Whole milk is making a comeback in school cafeterias nationwide following a new law signed by President Donald Trump.
The law allows schools in the National School Lunch Program to serve whole and 2% milk alongside skim and low-fat options.
Non-dairy alternatives, such as fortified soy milk, will also be available, and parents can now request them with a simple note.
This change could take effect as early as this fall, impacting nearly 30 million students nationwide.
To help clarify what this means for parents and students, Rayshawnda Temple, a nutrition and physical activity educator with Michigan State University Extension, shared insights.
When asked about the healthiest milk choice for children, Temple explained that the main difference between whole milk and lower-fat options is their fat and calorie content.
Whole milk contains about 4% fat, while 2% and 1% milks have less, and fat-free milk has none.
However, the overall nutrition, including vitamin D and calcium, remains the same across all types.
Temple noted that while whole milk has more saturated fat, which is linked to heart disease, many guidelines aim to reduce childhood obesity.
Therefore, whole milk may not be the best choice for most children, given current health concerns.
Regarding milk alternatives, Temple said that previously, a doctor’s note was required for students to receive non-dairy options.
The new law simplifies this by allowing parents to submit a note requesting an alternative milk for their child, whether for preference, sensitivity, or health reasons.
For parents considering alternatives like almond milk, Temple advised reading food labels carefully.
Since dairy is a key source of calcium and vitamin D, it’s important that alternatives are fortified with these nutrients.
She recommended using the percent daily value on labels as a quick guide: 5% or less means low in a nutrient, while 20% or more is high.
A typical glass of milk provides about 20-25% of daily calcium needs, so fortified alternatives should offer similar amounts.
Temple’s guidance helps clear up confusion for parents navigating milk choices for their children in schools.