Milk, Yogurt and Cheese Group (2555)

The milk group is one of the six food groups that form the food guide pyramid.  Milk products are good sources of protein, vitamins, and minerals.  This group provides calcium for strong bones and teeth.  It is the main food source of vitamin d and contains some B vitamins.

This group includes milk and foods made from milk, such as cheese, yogurt, cottage cheese and ice cream.  The amount of food from the milk group you need to eat depends on your age, as well as other factors, like activity level.  Generally for ages of 2 to 8 the required intake is 2 cups; over the age of 8 the servings increase to 3 cups per day.

Serving sizes are based on portions that provide comparable amounts of calcium.  One serving is:

- Cup of milk, yogurt, pudding made with milk, or custard

- 1½ ounces of natural cheese like Swiss, Cheddar, mozzarella

- 2 ounces of processed cheese such as American

- 2 cups cottage cheese

Dairy foods can be part of a low-fat diet.  Look for lower-fat forms of milk, cheeses and milk desserts, such as ice cream and frozen yogurt.

Smaller children should drink whole milk until they are 2 years old.  They need whole milk for proper development and growth.  Ask your physician about starting your child on lower-fat foods after age 2.

For more information on this subject, Please visit the College of Agricultural Sciences Publications Web site.

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