Points to Consider

Wholesomeness...quality...nutritive value... convenience...and informative labeling are some of the points to consider when purchasing dairy products.

Wholesomeness

Before grading or inspection of a dairy product is provided, the processing plant must meet the U.S. Department of Agriculture's specifications for quality and sanitation. A USDA dairy inspector checks the plant, incoming raw products, and processing and packaging techniques.

Nutritive Value

Milk products provide varying amounts of protein, fat, saturated fat, cholesterol, carbohydrate, vitamins, and minerals. Of all milk products, milk, yogurt, and cheese are the best sources of calcium. Some milk products contain added sugars. Some are high in sodium or fat, especially saturated fat, while others are low. Although butter is made from cream, nutritionally it is a fat and is not in the milk group of the Food Guide Pyramid. Use the Nutrition Facts panel on each individual product label to learn about the nutrient content of that food and how it fits into an overall daily diet.

Choose a diet low in fat, saturated fat, and cholesterol to help reduce the risk of getting certain diseases and to help maintain a healthy weight. The Dietary Guidelines for Americans suggest choosing a diet containing 30 percent or less of calories from fat and less than 10 percent of calories from saturated fatty acids. Also, some health authorities suggest that dietary cholesterol be limited to an average of 300 milligrams or less per day.

The Food Guide Pyramid suggests 2 to 3 servings each day of food from the milk, yogurt, and cheese group. Count as a serving: 1 cup of milk or yogurt, 1 1/2 ounces of natural cheese, or 2 ounces of process cheese.

Tips: Skim milk and plain nonfat yogurt are lowest in fat, saturated fat, and cholesterol; contain no added sugars; and should be chosen often. "Part skim" or lowfat cheeses and lower fat milk desserts, such as lowfat ice cream or frozen yogurt, are available. When you choose a higher fat milk product, balance your fat intake by choosing other foods that are low in fat.

Source: http://www.ams.usda.gov/howtobuy/