods Are Included in the Dairy Group?

swiss cheeseAll fluid milk products and many foods made from milk are considered part of this food group. Most Dairy Group choices should be fat-free or low-fat. Foods made from milk that retain their calcium content are part of the group. Foods made from milk that have little to no calcium, such as cream cheese, cream, and butter, are not. Calcium-fortified soymilk (soy beverage) is also part of the Dairy Group.

Key Consumer Message

Switch to fat-free or low-fat (1%) milk.

View Dairy Food Gallery

Commonly eaten dairy products

    • Milk*
      all fluid milk:

      • fat-free (skim)
      • low fat (1%)
      • reduced fat (2%)
      • whole milk
      • flavored milks:
        • chocolate
        • strawberry
      • lactose-reduced milks
      • lactose-free milks

    • Milk-based desserts*

    • Calcium-fortified soymilk
      (soy beverage)

    • Cheese*

      • hard natural cheeses:
      • soft cheeses:
        • ricotta
        • cottage cheese
      • processed cheeses:
        • American

    • Yogurt*
      all yogurt:

      • fat-free
      • low fat
      • reduced fat
      • whole milk yogurt

*Selection Tips

fat-free milk