As the Dairy Council of California continues to advance milk and dairy’s unique and essential contributions to healthy, sustainable eating patterns, it does so with an eye on emerging trends in a constantly evolving landscape. The organization’s proprietary Trends process enables continuous monitoring of the situation — and the 2025 report showcases strategic opportunities and challenges ahead.

This year’s report identified the following trends:

• The U.S. health gap grows
• Evolving food and nutrition policy landscape
• Culture and equity are prioritized in health interventions
• Women’s healthy aging in the spotlight

Led by a team of registered dietitian nutritionists, public health professionals, and communications experts, the Trends development process is one of the ways Dairy Council of California remains agile, resilient, and impactful. The process involves ongoing analysis of the latest developments in nutrition research, education, policy, health systems, and consumer behavior. Through thoughtful discussion and critical analysis, the team identifies the most relevant and impactful emerging issues.

This year’s issue of Trends dives into current happenings in access to healthy environments and quality healthcare, vast disparities in women’s health, and opportunities for nutrition policies to improve health outcomes as the health gap continues to widen. Readers will also discover how the dairy industry can adapt effectively to the Trends, including focusing on innovation to meet consumer needs and providing education on dairy’s role in health across the lifespan, especially in aging populations.

Dairy Council of California’s Trends process is integral to achieving its cause to elevate the health of children and families through lifelong healthy eating patterns. The process is more impactful when dairy producers and processors engage in using the latest trends as a basis for education, engagement, and advocacy. The 2025 Trends report has been released and is available at DairyCouncilofCA.org/Trends. To receive a printed copy, email info@dairycouncilofca.org.