Riddet Institute research highlights dairy’s role in affordable nutrition

24 August 2026 – New Zealand nutrition research is influencing Filipino consumer perspectives on the most cost-effective, nutritious diet.

Research officer Dr Sylvia Chungchunlam from the Riddet Institute recently participated in the United States’ Dairy Export Council (USDEC) trade seminar From Supply to Innovation: Empowering Nutrition with U.S. Dairy Ingredients in Manila, Philippines.

The seminar brought together food manufacturers, nutrition experts, and industry leaders to discuss the role of dairy in advancing nutrition. A key theme that emerged from the expert-led sessions was nutritional affordability in the context of a healthy diet, to help consumers get greater nutritional value from their food budget. 

“There is a common perception that nutritious foods are expensive,” said Dr Chunchunlam. “Rather than solely focusing on price, it’s important to view foods through a nutritional lens. Good choices like dairy deliver high nutritional value for the amount spent.”

Dr Chungchunlam’s presentation demonstrated how dairy foods can help bridge important nutrient gaps, particularly for protein, which is important for supporting growth and development, building and repairing muscle, and overall health.

Lowest-cost nutritionally adequate diets that factor in nutrient density and nutritional quality are particularly important in the Philippines, where child stunting is declining but at a slower rate than national targets. Older adults are also at risk for inadequate protein intake, putting them at greater risk of age-related health complications such as loss of muscle mass and function.

Milk and dairy ingredients such as skim milk powder and whey and milk proteins provide nutritionally high-quality protein, meaning it is complete in containing all nine essential amino acids. Milk itself is nutrient-rich and provides a range of vitamins and minerals beyond its well-known calcium contribution.

Dr Chungchunlam also participated in a panel discussion entitled Bridging Nutrition and Affordability with Dairy. Topics included protein quality, nutrient density, micronutrient inadequacies, food security, and the role of dairy foods and ingredients in improving nutrition outcomes.

There was a lot of public interest in the seminar, with local media interviewing the experts on how to effectively communicate how dairy is a nutrient-rich and cost-effective food that can support public health and nutrition goals of consumers in the Philippines.