Milk Myths vs. Facts

Turn on the TV, flip through magazines or scroll social media — you get a lot of mixed messages about nutrition and food. You may have heard these myths about dairy foods and milk. Let’s set the record straight so you can feel good about making your next dairy-delicious choice!

Myth: Lactose intolerance means avoid all dairy.

Fact: If you or a loved one experience tummy troubles when drinking a glass of milk or eating a bowl of ice cream, this may be due to a sensitivity to lactose, a sugar found naturally in milk that may be difficult for some people to break down. Talk to your healthcare provider about your symptoms if you think you have lactose intolerance. The good news is there are plenty of dairy food options with low or no lactose, from lactose-free milk to hard cheeses like cheddar and Swiss. 

Myth: Milk contains antibiotics.

Fact: Whether your milk jug clearly states it or not, no milk found in your grocery store in the United States contains antibiotics. From the farm to the processing plant, there are multiple checkpoints in place to make sure of this. In fact, it is illegal in the United States to sell any milk or dairy food that contains antibiotics, and milk is one of the most highly regulated foods at the grocery store.

Myth: Milk is just for kids.

Fact: Milk is the leading dietary source of calcium and vitamin D for all Americans over the age of 2! Because of its affordability, versatility and delicious taste, milk helps adults achieve dietary recommendations for a wide variety of vitamins and minerals. Plus, research shows milk is one of the best beverages out there to help you stay hydrated.