In general, lower fat dairy options are:

• Semi-skimmed (green top), skimmed (red top), and 1% fat (purple or orange top)
• Reduced fat cheese
• Lower fat or zero fat yogurts
• Reduced fat creams 

You can check and compare the labels to find which products are lower in fat.

Some dairy products, like yogurts and cheese, can also be high in sugar and salt. It is a good idea to check the label and choose the products with less.

Pasteurised whole or semi-skimmed milk or water, as well as breast milk, should be the main drink for children aged 1 up to 5 years.

From 5 years of age, pasteurised skimmed or 1% fat milk can be given as a main drink. You can use these in cooking from the age of 1, though.

If choosing dairy alternatives, go for unsweetened varieties with added calcium. This is sometimes written as 'fortified with calcium'. Check the labels on these too, some of them can be high in salt and added sugar.

Non-dairy alternative products

• • Dairy substitutes and alternatives, such as soya, oat, nut or rice milks, often have added vitamins and minerals
  • However, these can be high in sugar and salt, so it is helpful to check the label and choose those that are lower
  • If choosing plant based dairy alternatives, look for products that are unsweetened and have added calcium (often called "fortified"). Most dairy alternative products which are organic are not calcium-fortified
  • Non-dairy alternatives may not have as many nutrients as animal milk and dairy for children
  • For younger children, soya drinks are the preferred alternative to animal milk and dairy. Oat milk drinks can be high in sugar and almond drinks are very low in calories and protein
  • Rice drinks should not be given to children up to 5 years of age due to concerns about the levels of arsenic in the milk.
  • Dairy products are excellent sources of important nutrients for children, so speak to a GP or dietician before replacing them with dairy alternatives.