In today’s fast-paced world, consumers have more and more access to information on food, nutrition, and health, but unfortunately, not all of it is reliable.

A recent study revealed that only 2% of nutrition information shared on TikTok videos is accurate, and half of moms report receiving conflicting messages about what to feed their children, and some of that confusion is about dairy.

This is where health and wellness leaders, including our team of nutrition scientists, registered dietitians, and communications professionals at the farmer-founded National Dairy Council (NDC), can make a difference. We have a responsibility to cut through the noise with sound, science-based information on dairy’s health and wellness benefits and help people choose dairy with confidence.

Fortunately, there’s more evidence and reasons to promote dairy foods and health from the connection of dairy and brain development in children to benefits across the lifespan like digestive wellness, immunity, heart health, and achieving and maintaining healthy weight.

U.S. dairy is well-positioned to emerge as a solution in these health and wellness spaces that are top of mind for consumers, with a marketplace opportunity of $150 billion for the dairy community.

One great opportunity to reach more and teach more people with useful tips and tools on integrating dairy exists in digital health tools. Platforms such as apps, wearable devices, and electronic medical records are opportunities to reach millions of Americans with personalized dairy eating guidance that also highlights responsible farming practices. These platforms not only empower individuals to make informed dietary choices, but they also strengthen the trust and connection between consumers and dairy farmers.

For example, NDC is conducting a pilot to bring dairy education into the Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) Shopper app, encouraging WIC moms and families to choose more dairy and meet daily dairy recommendations. This app is used 6 million times each month and there are opportunities to integrate useful dairy content into the app through recipes, videos, and shopping tips.

Data from this pilot will refine our approach and can be applied to other retailer shopping apps and digital health platforms, opening transformative opportunities to reach more Americans and showcase dairy as a solution for today’s health-conscious consumers.

Interest in food and health will continue to grow and digital platforms offer new and important food-first venues to put dairy front and center to help people reach their wellness goals and grow confidence in U.S. dairy farmers.

To learn more about your national dairy checkoff, visit www.dairycheckoff.com or to reach us directly, send an email.