Milk Nutrition Facts

Milk Nutrition Information. Shelf safe milk, like regular milk, builds strong bones, lowers blood pressure, and reduces the risk of diabetes and some cancers. A carton (8 oz.) of shelf safe milk has 8 grams of protein and 9 essential nutrients – calcium, Vitamins A, D and B12, potassium, phosphorus, magnesium, riboflavin, niacin and zinc – nearly half of the daily recommended vitamins intake!

Children ages 2-3 are encouraged to consume 2 cups of milk or milk products each day; those 4-8 should have 2 1/2 cups; and ages 9-18 should have 3 cups per day (current Dietary Guidelines for Americans).

The nutrients in milk are very high compared to the relatively small number of calories. Research has shown that kids who drink flavored or white milk consume more nutrients, but have the same or lower BMI (body mass index) compared to non-milk drinkers.

Flavored milk has some added sugar, but many experts agree that the wealth of protein, calcium and other vitamins it contains still makes flavored milk a better choice than soda, juice drinks or sports drinks. What do you think? Weigh in on the Flavored Milk Debate.

206 more reasons to drink milk – 206 is the number of bones in the human body. Keep them strong by drinking milk.

Dietary calcium, a key nutrient in milk, plays an important role in bone fracture risk; the more calcium consumed, the lower the risk.

More milk nutritional information can be found on our Resources page.

Did you know that dairy and calcium intakes are inadequate in most 4- to 18-year-olds (according to the Journal of Pediatrics)? In fact, only 30% of the US population 2 years of age and older get the recommended level of calcium or more. Plus, most kids do not get enough Vitamin D, potassium and protein, either. The good news - all of these important nutrients are found in shelf safe milk.