AHA Recommendation
- Choose 2–3 servings of fat-free or low-fat dairy products for adults. Children should have two or more servings, teenagers and older adults should have four.
- For dessert or snacks, choose ice milk, frozen or fruited low-fat or nonfat yogurt, sherbet, sorbet or low-fat puddings.
Choose from:
- Fat-free, zero-fat, no-fat or nonfat milk
- ½–1% low-fat or light milk
- Nonfat or low-fat dry milk powder
- Evaporated fat-free milk
- Buttermilk made from fat-free or 1% fat milk
- Fat-free or low-fat yogurt
- Frozen fat-free or low-fat yogurt
- Drinks made with fat-free or 1% fat milk and cocoa
(or other low-fat drink powders) - Low-fat cheeses (dry-curd or low-fat, cottage cheese, low-fat natural cheeses or processed cheeses made with nonfat or low-fat milk with no more than 3 grams of fat per ounce and no more than 2 grams of saturated fat per ounce)
- Fat-free or low-fat ice cream (no more than 3 grams of fat per 1/2 cup serving)
Shopping and preparation tips
- Fat-free, ½% fat and 1% fat milk all provide slightly more nutrients than whole milk and 2% fat milk. But they're much lower in fat, saturated fat, cholesterol and calories.
- If you're used to whole-milk products (3.5% fat), you may find it easier to taper off slowly. Try 1% low-fat milk first, then change to ½% low-fat milk. Soon you'll be able to switch to fat-free milk with no trouble.
Note: The servings per day of milk products are higher to reflect revised recommendations for calcium intake — 1,000 milligrams for all adults until age 50; 1,200 milligrams at age 50 and older. For vitamin D, the revised recommendations are 400 I.U.s (International Units) for everyone age 51 and older; 600 I.U.s for age 71 and older.
Related AHA publications:
- Easy Food Tips for Heart-Healthy Eating (also in Spanish)
- Reading Food Labels: A Handbook for People With Diabetes, order from American Diabetes Association (1-800-232-3472)
Related AHA Scientific Statements:
Diet/Nutrition
See also:
Cookbooks
Calcium
Dietary Guidelines for Healthy Children
Fat
Fats and Oils
Imitation Milk
Meat, Poultry and Fish
Vegetables and Fruits
Vegetarian Diets
