Milk, yoghurt and cheese suit some people’s meals; others use alternatives. If you are deciding what belongs in your kitchen, start with your preferences, any symptoms and whether a replacement meets your needs.
What does dairy contribute?
Dairy foods provide calcium and other nutrients, including protein. Australian dietary guidance includes milk, yoghurt, cheese and suitable alternatives as one food group. Eat for Health — Milk, yoghurt, cheese and alternatives.
The earlier article made broad claims against dairy. This revised guide does not repeat those claims or suggest that everyone should include or exclude the same foods.
What if you prefer an alternative?
Check whether a plant-based drink has added calcium. Australian guidance recommends looking for at least 100 mg of calcium per 100 mL when choosing a drink from this food group. That is a food-label comparison, not a supplement dose. Eat for Health — Milk, yoghurt, cheese and alternatives.
Compare the nutrition information and ingredients, not just the front of the carton. You might use the drink on cereal, in porridge or in a recipe you already enjoy. Our soy guide discusses soy foods in more detail.
Is intolerance the same as allergy?
No. Lactose intolerance involves difficulty digesting the sugar in milk, whereas milk allergy is an immune reaction to milk proteins. The appropriate advice differs. Healthdirect — Lactose intolerance.
If symptoms concern you, speak with your doctor or an accredited practising dietitian. People with lactose intolerance do not necessarily need to remove every dairy food; individual tolerance varies. Healthdirect — Lactose intolerance.
Do not use this general guide to change a baby’s milk feeds. Feeding and suspected allergy questions for babies or children need advice from their doctor or child-health nurse. Healthdirect — Lactose intolerance.
Keep the whole eating pattern in view
If you remove a food group, discuss suitable replacements. Our food and bone-health guide offers related questions to bring to an appointment.
The clinic’s initial naturopathy consultation includes a health history and dietary and lifestyle review. Bring your questions and any existing medical advice. Melbourne Wellness — Services.
Discuss suitability at a consultation.
Sources
Read 15 October 2026. Clinical sources support the adjacent general information; clinic links verify the advertised appointment menu.
- Eat for Health — Milk, yoghurt, cheese and alternatives — Australian dietary guidance; accessed 2026-10-15.
- Healthdirect — Lactose intolerance — Australian public-health guidance; accessed 2026-10-15.
- Melbourne Wellness — Services — current clinic facts; service availability only; accessed 2026-10-15.
