What kind of food is non-dairy food?

Last updated 17/01/2024

Any foods that aren't derived from cow's milk are non-dairy foods! These include vegetables and legumes, fruit, grains, meat, poultry, fish, eggs, nuts, seeds and fats such as olive oil.

Here's something else to consider: In Australia, we follow the Australian dietary guidelines which define the dairy food group as milk, cheese and yoghurt. These foods have a variety of essential nutrients that are important for good health, and can lower your risk of heart disease, stroke, Type II diabetes and some cancers.¹ So when you hear us talk about the benefits of dairy foods, we're always talking to the benefits of milk, cheese and yoghurt!

Other dairy foods, like butter and ice-cream (while delicious) aren't considered a part of the dairy food group in the Australian Dietary Guidelines, and should be enjoyed in moderation. This is because they have a different set of nutrients to milk, cheese and yoghurt and aren't linked to health benefits like milk, cheese and yoghurt are.

If you're a dairy lover like us, find out more about the dairy food group here: www.dairy.com.au/healthcare-professionals/the-dairy-food-group.