If you aren’t tuned into the dairy business or haven’t had kids in school for a while, you may not be aware that whole and 2% milk have been banned in public school meals since 2012. The country at the time was concerned about a so-called “childhood obesity epidemic,” and experts said skim and low-fat milk provided kids with necessary nutrients with less fat and fewer calories. But more nutrition experts now question that logic, and there is momentum in Washington to rethink the ban on whole milk.
When comparing the nutrition of milks that come from a cow, they are nutritionally very similar apart from fat and calorie content. Manufacturers add vitamins A and D to the lower-fat options, so the nutrition is the same across all cow’s milks when it comes to these nutrients and calcium. Unsurprisingly, whole milk, defined as milk containing at least 3.25% milk fat by weight, has more fat and calories than 2% or skim milk and dietary guidelines have for years attempted to divert consumers away from whole milk.
Now, a growing body of evidence suggests that the public health freak-out about whole milk and its high-fat content was ill-informed. One of the most surprising finds in recent years is that the fat contained in whole milk delivers unique benefits missing from reduced-fat alternatives. These fats include ‘conjugated linoleic acid’ and ‘omega-3 fatty acids’, which research suggests may support metabolic health, reduce inflammation, and might even contribute to heart health.
Contrary to past assumptions about dairy fat raising heart disease risk, recent studies indicate the opposite might be true. A comprehensive analysis published in the European Journal of Epidemiology found that people consuming full-fat dairy products actually experienced lower rates of heart disease compared to those avoiding these foods. The complex blend of fatty acids appears to influence inflammation markers and support healthy blood vessel function.
Weight management benefits also challenge conventional wisdom, as multiple studies show that whole milk consumption is associated with lower obesity rates and reduced waist circumference. The fat content appears to enhance satiety signals, helping people feel satisfied longer after meals and potentially reducing overall calorie intake throughout the day.
There are some groups that should probably stay away from whole milk, like those with specific cardiovascular conditions or significantly elevated LDL cholesterol levels. But growing children are a group that may particularly benefit from whole milk’s nutrient density.
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends whole milk for children ages 1-2 specifically because the fat content supports brain development during this critical growth period. The calories and nutrients packed into each serving help meet the high nutritional demands of rapid childhood growth. Most importantly, study after study has shown that kids simply do not like 1% and skim milk.
Public school menus are dictated by the U.S. Dietary Guidelines, the most recent version of which was released under the Biden Administration last year. While the specifics have not yet been released, it is known that the administration did maintain the longstanding guidelines for milk, which have recommended that Americans older than age 2 consume low-fat or fat-free dairy since 1985.
There is some hope that the guidelines will be revised under new head of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Robert Kennedy Jr., who has called the guidelines “antiquated.” According to Kennedy, the USDA and HHS are currently conducting a “line-by-line” review of the 2025-2030 Dietary Guidelines that could lift the ban on higher fat milk. The agencies aim to release the revised guidelines by the end of the year.
Lawmakers in Congress are also making moves to get whole and 2% milk back in schools. The “Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act” passed the House Education and Workforce Committee in February and has wide bipartisan support. A similar bill with bipartisan support is also working its way through the Senate. (Sources: Associated Press, Wisconsin State Farmer, National Milk Producers Federation)
