Most U.S. School Milk Now Lower in Added Sugar, Industry Group Says

August 10, 2025 – The vast majority of milk processors supplying U.S. schools have successfully reduced added sugars in flavored milk products ahead of the new academic year, the International Dairy Foods Association (IDFA) announced Thursday.

According to the IDFA, 37 school milk processors, representing about 95% of the milk volume served in schools nationwide, have met the goals laid out in the Healthy School Milk Commitment—a voluntary pledge launched in 2023. As part of that commitment, processors agreed to offer school milk options containing no more than 10 grams of added sugar per 8-ounce serving by the 2025 school year.

IDFA reports that these processors have already achieved a nearly 60% reduction in added sugars in flavored milk options, while maintaining taste and nutritional value. The move comes as part of an industry-wide effort to align with evolving nutrition standards and concerns about added sugar consumption in children’s diets.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) followed suit in 2024, updating its school meal guidelines to limit added sugars in flavored milk. The new federal standards cap added sugars at 10 grams per 8 ounces for milk served as part of school meals, and 15 grams per 12 ounces for flavored milk sold à la carte in middle and high schools.

“This milestone demonstrates our industry’s commitment to child nutrition and to supporting school meal programs with better-for-you products,” said an IDFA spokesperson.

The Healthy School Milk Commitment reflects a growing collaboration between industry and public health policy, aiming to retain milk as a staple in school diets while addressing concerns about sugar intake. Flavored milk remains popular among students and is a key source of calcium, vitamin D, and potassium in school meals.