Dairy foods have been popular worldwide for many centuries, not only because of its flavour, but because of all the nutrition it brings. In countries such as Australia, Canada, Demark, France, the UK and U.S. just to name a few, dairy has become an important component of their daily diet. In fact, the importance of dairy is shown by their inclusion in official dietary recommendations (of 3 servings per day) by medical as well as health associations and institutions all over the world. Dairy is considered a key staple in the five major food groups, an important component to a healthy nutritious diet.

Today, as a result of continued innovations in the dairy industry, a wide variety of milk and other dairy foods is available to meet the varied tastes, usage, nutrient needs, and health concerns of individuals. Dairy now fits easily in anyone's daily diet. In Singapore alone, "volume sales of dairy products have increased at a CAGR of 3.2% for both liquid and solid dairy produce to reach 10 million kilograms and 48.6 million liters in 2002. This has pushed revenue growth at a CAGR of 4.2% to S$217.2 million". [1]

2 to 4 servings of dairy everyday will ensure that most people receive their recommended daily intake of calcium plus significant amounts of essential nutrients found naturally in dairy.

One serving of dairy is equal to:

A glass of milk (250ml)
A small tub of yogurt (200g)
A handful of grated cheese (40g)
A match-box sized piece of cheese (30g)

Dairy foods (milk, cheese & yogurt) are nutrient dense foods providing a high concentration of many essential vitamins and minerals relative to their energy value. They are considered as a synergistic mixture of multiple interacting nutrients and other bioactive components. They are indeed recognized as complete foods, containing protein, fat, carbohydrates, all the know vitamins and various minerals to maintain a healthy well-being.

Medical literature during the past two to three decades has identified an adequate intake of nutrients from dairy foods as a common factor in the reduction of the disease burden of several common medical conditions. Treatment of these diseases, particularly cardiovascular, consumes a significant portion of the United States' healthcare budget. It has been estimated that US$200 billion can be saved on healthcare costs in America within a cumulative 5 year period, if adults simply increased their intake of dairy foods to the recommended 3 to 4 servings per day. [2]