As a nutrition professional, I understand dairy foods are not one-size-fits-all. But dairy does offer a wide array of delicious and nutritious options that can meet the needs of nearly every consumer, including those with lactose intolerance.

The truth is, there are many lactose-free dairy choices available. Lactose-free dairy milk is just like regular milk, with the same 13 essential nutrients and health benefits minus the lactose. And it’s not just milk — many cheeses, including Cheddar and Mozzarella, naturally contain minimal amounts of lactose. Cottage cheese and Greek yogurt are also great lower-lactose dairy options. These foods aren’t just more accessible; they’re delicious and versatile additions to any diet.

Yet, many people remain unaware of how many of these products are available to them. Nearly 97% of retail stores now carry lactose-free milk and other lower-lactose dairy food options, but we have much work to do in raising awareness of these products. This is a key priority of the farmer-founded National Dairy Council (NDC), our dairy nutrition research and education organization.

There have been some significant research-based efforts from key nutrition authorities that are helping change the narrative around dairy and lactose intolerance. For example, with an unrestricted research grant from NDC, the National Medical Association (NMA) recently published a supplement in its scientific journal on the role of dairy food intake for improving health among Black Americans across the life continuum.

While Black Americans experience higher rates of lactose intolerance compared to other populations, NMA’s latest research underscores that consuming the recommended daily servings of dairy foods has the potential to contribute to better nutrition and health outcomes at every life stage, highlighting several evidence-based strategies to help individuals with lactose intolerance confidently enjoy dairy foods.

Another exciting step forward came when the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) updated its food package. For the first time, lactose-free dairy milk is now a required offering in every state.

This is a huge benefit for families dealing with lactose intolerance, ensuring they can access the same nutrient-rich dairy benefits as others. Additionally, the new WIC package provides more flexibility with yogurt purchases, offering larger quantities and more sizes to accommodate varying family needs.

These are just two examples of progress being made where NDC can help use our dairy science to ensure that people of all backgrounds have access to the nutrition they need so they can shop smarter, cook healthier, and feel confident in the choices they make.

To learn more about your national dairy checkoff, visit www.dairycheckoff.com.