What is the recommended daily dairy intake for preschool-aged children?

• A. 2 cups
• B. 2-2.5 cups
• C. 3 cups
• D. 2-3 cups

Answer: (B)

Preschoolers need calcium to support growing bones, and dairy is a primary source of that nutrient. For children in the preschool age span (roughly 2 to 5 years), guidelines set a practical daily range because ages and appetites vary. The target is about 2 cups of dairy for the younger end, rising to about 2.5 cups for older preschoolers. That two-to-two-and-a-half-cup range aligns with typical needs across the preschool years, allowing for different ages within that group and the possibility of getting calcium from other dairy foods as well.

Remember that one cup of dairy is one cup of milk or yogurt, or about 1.5 ounces of natural cheese (or 2 ounces of processed cheese), so you can mix different dairy foods to reach the daily goal.