Report: Insights into Dairy Demand & Purchasing Decisions
Among Low-Income Consumers in the Midwest
Dairy consumption among U.S. adults remains below recommended levels. For households with limited incomes, purchasing decisions involve more than affordability: taste, health, convenience, and family preferences all play a role.
Developed by Midwest Dairy and Food Systems for the Future Institute (FSFI), this report examines how consumers in Illinois, Iowa, and Minnesota choose and purchase milk, cheese, and yogurt. Its findings offer practical insights for retailers, public health professionals, policymakers, and others working to improve access to nutritious food.
What the research found
Demand for milk and cheese is stable, with opportunities for growth in yogurt and specialized products.
Consumers expressed interest in products offering added health benefits, convenience, and dietary accommodation, including high-protein, lactose-free, flavored, and portable options.
Price is essential, but it is not the only consideration.
Taste, health, product availability, shelf life, and household preferences also influence purchasing decisions.
Trusted nutrition guidance is not always easy to access.
The findings highlight an opportunity to connect trusted health and nutrition professionals with consumers at retail and other points where purchasing decisions are made.
Together, these insights can help producers, retailers, policymakers, public health professionals, and community organizations develop strategies that better reflect consumers’ needs and lived experiences.
About the Research
Midwest Dairy and FSFI surveyed 1,527 household food shoppers with limited incomes across Illinois, Iowa, and Minnesota in March and April 2026. The report also draws on published research and interviews with eight experts in public health, policy, dairy, and the food supply chain.
Watch the Findings Presentation
Hear from Jocelyn Boiteau, PhD, FSFI’s Senior Nutrition Impact and Innovation Director and lead researcher, present the study’s findings and discuss opportunities for future action.
For questions about the research or opportunities to support follow-on work, contact info@fsfinstitute.net.