Myths and facts aboutDairy Foods + Farming
Do you have questions about milk and other dairy foods? Curious about dairy farming in California?
Separate the myths from the facts around frequently discussed topics.
Myth:
Dairy foods cause weight gain.
Fact:
Real California dairy foods are a great source of protein, helping you feel full, build muscle, and support healthy weight goals.
What You Need to Know
- Helps reduce hunger and keep you satisfied1
- Studies link real dairy with reduced body fat and better body composition2
- 13 essential nutrients, including protein, calcium and vitamins A, D, and B12
- Protein-rich dairy helps preserve muscle during weight loss3
Science-Backed:
A large study found that people who eat more dairy – for example, a cup of milk or yogurt a day – are less likely to become overweight or obese over time.4 In fact, for every extra 200 grams of dairy eaten daily, the risk dropped by 25%. Experts think this may be because dairy helps you feel full and can help you keep muscle while losing weight.
The truth is dairy can actually be a smart part of your healthy eating routine!
Myth:
People with sensitive guts should avoid dairy foods.
Fact:
Fermented and no or low-lactose dairy help to provide real dairy options for nearly every tummy.
What You Need to Know
- Lactose-free milk is real cow's milk, but with the lactose (a natural sugar) already broken down. That means it's easier to digest and won't upset your stomach, while still giving you all the nutrients.
- Yogurt and kefir have good bacteria (called live and active cultures) that help break down lactose. This makes them easier for many people to enjoy, even if they're sensitive to dairy.
- Hard cheeses like Cheddar, Colby Jack, Monterey Jack, or Cotija have very little lactose. They're a tasty way to get your dairy without bothering your stomach.
- Start small! Adding real dairy to your meals, little by little, can help your body get used to it over time.
Myth:
Dairy farming is a major contributor to methane emissions.
Fact:
California's dairy farms are on track to reach climate neutrality by 2030, meaning they will add no net warming to the atmosphere.
What You Need to Know
- California dairy farms are making great strides to both avoid and capture methane emissions, using a variety of innovative methane reduction tools, with more technological breakthroughs coming online.
- There are 238 Dairy Digesters in operation/planned statewide, which convert methane into renewable energy to power vehicles and buildings.
- California's dairy sector is on track to reach climate neutrality by 2030, meaning it will add no net warming to the atmosphere.5, 6
- California dairy farmers are more than halfway to a statewide goal of 40% less cow methane emissions by 2030 (compared to 2013).5, 6
The truth is California's dairy farm families are world leaders in sustainable farming practices.
References
- Clin Nutr. 2017;36(2):389-398.
- Adv Nutr. 2019;10(5):917S-923S.
- Nutrients. 2016; 8(7):394.
- Adv Nutr. 2022;13(6):2165-2179
- The Golden State is Going Greener. RCM website. https://www.realcaliforniamilk.com/en/sustainability. Accessed July 3, 2025.
- Reducing Dairy Methane Emissions: California Sets an Example for the World. UC Davis website. https://clear.ucdavis.edu/blog/reducing-dairy-methane-emissions-california-sets-example-world. Published October 31, 2024. Accessed July 3, 2025.
