Exploring the Reasons Behind Your Body’s Craving for Milk

Craving milk can be due to wanting calcium or protein, comfort, hydration, or habit.

Possible reasons

• Need for calcium, protein or fat.
• Comfort and nostalgia.
• Thirst or hydration.
• Habit or hormones, such as during pregnancy.
• Stomach acid: milk can soothe heartburn briefly.

Nutrition

One cup of milk has about 8 g of protein and 300 mg of calcium.

Caution

Lactose intolerance affects about 65% of people worldwide.

Alternatives

Fortified plant milks.

Possible nutritional causes

A craving for dairy may reflect habit, comfort, or a need for calcium, protein, fat or salt. Milk provides about 300 mg of calcium per cup (240 ml), roughly 8 g of protein and about 12 g of lactose. Cravings are not proof of a specific deficiency, and research tying specific cravings to specific missing nutrients is limited.

• Pregnancy and heavy periods can change food preferences.
• Low calcium or vitamin D intake can contribute in adults who avoid dairy.
• Emotional comfort associated with childhood foods, plus the sweet and creamy taste, is a common driver.
• Cold milk can soothe heartburn briefly, though it can worsen reflux later due to fat and protein stimulating acid.

If you cannot digest lactose

About 65 percent of the global adult population has reduced lactase activity, according to NIH. Lactose-free milk, lactase tablets, fortified soy milk (about 300 mg calcium per cup) and yogurt or hard cheese with less lactose are options. Intense, sudden new cravings with fatigue or other symptoms deserve a check for anemia or other conditions.

Nutritional links

Craving milk can reflect desire for calcium, protein, fat or comfort. Pregnancy and exercise can raise appetite for dairy. An 8 ounce glass of milk has about 8 g of protein and about 300 mg of calcium, which is roughly a quarter of the adult daily need of 1,000 to 1,200 mg.

Intolerance

About 65 percent of adults have reduced ability to digest lactose. Lactose free milk and fortified plant milks are alternatives. Persistent unexplained cravings can be discussed with a doctor.

Possible nutritional links

Milk provides calcium, vitamin D (fortified), protein, phosphorus and B12. Cravings may reflect thirst, comfort or a low calcium diet. Adults aged 19 to 50 need 1,000 mg of calcium daily and women over 50 need 1,200 mg.

Intolerance and allergy

Lactose intolerance affects about 36 percent of Americans, according to the NIH, while cow’s milk allergy affects about 2 to 3 percent of young children. Lactase supplements and lactose free milk help. Fortified soy milk is nutritionally closest to dairy among plant milks. Persistent unexplained cravings, along with fatigue or weakness, may warrant a blood test.

Based on data from the NIH and the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics