BROOMFIELD, COLO. – A petition submitted by Danone North America to the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) resulted in a new qualified health claim for yogurt, the food and beverage manufacturer and government agency announced March 1.

The health claim recognizes the potential link between regular consumption of yogurt and a reduced risk of Type 2 diabetes.

The approved claim states: "Eating yogurt regularly, at least 2 cups (three servings) per week, may reduce the risk of Type 2 diabetes according to limited scientific evidence."

All yogurt makers may use the claim with their products.

Danone said the decision was close to five years in the making, with the FDA reviewing available research on yogurt and Type 2 diabetes during that span. Danone added that data from more than 300,000 people found including yogurt in one’s diet could have a benefit to public health.

Miguel Freitas, Ph.D., vice president of health and scientific affairs for Danone North America, noted Type 2 diabetes is a rising health ailment in the US.

"That's why we decided to submit a petition for this first of its kind qualified health claim,” Freitas said. “Our hope is that this announcement will empower consumers with simple, actionable information they can use to help lower their risk of developing Type 2 diabetes through a realistic, easy-to-make dietary modification."

Per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, diabetes ranks among the top 10 causes of death in the US, and more than 37 million people are impacted. Data from the American Diabetes Association shows that 1.4 million new cases get diagnosed every year.

"Not only is yogurt a valuable source of important nutrients, it's also incredibly versatile," said Amanda Blechman, registered dietitian and director of health and scientific affairs for Danone North America. "That makes it easy to incorporate into your daily routine in a way that suits your unique needs and preferences. Yogurt is a staple in my family's grocery cart, and we like to enjoy it with fruit, mix it into smoothies, dips and dressings, and even use it as a cooking or baking ingredient."

Danone said the qualified health claim also supports the company’s broader mission to bring health through food to as many people as possible. Danone announced in 2022 a $22 million investment in improving access to nutritious and health-promoting foods in the US, in conjunction with the White House Conference on Hunger, Nutrition and Health.

The International Dairy Foods Association (IDFA) stated it was pleased with the FDA’s decision.

“We now know that eating yogurt regularly is not only an excellent source of essential nutrients, it also can have a significant benefit to public health, including reducing the risk of Type 2 diabetes,” said Roberta Wagner, IDFA senior vice president of scientific and regulatory affairs. “This decision by FDA should be closely considered by members of the 2025 Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee, alongside the growing body of science demonstrating the health benefits of consuming dairy products at all fat levels, which shows these products are not associated with higher risk of negative health outcomes, including obesity, diabetes and heart disease. Altogether, dairy products continue to demonstrate they are central to healthy, balanced diets for all people of all ages.”