Breakfast is one of the simplest and most effective opportunities to add dairy to your day and to boost your intake of high-quality protein.

Three simple serves of dairy – milk, yoghurt and cheese – provide the calcium and protein our bodies need, along with other essential nutrients, prebiotics and probiotics that help keep Australians well and strong.

Why protein at breakfast matters

Protein plays a critical role in maintaining muscle mass, supporting bone health and promoting overall wellbeing, particularly as we age.

All types of cow’s milk are a source of high-quality protein, meaning they contain all the essential amino acids required by the body.

  • Milk contains on average 3.5g of protein per 100mL
  • That’s about 8.8g of protein in a standard 250mL cup
  • Protein content can vary slightly between brands, with some products formulated to be higher in protein

The recommended dietary allowance to prevent protein deficiency for an average adult is 0.8 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight per day.

Starting the day with dairy helps Australians move closer to meeting these needs… early and easily.

Dairy delivers more than nutrition

Dairy isn’t just nutritious, it’s unmatched.

If Australians met recommended dairy intake levels:

  • $2 billion in healthcare costs could be avoided each year
  • For older Australians, reaching 3.5 serves per day could save a further $66 million annually

Few food choices deliver such clear value to our health system and our economy.

Easy ways to add dairy at breakfast

Adding dairy to breakfast doesn’t need to be complicated:

  • Real milk in coffee or tea
  • Yoghurt with fruit, cereal or oats
  • Cheese on toast or with eggs

Simple. Delicious. Effective.

More: Add dairy

More: ADPF Strategic Focus Area – Champion supportive and progressive policy reforms