The next time you are at the store - check out the new milk labels. New FDA regulations have been issued in response to milk industry and consumer group requests to make it easier to identify low fat and fat free milk. Also, use of the words "fat free", "low fat", and reduced fat" on milk labels will be consistent with use of these words on other foods, such as crackers and cookies.
Take a look at the guide below to help you identify the new labels you should now be seeing in your supermarket.
A Guide to New Labels
(One serving is 1 cup or 8 fluid ounces)
Skim Milk = Fat Free
Skim milk means "fat free". It is not "skimmed"
of nutrients. Only the fat has been removed. Fat
free milk has the same amount of calcium, vitamin D, and other nutrients as the other milks.
Label indicating the percentage of milk fat is optional
Listing the percentage of milk fat, such as 1% or 2%, on the milk label is now optional. Be sure to look for the labels "low fat" and "fat free" when purchasing milk!
Information adapted from Nutrition Fact Sheet developed by the National Center For Nutrition and Dietetics of The American Dietetic Association.
