Dairy for All Ages

Milk, cheese and yoghurt offer key nutrients to support health at every life stage.

How much dairy do you really need?

With a unique combination of essential nutrients, milk, cheese and yoghurt have an important role in your diet through all life stages – from childhood through to older age.

The Australian Dietary Guidelines recommend varying daily serves of milk, cheese and yoghurt to support nutritional needs at each life stage—1½–2 serves for children, 2½–3½ for teenagers, 2½ for adults, and up to 4 for older adults, depending on age and gender. A serve from the dairy food group is a cup (250ml) of milk, three-quarters of a cup (200g) yoghurt, two slices (40g) of cheese or half a cup (120g) of ricotta cheese.

But here’s the catch: 9 out of 10 Aussie adults aren’t hitting their recommended daily serves, and many don’t even realise how much dairy they need. That shortfall could impact long-term health.

No matter your age, milk, cheese and yoghurt play an important role in your diet. Want to know what’s right for your age? Explore more below at each life stage.