The DTU National Food Institute has examined Danes’ consumption of dairy products across six different dairy categories. The research shows, among other things, that young women drink too little milk compared with the recommendations in The Official Dietary Guidelines. The report is based on the Danish National Survey of Diet and Physical Activity, DANSDA 2021–2024.
Among girls and young women aged 11–17, the diet contributes 372 grams of dairy products per day (with cheese converted into the equivalent amount of milk). This includes milk, fermented milk products, cheese, cream and sour cream, butter and blended spreads, and sweetened milk-based beverages.
The dietary guidelines, however, recommend 400–450 grams per day when cheese is converted into milk. This corresponds to 300–350 millilitres of milk and dairy products, along with approximately 20 grams of cheese per day.
“When girls and young women have a low intake of dairy products, they are less likely to get enough calcium and vitamin B12. The survey does not tell us what the young women drink instead, but we do know that consumption of sugary beverages has increased, which may influence the intake of dairy products, and thereby intake of nutrients such as calcium and vitamin B12,” says researcher Camilla Christensen from the DTU National Food Institute.
When the consumption is broken down into milk and cheese, the data show that girls and young women aged 11–17 years eat almost twice as much cheese as recommended – 38 grams compared with the 20 grams recommended in The Official Dietary Guidelines – while they consume only 160 grams of milk compared with the recommended 300 to 350 millilitres (for practical purposes, millilitres approximately equal grams).
One possible reason may be that cheese has become more popular as snacks (e.g. chili cheese tops) and in cooking, for example as cubes in salads.
“You can also get calcium from, for example, green vegetables, nuts and seeds, but you need to eat large amounts to meet the calcium requirement, and we know that the population already struggles to eat enough green vegetables,” says Camilla Christensen.
Fermented dairy products perceived as healthy
The survey also provides insights into the population’s intake of, for example, yoghurt and skyr.
Adults (aged 15–80 years) with a high intake of fermented dairy products tend to eat more in line with The Official Dietary Guidelines compared with those with a low intake. Older women in particular have a high intake. Conversely, adults with a high intake of butter and blended spreads, and sweet dairy drinks, tend to be less compliant with the guidelines.
“This tells us that people perceive fermented dairy products as part of a healthy diet. So those who already eat healthily also include fermented dairy products in their diet. However, this does not mean that they follow the dietary guidelines to the letter – in fact, none of the individuals in our dataset do,” says research assistant Frida Viple.
Overall consumption of dairy products has declined
Figures from Euromonitor International show that total sales of dairy products in Denmark fell by approximately 15% between 2013 and 2024.
Despite this decline, the research shows that dairy products still make up an important part of the Danish diet and contribute substantially to overall nutrient intake.
“Dairy products supply 25% of Danes’ protein and fat intake, as well as just under 60% of the calcium intake. They also contain several other important nutrients, including vitamin B12, riboflavin and zinc. Therefore, if people reduce their meat consumption, it may be a good idea to follow the Official Dietary Guidelines for dairy intake to ensure that nutrient requirements continue to be met,” says Frida Viple.
This is the first in-depth study of Danes’ intake of dairy products. Whereas previous national dietary surveys have mainly examined broad categories such as milk and dairy products, and cheese, this survey breaks intake down into six dairy categories: milk, fermented milk products, cheese, cream and sour cream, butter and blended spreads, and sweetened milk-based beverages.
Facts about the survey
The survey is based on data from the Danish National Survey of Diet and Physical Activity 2021–2024 (DANSDA), which is a nationwide survey comprising approximately 4,000 Danes aged 4–80 years.
The purpose of the survey is to provide a nuanced and well-documented picture of the role of dairy products in the Danish diet.
The work on the report is supported by the Milk Levy Fund. The analyses, interpretations and conclusions of the survey have been carried out independently and reflect the authors’ professional assessments.
Read more
Read the full report: Nutrition and Dietary Habits – Analysis of Intake and Nutrient Contribution from Dairy Products (in Danish).
Read about the Research Group for Nutrition, Sustainability and Health Promotion.
