New scientific report reveals dairy’s vital role in UK diets and sustainability

A comprehensive review of scientific evidence has confirmed dairy's essential contribution to healthy diets and the UK's environmental ambitions.

The new report has been co-written by independent nutritionists alongside our experts on human health and the environment and follows a similar one focusing on red meat.

AHDB’s Head of Environment, Rachael Madeley-Davies, said:

"The role of dairy in the UK has received plenty of media attention and debate over the last few years, but the evidence around its impact on the environment is disjointed and often lacking.

"Our review brings together the evidence to show that UK dairy farming is not only efficient but actively working towards sustainability targets, highlighting that it is among the most efficient and sustainable globally, with emissions intensity down 22% since 1990."

Key findings include:

Health

• Dairy is a building block of healthy and sustainable diets and is an affordable solution to nutrient shortfalls in the UK
• Considering dairy as whole foods is more beneficial than just focusing on the individual nutrients they contain

Environment

• Well-managed livestock farming systems don’t just provide food, they can offer key environmental benefits for the planet, such as carbon storage, habitat management and improved soil health, which support the UK’s net zero ambitions

Kate Arthur, Head of Nutrition and Health at AHDB, added:

"Dairy is a cornerstone of UK nutrition, supplying essential nutrients like calcium, iodine and high-quality protein through all stages of life.

"By providing a science-led foundation for marketing and policy, we hope that this report will strengthen the sector’s position in debates on health and sustainability."