“Classic Milk” Is Making a Comeback. Is That a Good Thing?

You Should Know: Decades ago, fat was the Big Bad Macro. Then came the Atkins and keto diets, turning the nutrient from loathed to loved. Now, full-fat has made another comeback — but is it actually good for you? 

Going Deeper: The whole-milk shift isn’t just cultural — it’s also happening at the federal level. The Senate recently passed legislation that would bring whole milk back into schools, and Health and Human Services has included full-fat dairy in its new dietary guidelines.

Takeaway: Whole-milk dairy is rich in calcium, protein, vitamins A and D, and other key nutrients. But it also contains saturated fat, which has long been tied to higher LDL (“bad”) cholesterol and an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. But it might not be so clear-cut as we once thought: some studies suggest that not all full-fat dairy carries the same risks. Butter, for example, seems to raise LDL levels more than full-fat cheese.

Bottom Line: The American Heart Association recommends limiting saturated fat to less than 6% of your daily calories. But, as always, balance is key. Full-fat dairy can fit into a healthy diet — as long as you keep an eye on your overall saturated fat intake.