World Milk Day insights: Raising a glass to good health

Khaleej Times

3 days ago

Every day, millions around the world begin and end their day with a simple glass of milk, an age-old tradition that continues to thrive in today's health-conscious society. Whether it's poured over cereal, blended into smoothies, or used to cook hearty meals, milk is one of the most naturally nutritious beverages known to humankind. And every year, World Milk Day, celebrated on June 1, reminds us of its immense value — not just as a dietary essential, but as a backbone of economies, livelihoods, and sustainability.
This year's theme, 'Let's Celebrate the Power of Dairy', highlights dairy's essential role in building a more sustainable global food system, while continuing to nourish lives across generations.
More than just a drink
Often described as a powerhouse of nutrients, milk is packed with calcium, potassium, iodine, protein, and essential vitamins like B12 and D. These nutrients contribute to a host of health benefits from strengthening bones and teeth to supporting brain and nervous system function. For many, a day starts with milk in a cup of tea or coffee and ends with a warm glass before bed. It's a trusted companion at every meal, finding its way into cereals, desserts, and savory dishes alike.
Beyond traditional dairy milk, the evolution of the market now offers a wide array of functional dairy products such as probiotic yogurts, high-protein drinks, and fortified variants designed to meet the growing demand for health-conscious choices. For those who prefer alternatives, the message remains clear: maintaining a calcium-rich diet is vital, whether through dairy or nutrient-dense foods like leafy greens, seeds, and fatty fish. Dairy brands like Al Rawabi follow strict quality controls from farm to packaging, using advanced technology to meet top international hygiene and safety standards making its milk a safe, nutritious, and trusted staple in homes across the UAE.
The UAE's rising appetite for dairy
The UAE is no stranger to the power of dairy. With a market size projected to reach $3.25 billion by 2030 from $2.55 billion in 2025, the country's appetite for dairy is growing stronger with each passing year. This growth, marked by a healthy CAGR of 4.95 per cent, is being driven by evolving consumer preferences and a deeper awareness of health and wellness.
The demand for functional dairy products has seen a noticeable rise, especially post-Covid-19, as more people prioritise immune-boosting and nutrient-dense foods. Fortified milk, flavored yogurts, and camel milk are increasingly finding favour with the UAE's diverse population. As consumers grow more health-conscious, they're seeking products that deliver added benefits — higher protein content, probiotics, and extended shelf-life packaging to suit modern lifestyles. Yakult is guided by the belief that a gut health leads to a long life. They take initiatives to spread awareness on wellness in the region through its TeaTalks series, offering interactive sessions that connect communities with nutrition experts and promote everyday wellness through probiotics.
In the UAE, the fusion of traditional tastes with modern convenience is creating exciting shifts in the dairy landscape. Plain white milk remains a kitchen essential, especially in households that embrace traditional home cooking. Simultaneously, new product innovations such as long-life packaging, sustainable production methods, and regionally flavoured dairy items are transforming the market and enhancing consumer choice.
The country's multicultural population is also contributing to this change, with different cuisines requiring a variety of dairy inputs, from ghee and yogurt in South Asian dishes to cheese and creams used in Mediterranean and Western fare. Apart from this, the sustainability aspect in dairy industry is an evolving trend with manufactures remaining conscious of lowering the carbon footing on the planet. Abevia was recently bestowed with the 2025 Sustainable Manufacturing Award by MOIAT for their sustainability initiatives that include environment friendly practices within their solar-powered facility with a 98 per cent recycling rate, and a strong focus on local production through its Dubai Industrial City plant.
Choose what's right for you
Milk is one of the most naturally nutritious beverages available, which explains its enduring popularity across generations and cultures. Whether it's a part of a child's lunchbox, a breakfast staple, or a soothing night-time drink, milk provides essential nutrients that support overall well-being.
However, not everyone includes dairy in their diet and that's okay. What matters is ensuring you're getting enough calcium and vital nutrients through other wholesome sources. For those who opt for non-dairy alternatives, it's important to include calcium-rich foods such as canned salmon and sardines (with bones), green leafy vegetables like kale and spinach, and nutrient-dense seeds and nuts such as almonds and sesame.
While preferences may vary, numerous studies have shown that regular dairy consumption can help reduce the risk of osteoporosis, lower blood pressure, and decrease the likelihood of cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes in adults. Whether you stick with traditional dairy or explore plant-based alternatives, making informed and balanced choices is key to maintaining lifelong health.