“Only children drink milk,” “Too much milk is bad for you,” “Dairy products should be as sweet as possible”—these common misconceptions highlight the need for improved public understanding of dairy nutrition. Released recently, the 2025 China Dairy Literacy Index Report aims to address such gaps by analyzing national survey data on dairy consumption awareness and behavior.
The report reveals a national dairy literacy score of 67, an incremental increase from the previous year but with slower growth. This signals a shift: consumers are moving beyond simply “drinking more milk” to prioritizing “drinking better milk.” Three notable trends emerge:
While knowledge about dairy nutrition has risen significantly, particularly among “ingredient-conscious” consumers who now score 13% higher on nutrient awareness, actual consumption frequency and purchasing habits have declined by approximately 5%, reflecting greater caution in spending.
Generation Z (born 1995–2009) leads in dairy consumption, with higher rates of meeting daily intake recommendations.
According to the Chinese Dietary Guidelines (2022), adults should consume 300–500 grams of dairy daily. The report shows 36% of the public meets this standard, slightly up from 35.6% last year, with an average daily intake of 266 grams, holding steady compared to previous data. Liu Meiju, Executive Director of the China Dairy Industry Association, emphasizes milk’s nutritional value as “one of nature’s most complete foods,” rich in high-quality protein, calcium, vitamins, and minerals. She advocates for embedding the concept of “500 grams of dairy daily” across all age groups, starting with children to foster lifelong healthy eating habits.
Immunity-Boosting Benefits Take Center Stage
When asked about the benefits of drinking milk, “enhancing immunity” remains the top perception, followed by “preventing osteoporosis” and “replenishing energy.” Compared to last year, more people now recognize additional advantages such as “calming the mind” and “protecting vision,” reflecting a broader appreciation for milk’s multifunctional benefits.
The report notes a growing focus on dairy’s immune-boosting properties, with 32.4% of consumers listing “activating and enhancing immunity” as the most desired function of dairy products. Lactoferrin, a key nutrient, is now the most recognized immunity-related component, with 36.7% of the public associating it with immune support—a 1.1% increase from 2024. This trend is particularly pronounced among Generation Z (37.2% awareness) and new parents (38.8% recognition), underscoring their emphasis on infant immunity.
Dr. Chen Wei, Chief Physician at the Clinical Nutrition Department of Peking Union Medical College Hospital, explains: “Dairy products contain a synergistic blend of high-quality proteins, vitamins, minerals, and probiotics that support immunity. Lactoferrin, in particular, enhances immunity by depriving pathogens of iron, inhibiting their growth, and regulating immune cell activity. Probiotics and prebiotics in dairy also improve immunity by optimizing gut microbiota.”
New Parents Demonstrate Strong but Incomplete Dairy Literacy
For the first time, the report introduces a “New Parent Feeding Dairy Literacy Index,” assessing feeding awareness, knowledge, and behavior among 90s and 00s parents of children under three. With a score of 72.6, their overall literacy is rated “good,” though gaps persist in understanding daily milk intake standards and product categories: 62.1% are unaware of the scientific milk intake guidelines for infants, and 28.7% experience parenting anxiety.
The report highlights that when breastfeeding is insufficient, new parents often turn to formula milk but face challenges in product selection and feeding practices. Dr. Sheng Xiaoyang, Chief Physician at the Developmental Behavioral Child Health Department of Xinhua Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, advises: “Breast milk contains immune-boosting components like lactoferrin and HMOs (human milk oligosaccharides) that support gut development and immunity. When formula feeding is necessary, choose products rich in lactoferrin and milk fat to help build a strong immune foundation from infancy.”
As public awareness of dairy nutrition evolves, the report calls for continued education to bridge knowledge gaps, empower informed choices, and promote science-based dairy consumption across all life stages.
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