A Renewed Conversation Around Milk
Milk is once again at the center of the nutrition conversation, and this time, science, policy, and consumer behavior are aligning. On Ag Meter, host Nick sat down with Amy DeLisio, CEO of the Dairy Council of California, to discuss why milk is regaining trust after years of skepticism driven by shifting dietary trends and misinformation.
Nick shared his lifelong habit of drinking milk daily and emphasized growing support for dairy from the current administration, including Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins. Together, the discussion focused on restoring accurate, research-backed messaging about milk’s role in a healthy diet.
New Science Reinforces Milk as a Whole Food
DeLisio explained that updated nutrition research is reshaping how milk is viewed, especially regarding fat content. While past guidelines emphasized nonfat or low-fat milk, newer studies show that whole and 2% milk also offer strong health benefits.
Milk fat plays a key role in childhood growth and development, particularly brain health. Rather than focusing on individual nutrients like calcium alone, DeLisio stressed viewing milk as a whole food. This includes the “dairy matrix,” the natural interaction of nutrients, bioactive compounds, and structure that influences digestion, absorption, and overall health outcomes.
Milk provides three of the four nutrients of public health concern—calcium, potassium, and vitamin D—making it one of the most nutrient-dense and accessible foods in the American diet.
The Importance of Milk for Kids and Schools
A major part of the Dairy Council of California’s work centers on schools. DeLisio highlighted California’s universal school meal program, which provides every public school student with free breakfast and lunch daily. Each meal includes milk, along with fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
California has also invested heavily in farm-to-school programs, ensuring that students receive nutritious foods grown and produced within the state. These meals not only support child health but also strengthen local agriculture. According to DeLisio, school meals today are among the healthiest foods children consume.
Milk Consumption Is Rising Again
Consumer trends are shifting back toward traditional dairy. DeLisio confirmed that milk consumption is increasing, with whole milk leading the resurgence. Shoppers are prioritizing foods that are high in protein, affordable, and minimally processed.
Milk and dairy foods provide high-quality protein at a lower cost per serving than many alternatives. Sales data shows consumers moving away from dairy substitutes that lack comparable nutrition and returning to milk, cheese, and yogurt as everyday staples.
Policy Updates and More Choices in Schools
Looking ahead, DeLisio noted that upcoming Dietary Guidelines for Americans and USDA implementation may further strengthen dairy’s position. Recent legislation is expected to expand milk options in schools, giving students more choice while maintaining nutritional standards.
These changes aim to increase participation in school meal programs and ensure students consume the nutrients they need.
Beyond Milk: Yogurt, Gut Health, and Smart Marketing
While milk remains central, DeLisio pointed to growing interest in fermented and cultured dairy products such as yogurt and cottage cheese. These foods offer high-quality protein and added gut health benefits, which research increasingly links to overall wellness.
She also acknowledged the role of marketing. Parents tend to focus on health benefits, while kids respond to products that look appealing. Effective messaging helps reach both audiences while reinforcing dairy’s nutritional value.
Education at the Core of Dairy Advocacy
Education remains a primary strategy for combating misinformation. The Dairy Council of California works closely with health professionals, including dietitians, doctors, and physician assistants, providing them with the latest research to share with patients.
The organization also partners with schools, teachers, and food service directors, offering tools that promote healthy eating patterns where milk is a key component. For athletes, DeLisio highlighted that milk and chocolate milk are excellent recovery drinks, often outperforming commercial sports beverages.
National Milk Day and Milk’s Rich History
The conversation also spotlighted National Milk Day on January 11, which commemorates the introduction of safety measures like pasteurization and sterilized glass bottles. These innovations made milk widely accessible and safe for consumers.
National Milk Day is an opportunity to highlight milk’s contributions to growth, cognition, bone strength, and overall wellness, while also educating the public on food safety. The Dairy Council of California offers a National Milk Day toolkit with facts, messaging, and resources for communities to participate.
Milk’s Benefits Across the Lifespan
While often associated with childhood, milk supports health at every stage of life. From brain development in children to maintaining bone density, muscle strength, and cognitive health as people age, milk remains a valuable dietary staple well into adulthood.
California Dairy: Leading the Nation
DeLisio emphasized that California’s dairy industry is largely family-run and a national leader in climate-smart practices and sustainability. California dairies focus on energy efficiency, innovation, animal welfare, and environmental stewardship while producing high-quality milk.
Staying Connected
In closing, DeLisio encouraged listeners to visit dairycouncilofcalifornia.org to learn more about dairy research, nutrition education, and partnership opportunities. She ended with a seasonal reminder that reflects milk’s cultural role: with Christmas around the corner, it’s time to have milk and cookies ready for Santa.
The conversation with Amy DeLisio reinforced a clear message—milk never lost its value. Science, policy, and consumers are simply catching up, reaffirming dairy’s essential role in nutrition, agriculture, and everyday life.