Skip to main content
          Skip to FDA Search
          Skip to in this section menu
          Skip to footer links


U.S. flagAn official website of the United States government

					Here’s how you know
          			Dot gov**The .gov means it’s official.**Federal government websites often end in .gov or .mil. Before sharing sensitive information, make sure you're on a federal government site.
							      SSL**The site is secure.** The **https://** ensures that you are connecting to the official website and that any information you provide is encrypted and transmitted securely. 
			U.S. Food and Drug Administration
				
        Search
            Menu
							
						Search FDA
									
									Submit search 
		Featured
							Contact FDA
	                FDA Guidance Documents
	                Recalls, Market Withdrawals and Safety Alerts
	                Press Announcements
	                Warning Letters
	                Advisory Committees
	                En Español

					Products
            Food
							Drugs
							Medical Devices
							Radiation-Emitting Products
							Vaccines, Blood, and Biologics
							Animal and Veterinary
							Cosmetics
							Tobacco ProductsTopics
            About FDA
							Combination Products
							Regulatory Information
							Safety
							Emergency Preparedness
							International Programs
							News and Events
							Training and Continuing Education
							Inspections and Compliance
							Science and ResearchInformation For
            Consumers
	            Patients
	            Industry
	            Health Professionals
	            Federal, State and Local Officials 
 In this section:

                Nutrition Education Resources & Materials

Nutrition Education Resources & Materials

                        


                        The Nutrition Facts Label Home
          Food
          Food Labeling & Nutrition
          Nutrition Education Resources & Materials
          Using the Nutrition Facts Label to Choose Milk and Plant-Based BeveragesNutrition Education Resources & Materials Using the Nutrition Facts Label to Choose Milk and Plant-Based Beverages
  
  	
    Share
    Post
    Linkedin

    Email
    PrintPrint & Share (PDF: 880KB)

Spanish (Español)

Using the Nutrition Facts Label to Choose Milk and Plant-Based Beverages

Plant-based beverages, such as soy, almond, and oat beverages, are often used the same way as milk. But the *Dietary Guidelines for Americans*, issued by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and Department of Health and Human Services, currently only include fortified soy beverages in the dairy group because they have key nutrients similar to those found in milk. Other plant-based beverages are not currently included in the dairy group.

Nutrients in milk and fortified soy beverages are important throughout life. They are especially important to help children grow and develop. You can compare the nutrient content of different products to help you make the best choices for you and your family.

Compare Nutrients on the Nutrition Facts Label

Milk and fortified soy beverages provide nutrients that are important for health. These nutrients include protein, calcium, vitamin A, vitamin D, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, riboflavin, vitamin B12, zinc, choline, and selenium. Some of these nutrients, such as protein, calcium, vitamin D, and potassium, are required to be listed on the Nutrition Facts label. Check the Nutrition Facts label on milk and plant-based beverages and compare nutrient amounts.

More often, choose milk and plant-based beverages that are **higher in**:

**Protein**, which acts as building blocks for bones, muscles, cartilage, skin, and blood, enzymes, hormones, and vitamins.
	**Vitamin D**, which functions in the body to maintain proper levels of calcium and phosphorus, which can help build and maintain bones.
	**Calcium**, which is used for building bones and teeth and in maintaining bone strength as you grow older.
	**Potassium**, which may help to maintain healthy blood pressure and is needed for proper muscle, kidney, and heart function.More often, choose milk and plant-based beverages that are **lower in**:

**Saturated Fat**, which may increase the risk of developing heart disease. When choosing milk, people age 2 years and older should drink fat-free or low-fat (1%) milk. Note that children ages 12 months through 23 months should drink whole milk.
	**Added Sugars**, which may make it difficult to meet nutrient needs while staying within calorie limits.

Compare Nutrients on Nutrition Facts Label to Choose Milk and Plant-Based Beverages
**Remember to check the Nutrition Facts label when selecting milk or plant-based beverages. More often choose products that are higher in nutrients to get more of and lower in nutrients to get less of.**


For more details on what foods are included in the dairy group, visit https://www.myplate.gov/eat-healthy/dairy.

For personal food group advice visit https://www.myplate.gov/myplate-plan.

For more information on the Nutrition Facts label visit https://www.fda.gov/NewNutritionFactsLabel.

                                                                                  Content current as of:
      02/22/2023
              
              
Regulated Product(s)
		 Food & BeveragesNutrition Education Resources & Materials

          
                        


                        The Nutrition Facts Label
 
 Footer Links
    FDA Archive
          About FDA
          Accessibility
      Visitor Information
          Website Policies / Privacy
          No FEAR Act
          Vulnerability Disclosure Policy
      FOIA
          HHS.gov
          USA.gov
    Contact FDA
      Follow FDA on Facebook
      Follow FDA on X
      Follow FDA on Instagram
      Follow FDA on LinkedIn
      View FDA videos on YouTube
      Subscribe to FDA RSS feeds
    FDA Homepage
    Contact Number
      1-888-INFO-FDA (1-888-463-6332) Back toTop