The Facts on Whole Milk: Why Experts Recommend, and School Meals Only Provide, Fat- and Low-Fat Free Milk

Since 2012, whole and reduced-fat (2 percent) milk have not been permitted in school meals,1,2,3 which is consistent with the DGA recommendation to choose or switch to fat-free or low-fat milk to limit saturated fat consumption in the diet.4 Whole and reduced-fat milk are higher in saturated fat than fat-free and low-fat milk. [...] Furthermore, the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute,14 the American Heart Association,15 the American Academy of Pediatrics,16 and the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics17 all recommend that children aged 2 or older drink low-fat or fat-free milk. [...] According to USDA data, one cup of whole milk (the serving size of a school milk carton) contains around 4.5 grams of saturated fat, or approximately 18-34 percent of the maximum saturated fat recommended for school aged-children in a day (depending on sex, age, and activity level).18,19 It is so high in saturated fat that the government prohibits its labels from touting the health benefits of its. [...] According to the 2020-2025 DGA, more than 80 percent of 5-8 year-olds, 85 percent 9-13-year-olds, and 75 percent of 14-18-year-olds consume too much saturated fat.21 Lawmakers have introduced legislation that would override, or in the case of state legislation, circumvent, federal school meals standards, and permit whole and reduced-fat milk in school meals. [...] Saturated Fat Intake and the Prevention and Management of Cardiovascular Disease in Adults: An Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Evidence-Based Nutrition Practice Guideline.