Fact Sheet

Nutrient-rich dairy products deliver more bang for the buck than other grocery options.

Dairy foods continue to make sense when it comes to nutritional and economic value. Consumers can bank on the basics when they select dairy foods such as milk, cheese and yogurtm because together these foods deliver nine essential nutrients.

Dare to Compare Nutritional Value

Dairy's nine essential nutrients are a must at any age! Getting three servings of nutrient-rch dairy foods every day is important for promoting good health because dairy delivers a unique package of nutrients — including calcium and beyond — that is not delivered by any other food or beverage. And dairy foods provide many health benefits, such as helping to build and maintain strong bones and teeth, control blood pressure and maintain a healthy weight.

It takes 3 cups of broccoli to equal the calcium in one cup of milk.
An 8-ounce serving of low-fat plain yogurt contains 490 milligrams of potassium; about the same as a banana.
One ounce of hard cheese (like Cheddar) contains 8 grams of protein; an egg contains 6 grams.

Dollar for Dollar, Dairy Delivers

The Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommend people ages nine and older get at least three servings of low-fat and fat-free dairy foods every day. On average, Americans are only getting about half the dairy servings they should consume daily. In fact, nutrient-rich dairy foods, such as milk, cheese and yogurt, deliver four of the seven nutrients that Americans miss most (calcium, potassium, magnesium and vitamin A).

Dairy Product	Bang for the Buck	Stretching Dairy Dollars
Milk	At about 25 cents per 8-ounce glass, it's one of the most economical sources of high-quality protein — important for muscle health — and calcium — important for the growth and development of bones and teeth.	Buy milk by the gallon and make it your family's mealtime beverage. Use milk instead of water when preparing eggs, oatmeal, soups, side dishes and baked goods.
Cheese	Contains 8 grams of protein per 1-ounce serving. And, hard cheese are naturally low in lactose.	Buy cheese in block form and shred it yourself to use in recipes. Or, cut it into individual portions for a fun snack.
Yogurt	Every 8-ounce serving delivers nearly a third of your daily calcium needs.	Buy low-fat, plain yogurt by the quart and flavor it with fresh fruit, granola or nuts. Use as an ingredient for healthier meals.