Will sweetened dairy foods make me gain weight?

Last updated 31/01/2025

The Australian Dietary Guidelines recommendations for the dairy food group include all types of milk, cheese and yoghurt. This includes both plain and sweetened varieties.

Most dairy foods contain naturally occurring sugar, though some flavoured varieties contain added sugar or other low kilojoule sweeteners.

Limiting the intake of added sugar has been advocated by the World Health Organisation (WHO), the Australian government, public health organisations and experts in a push to reduce rates of obesity and dental caries.

However, the National Health and Medical Research Council states there is no link between eating milk, yoghurt, or cheese, with weight gain or risk of obesity. Studies have since shown that including dairy foods in a calorie controlled diet can help with weight loss.

Most dairy foods contain the naturally occurring sugar lactose (approximately 5g per 100g). Flavoured milk and yoghurt also contain differing amounts of added sugar in the form of fruit, honey or cane sugar or artificial and natural sweeteners.

Despite containing added sugar, the science shows when it is part of core dairy foods such as milk and yoghurt, there is less concern. This is because sweetened dairy foods contain a package of nutrients, including calcium and protein. This is compared to junk foods and drinks that are high in energy, but low in essential nutrients.