Milk companies commit to reducing sugar in school milk

The International Dairy Food Association has announced a commitment to reduce the sugar used in flavored milks served at schools. 

Under the Healthy School Milk Commitment, dairy companies will reduce added sugars in flavored milks so that they contain no more than 10 grams of added sugar per eight fluid ounces, beginning in the 2025-2026 school year. 

Thirty-seven milk processors have already signed on to the pledge. Together, they provide more than 90% of the school milk volume. 

This commitment matches up with the added sugar restrictions in the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) proposed changes to its School Nutrition Standards. 

The proposed changes also include two options for the next flavored milk requirements. One would limit flavored milk to students in grades 9-12, while the other would maintain the current standard and allow flavored milk for children in all grade levels.

Members of the public can comment on the proposed changes until May 10. 

Milk in schools has been a hot topic among lawmakers lately. During this legislative session alone, multiple bills have been introduced or reintroduced that would adjust school milk offerings, such as allowing whole milk to be served in schools, requiring schools to offer flavored milk and mandating that schools serve soy milk if requested by parents or students.