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Dairy will make America ‘whey’ healthier: Putting dairy in MAHA

Michael Dykes

Michael Dykes, president and CEO of the International Dairy Foods Association, contributes this column bimonthly for Cheese Market News®.

When Robert F. Kennedy Jr. dropped out of the presidential race in September 2024 and endorsed Donald Trump, he launched the “Make America Healthy Again” (MAHA) moniker to refer to a grassroots effort to combat rising rates of chronic disease, obesity and diet-related illnesses. In just a short time, MAHA has gained national momentum, resonating with policymakers, health advocates and everyday Americans looking for real solutions to improve public health. The movement is multi-partisan, embracing liberals, conservatives, libertarians and others. MAHA calls for a return to wholesome, minimally processed foods, a renewed focus on nutrition to prevent disease and a rejection of overly processed foods that comprise an estimated 58% of the calories consumed in the modern American diet.

The U.S. dairy industry is uniquely positioned to lean into this movement, providing consumers with nutrient-rich dairy products that align with many of MAHA’s principles. Dairy is not only a powerhouse of essential vitamins and minerals, but it also offers proven health benefits that can help address many of the chronic diseases MAHA aims to fight. Unparalleled for its functionality, dairy delivers nutrition whether it’s a main course, a snack or a treat.

• Addressing chronic disease through dairy nutrition

Nearly half of U.S. adults have hypertension, more than 37 million have diabetes and close to 30% of American teens are prediabetic. Chronic disease contributes to widespread disability, lost productivity and escalating medical expenses; cardiovascular risk factors alone cost Americans more than $400 billion per year. Emerging research underscores the potential of dairy products in mitigating these conditions. For instance, studies have found that consuming at least two servings of dairy daily is associated with a 24% lower risk of metabolic syndrome, a cluster of conditions that increase the risk for heart disease and diabetes. Notably, full-fat dairy products such as cheese and whole milk have shown even greater benefits in this regard.

Moreover, dairy products are rich in essential nutrients like calcium, vitamin D and potassium, which are vital for maintaining bone health and regulating blood pressure. A recent study highlighted that an additional 300 milligrams of calcium intake per day — approximately the amount in a slice-and-a-half of Cheddar cheese — could decrease the risk of colorectal cancer by 17%.

• Embracing wholesome dairy foods

In an era where consumers and policymakers — especially those in the MAHA movement — are increasingly wary of overly-processed foods, dairy offers a refreshing, wholesome alternative. Many dairy products undergo less processing, preserving their matrix of dairy nutrition. Cheese, yogurt and milk provide high-quality protein, milk fat and a range of vitamins and minerals to help keep Americans satiated and less prone to purchasing foods with empty calories. By highlighting the simplicity and purity of dairy processing, we can assure consumers of the wholesomeness of our products.

• Promoting milk fat: The dairy advantage

The science around dietary fats has evolved significantly, with a growing body of evidence supporting the benefits of certain fats found in dairy products. Full-fat dairy items, once discouraged due to their saturated fat content, are now being reevaluated. Research indicates that these products may offer protective effects against heart disease and stroke. Fermented dairy products like yogurt and cheese are particularly beneficial, as they contain probiotics and vitamin K2, which contribute to cardiovascular health.

Additionally, butter is gaining recognition from MAHA adherents as a preferable alternative to seed oils, due to their concern over seed oils’ potential ties to inflammation. Butter’s rich flavor and nutritional profile make it a valuable component of a balanced diet when consumed in moderation.

• Unified voice: Meeting the needs of consumers and policymakers

We should lean into this. To fully harness the opportunities presented by MAHA, our industry needs to speak with a unified voice. Collaboration among producers, processors, marketers and suppliers will amplify our message about the nutritional benefits of dairy. Engaging with policymakers is equally crucial. By proactively participating in discussions about dietary guidelines and public health initiatives, we can ensure dairy’s role in a healthy diet is accurately represented. This includes advocating for the inclusion of dairy in federal nutrition programs like the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children, and school meals.

By emphasizing wholesome dairy nutrition and presenting a unified front, we can play a pivotal role in enhancing the health and well-being of our nation. Let’s seize this opportunity to reaffirm dairy’s place at the heart of a healthy America.

CMN

The views expressed by CMN’s guest columnists are their own opinions and do not necessarily reflect those of Cheese Market News®.

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