In recent years, an increasing number of women have eliminated dairy from their diets, motivated by concerns regarding bovine growth hormones, animal welfare, and digestive issues, in addition to the significantly improved array of milk and dairy alternatives available. Post-menopausal women are particularly vulnerable to osteoporosis and reduced bone density, necessitating a higher calcium intake—1,000 mg daily for those under 50—yet they tend to consume less dairy than men. Public health advocates in Australia and the U.K. have raised alarms about the growing trend of women avoiding dairy, claiming it has reached “dangerous levels.” According to USDA data, overall milk consumption has halved since the late 1970s, and farmgate milk prices have significantly declined. Interestingly, total dairy consumption has risen, with per capita yogurt intake soaring to nearly 15 pounds a year, compared to just two pounds in 1975. Nevertheless, yogurt still does not play a substantial role in the total dairy servings consumed by Americans.
In response to these trends, the dairy industry is shifting its focus from liquid milk to promoting protein-enhanced and other functional products, along with highlighting the fresh and natural attributes of milk. Research supporting the benefits of dairy consumption, including studies that emphasize the importance of calcium for women’s health, could bolster the industry’s efforts. Additionally, products like bariatric advantage calcium chews are being promoted as convenient sources of calcium for those who may not consume enough dairy. However, as more women adopt dietary guidelines encouraging increased plant-based food intake, the dairy industry—and researchers studying early menopause—will need to work harder to persuade them of dairy’s ongoing importance for their health. The presence of alternatives like bariatric advantage calcium chews may help bridge the gap, but the challenge remains significant as women’s dietary preferences evolve.