From Milkshake to Double Nonfat Latte
Technology and Innovation Drive New Dairy Product Development
Helping You on Your Way to 3-A-Day

Fact sheet

Advances in technology, packaging and product innovation are giving consumers an array of choices in the dairy case that truly offer “something for everyone.”

People today have more options than ever to meet their recommended three servings of dairy — milk, cheese or yogurt — every day. You can find new packaging for milk in many school vending machines, as well as on the cafeteria serving lines. At more than 60,000 quick-serve restaurants in the United States, milk also comes in new flavors in kid-appealing packaging, and you’ll find cheese and yogurt dressing up salads and desserts. Looking for something extra-special in cheese? Artisanal (handmade) cheeses are the latest darling of the deli.

Behind the scenes, food-makers have created yogurts that offer higher levels of probiotics and milk that helps lower cholesterol to improve health, and they’ve discovered the versatility of other dairy ingredients, such as whey and powdered cheeses, to boost the nutrition, texture and flavor of their products.

Innovation and technology research is funded by the dairy farmers themselves as a part of their dairy promotion program. Finding ways to meet consumer demands for products that never existed previously — or even been imagined — helps people to eat healthy and enjoy their dairy choices despite today’s on-the-go lifestyle.

“Keeping abreast of current trends is another way that dairy farmers remain outstanding in their field,” said Janet Grubbs, manager of communications and nutrition for the Southeast United Dairy Industry Association. "There are organic and conventional options that equally provide a full range of nutritional benefits."

The dairy industry currently promotes three daily servings of milk, cheese or yogurt through its 3-A-Day of Dairy campaign as the easiest way to fight what it terms a national “calcium crisis.” In the case of teenagers and the elderly, four servings are considered the target. The 2005 USDA dietary guidelines increased their recommended servings to a definite three per day, not only because of the calcium that dairy foods provide but also for their contribution of other key nutrients such as potassium, magnesium and vitamin A.

The great news is that all milk and dairy foods are equally safe, wholesome and nutritious and help people to build strong bones and healthy bodies. Dairy farmers have worked hard for generations to provide American families with nutritious milk and dairy foods. Now, there are even more unique and delicious ways to enjoy them.

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