Full-fat or low-fat cheese and milk? A dietitian on which is better

• When it comes to dairy products do you tend to buy full-fat or low-fat products?
• For many people, going for low-fat options can seem like the “healthier” choice.
• But is low-fat milk, cheese, yoghurt and butter really any better for us?
• Most relevant dietary guidelines encourage the consumption of low-fat dairy foods, except for in very young children.

Explaining the science

• There is increasing evidence that some of the fatty acids found in dairy fats might actually reduce our risk of developing heart disease and type 2 diabetes.
• But it may well be that other recommendations to use lower-fat dairy products are based more on maths than science.
• It appears to be based on historical farming practices that used leftover skimmed milk from making cream to fatten piglets.

Low-fat v full-fat

• Research has found that higher intakes of saturated fatty acids are linked to an increased risk of heart disease, type 2 diabetes and dementia.
• So these recommendations may come as part of suggestions to limit overall fat intake more broadly, rather than because full-fat dairy is “bad” for us.
• So if you consume dairy products, it’s likely that there’s no need to worry too much about the fat content.