Americans’ Relationship with Dairy: The Debate Over Whole Milk
In a Brooklyn coffeeshop on a rainy afternoon, the barista discussed the limited milk options for lattes – whole milk or almond. Skim or reduced-fat milk were not stocked due to low demand, although there was a sudden surge in requests for raw milk a few months back. This trend caught the barista’s attention, sparking curiosity about the shift towards raw milk consumption.
Recent developments suggest a potential shift in Americans’ dairy consumption habits. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins hinted at upcoming U.S. dietary guidelines recommending whole milk, contradicting last year’s advisory committee’s advice. The Make America Healthy Again report in May highlighted whole milk, while Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. criticized the guidelines for being outdated, advocating for full-fat milk in Head Start programs. Additionally, the House committee advanced the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act, aiming to reintroduce whole milk in public schools after over a decade.
The dairy industry supports this move, arguing that children prefer full-fat milk and may avoid milk altogether with low-fat options. The interest in full-fat dairy extends beyond schools, with whole milk sales increasing by over 7% compared to the previous year.
However, the nutrition community remains divided on the health implications of whole milk compared to low-fat or fat-free options. While past guidelines recommended reducing saturated fat intake by opting for low-fat dairy, recent evidence questions this approach. Some studies suggest that full-fat dairy may not be linked to negative health outcomes and could even offer benefits in certain cases.
Noteworthy nutrition experts like Walter Willett emphasize the complexity of dairy foods, cautioning against oversimplifying them. Dariush Mozaffarian defends full-fat dairy, citing research that indicates no significant difference in health outcomes between full-fat and low-fat dairy products.
The MAHA movement’s support for whole milk aligns with its emphasis on whole foods and natural forms of nutrients. Influential figures in the movement advocate for animal products due to their nutritional value and challenge the demonization of saturated fats. However, critics, including the Center for Science in the Public Interest, oppose reintroducing whole milk in schools, expressing concerns about deviating from established dietary guidelines.
As the debate over whole milk continues, the U.S. may align more closely with European norms that favor full-fat dairy. Heinz Freisling suggests moderation in consuming saturated fats, akin to European practices, rather than focusing solely on fat reduction. Ultimately, the discussion around whole milk reflects broader debates within the nutrition community about dietary recommendations and food choices.
STAT’s coverage of chronic health issues is supported by a grant from Bloomberg Philanthropies. Financial supporters do not influence journalistic decisions.
