DALLAS — Dean Foods Company (NYSE: DF) today praised recommendations to "increase intake of fat-free or low-fat milk and milk products, such as milk, yogurt, cheese, or fortified soy beverages" in the release of the 2010 Dietary Guidelines for Americans. The Dietary Guidelines, issued jointly by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, serve as the foundation of federal nutrition policy and nutrition education efforts to promote the health of all Americans. Dean Foods produces some of America's leading dairy and soy beverages, including Garelick Farms(R), Alta Dena(R), Dean's(R), Horizon Organic(R) milk, and Silk(R) soymilk.
The Dietary Guidelines recognized milk products as a key contributor of three of the four "shortfall nutrients" in the U.S. diet – calcium, potassium and vitamin D – and recommended Americans increase consumption of fat-free and low-fat dairy products. According to the Guidelines, "Intake of milk and milk products, including fortified soy beverages, is less than recommended amounts for most adults, children and adolescents."
"Mother Nature got it right. Nutritionally speaking, dairy is a cornerstone of healthy eating with nine essential nutrients," said Andrea Carrothers, MS, RD, Nutrition Communications Manager for Dean Foods. "Consumers who prefer non-dairy beverages can still benefit nutritionally by choosing soymilk or other plant-based beverages that are fortified to supply nutrients like calcium and vitamin D."
Dean Foods offers a wide portfolio of beverages, bringing nutritious choices to every consumer. The company's network of local and regional dairies delivers fresh, quality-tested milk cold-shipped to stores within hours. The Dean Foods WhiteWave division produces national, value-added consumer favorites like Horizon Organic milk, and plant-based beverages such as Silk soymilk and Silk PureAlmond(TM) almondmilk.
For more information:
www.dietaryguidelines.gov
www.whymilk.com
www.soynutrition.com
ABOUT DEAN FOODS
Dean Foods is one of the leading food and beverage companies in the United States and a European leader in branded soy foods and beverages. The Company's Fresh Dairy Direct-Morningstar segment is the largest U.S. processor and distributor of milk, creamer, and cultured dairy products. These offerings are marketed under more than 50 local and regional dairy brands, as well as through private labels. The WhiteWave-Alpro segment produces and sells an array of branded dairy, soy and plant-based beverages and foods. WhiteWave brands, including Silk(R) soy and almond milk, Horizon Organic(R) milk and dairy products, International Delight(R) coffee creamers, and LAND O'LAKES(R) creamers, are category leaders and consumer favorites. Alpro is the pan-European leader in branded soy food products.
Source: Dean Foods Company