Dairy processors report hitting sugar reduction target for school meals

Milk processors representing around 95% of the milk volume in U.S. schools have met their goal of lowering added sugars in their products, the International Dairy Foods Association announced Thursday.

Thirty-seven school milk processors have reported reducing added sugars by nearly 60% in flavored milk products sold in schools after agreeing to participate in the Healthy School Milk Commitment, which requires they provide school milk options with fewer calories and no more than 10 grams of added sugar per 8-ounce serving by the upcoming school year.

The Healthy School Milk Commitment was announced in 2023, according to the release. A year later, the Agriculture Department updated its school meal standards to also require 10 grams or less added sugar per 8 fluid ounces of flavored milk or, for flavored milk sold à la carte in middle and high schools, 15 grams of added sugars per 12 fluid ounces.

IDFA found in a recent survey that the current level of added sugar in flavored milk is 7.2 grams per serving on average, according to a press release.

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"While the USDA standards on flavored milk take effect next year, dairy companies have over-delivered, beating the federal government by 1 year and nearly 3 grams on average," said Matt Herrick, IDFA's executive vice president and chief impact officer.

IDFA CEO Michael Dykes said in the release that "by slashing added sugars in school milk, America's dairy companies are fulfilling their pledge to America's parents and children to offer wholesome, nutritious milk options with fewer calories and the same essential nutrients."

"Thirty-seven milk processors have worked for more than two years to reformulate their products to reduce added sugars, lower calories, remove artificial colors, and offer new lactose-free options, all while maintaining milk’s 13 essential nutrients that children need for healthy growth and development," Dykes said.

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