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US President Donald Trump yesterday (14 January 2026) signed the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act of 2025 into law, enabling whole and 2% milk to be offered in schools as part of the National School Lunch Program (NSLP).

The Act makes amendments to certain requirements for milk provided through the federal NSLP, administered by the US Department of Agriculture (USDA). Allowing access to whole and 2% milk is one of the key focuses, a reversal of the previous Obama-era regulations that required milk to be fat-free (skimmed) or low-fat (1%).

Another notable aspect of the Act is the expansion of access to plant-based milk alternatives. Schools will now be able to serve dairy-free milk alternatives that are ‘nutritionally equivalent’ to their dairy counterparts – previously, this was only allowed on the basis that a written medical or physician’s note was provided.

Schools must offer at least two different options of fluid milk at lunch daily and all options must be pasteurised, consistent with current regulations. Milk varieties may be unflavoured or flavoured – provided that the flavoured milk does not exceed the maximum limit of 10g of added sugars per 8 fl oz of flavoured milk.

If plant-based alternatives are offered, these must include a similar level of key nutrients to cow’s milk – including at least 8g of protein – and must be fortified in accordance with FDA guidelines to ensure they contain sufficient levels of essential vitamins and minerals including calcium, magnesium and vitamin B12.

A school food authority (SFA) is no longer required to notify the state agency that it is serving non-dairy beverages, and students who request a plant-based milk alternative for a non-disability-related reason are no longer required to submit a written statement. Parents and guardians, rather than just licenced physicians, are also now authorised to submit a note ensuring their child’s access to a non-dairy milk is guaranteed.

The overhaul is consistent with the US government’s recently announced Dietary Guidelines for Americans, which significantly prioritise protein and whole dairy.

US dairy cooperative Dairy Farmers of America (DFA) welcomed the passage of the Act through the House of Representatives and the US Senate in December 2025, before it was officially made law. Dennis Rodenbaugh, DFA’s president and CEO, described the legislation as “a win for children’s health and for America’s dairy farm families, who work tirelessly to provide wholesome, high-quality and delicious milk”.

“Common sense has prevailed with Congress and the Senate recognising the importance of giving kids access to more complete nutrient-rich and delicious beverage options that support growth and overall health,” he said.

Commenting on the expansion of access to plant-based milk substitutes, Sanah Baig, executive director of the Plant Based Foods Institute, said: “Students deserve choices at school that reflect the way families eat today. This legislation respects parents’ choices, provides kids with more options, and strengthens American agriculture.”

“Allowing schools to offer nutritionally equivalent plant-based milks alongside dairy milk unlocks new markets for American farmers that grow soy, nuts, peas, oats and other nutritious crops used to make these products.”