WIC Approved Milk & Dairy
Milk and dairy are a core part of nearly every WIC food package, with the fat content and monthly amount set by your age group and participant category.
Quick Answer
WIC covers pasteurized fluid cow's milk in a fat-content variety set by your age and participant category — whole milk for children 1 to 2, low-fat or fat-free for everyone else — plus a partial cheese substitution option, in an amount of roughly 3 to 4 gallons a month.
What Is Covered
WIC covers fluid cow's milk in fat-content varieties based on participant type and age. Children 12 to 24 months typically receive whole milk; older children and adults receive low-fat (1%) or fat-free (skim) milk. Lactose-free milk is approved in many states. A portion of your milk benefit can also be exchanged for cheese — check your state's approved foods list for the exact substitution ratio.
Typical Quantities
Your monthly benefit
Monthly milk amounts run about 3 to 4 gallons depending on participant category, following a 2026 USDA food package update that reduced milk quantities to better align with recommended dairy intake (packages previously provided as much as 4 to 6 gallons). Cheese is no longer a standalone benefit category for fully breastfeeding participants under the update, but it remains available to everyone as a partial milk substitution. Check your WIC benefit for your exact allotment.
Shopping Tips
Look for the WIC shelf tag in the dairy aisle. WIC milk must be pasteurized fluid cow's milk in an approved fat-content variety — flavored milk, raw milk, and glass bottles are generally not covered. Plant-based alternatives like soy, oat, or almond milk are only covered in some states as a standard or substitution option, so check your state's approved foods list before buying.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does WIC cover whole milk?
WIC covers whole milk for children ages 1 to 2. Adults and older children typically receive low-fat (1%) or fat-free milk.
Can I substitute cheese for milk?
Yes. A portion of your milk benefit can be exchanged for cheese in most states — check your state's approved foods list for the exact ratio and approved varieties.
Does WIC cover plant-based milk?
Some states include soy milk or other plant-based options as a standard benefit or milk substitution. Coverage and approved brands vary by state — check your state's approved foods list.
Does WIC cover lactose-free milk?
Many states include lactose-free cow's milk on their approved foods list for participants who can't tolerate lactose.