ST. LOUIS — From protein and calcium to the taste people love, dairy delivers the whole package for every age every day. June is National Dairy Month, making it the perfect time to celebrate dairy foods and the hardworking dairy farmers who make milk, cheese and yogurt staple foods across the United States.
“Whether you are heading to practice, the classroom or work, dairy delivers the nutrients your body needs,” said Jessica Kassel, nutrition educator with the St. Louis District Dairy Council. “Milk, yogurt and cheese add protein, calcium and B vitamins, just to name a few nutrients, to meals and snacks. It’s nutrition that shows up for you every day. When you build a robust meal that supports whole body health, you will have the energy and stamina to meet the day’s demands.”
All dairy milk, whether whole, 2%, low-fat or fat-free, offers 13 essential nutrients, including high-quality protein; calcium; potassium; phosphorus; iodine; zinc; selenium, vitamins A, D and B12; riboflavin; niacin and pantothenic acid. These nutrients support bone health, muscle synthesis and repair, energy production and immune system health across the lifespan. Yogurt and cheese, which are made from dairy milk, also deliver protein, calcium and B vitamins.
Diverse dairy products abound
Stroll the dairy section of the grocery store, and you will find a variety of milk, cheese, yogurt and other dairy foods. With so many options, it’s easy to meet the 2025-2030 Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommendation of three servings of dairy a day. The guidelines also encourage the inclusion of nutrient-dense dairy foods across a range of fat levels as part of a balanced eating pattern.
This June, discover dairy’s nutrition package. Try new dairy foods to expand your mealtime experiences and enjoy the food with your family. Your meal choices support the local dairy farmers in your community who work every day to feed America.
Visit www.stldairycouncil.org for more information on the health benefits of dairy. You may also contact Jessica Kassel at 314-835-9668 or jkassel@stldairycouncil.org.
Follow St. Louis District Dairy Council on Facebook and Instagram at STLDairyCouncil.
June marks the start of summer! Celebrate the warmer days with this refreshing Watermelon Whip. Milk, yogurt, frozen watermelon and frozen berries blend in minutes to create this healthy, frosty concoction. Serve it for breakfast, as a snack, or after a meal.
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Watermelon Whip
Prep time: 2 hours
Servings: 2
Ingredients
½ cup milk
½ cup plain Greek yogurt
1 tsp. lemon juice
1 Tbsp. honey
2 cups watermelon, diced into ½-inch cubes
1 cup mixed berries, frozen
Instructions
1. Line a sheet pan with parchment paper. Place watermelon cubes on tray; cover with plastic wrap. Lightly freeze for about 2 hours.
2. In a high-powered blender, add the milk, yogurt, lemon juice, honey, frozen watermelon and frozen berries. Note: The frozen fruit should be added last. Blend the ingredients until a smooth mixture forms.
3. Serve immediately or freeze to enjoy later.
The St. Louis District Dairy Council (SLDDC) is a nonprofit nutrition education organization funded by local dairy farmers. Since 1932, SLDDC has served 131 counties in central/southern Illinois and eastern Missouri as the go-to educational resource and advocate for the role of dairy foods as part of a healthful diet. As the Nutrition Education People, we are proud to spread knowledge to local communities, bridging the gap between local dairy farmers and consumers.