This article covers fluid milk in the CACFP meal pattern: which types may be served at each age, required amounts, substitutions, and the changes that took effect June 8, 2026.
Milk types by age group
| Age group | Milk fat levels allowed | Flavored |
|---|---|---|
| 12–23 months (age 1) | Unflavored whole milk only | Not allowed |
| Ages 2–5 | Whole, reduced-fat (2%), low-fat (1%), or fat-free | Not allowed |
| Ages 6 and older | Whole, reduced-fat, low-fat, or fat-free | Allowed |
| Adult participants | Whole, reduced-fat, low-fat, or fat-free | Allowed |
Flavored milk may contain no more than 10 grams of added sugars per 8 fluid ounces.
Lactose-free, cultured, acidified, and ultra-high temperature (UHT) milk are creditable. All milk must be pasteurized and meet state and local standards.
Required amounts
| Age group | Breakfast, lunch, supper | Snack |
|---|---|---|
| Ages 1–2 | 4 fl oz | 4 fl oz |
| Ages 3–5 | 6 fl oz | 4 fl oz |
| Ages 6–12 | 8 fl oz | 8 fl oz |
| Ages 13–18 | 8 fl oz | 8 fl oz |
| Adults | 8 fl oz | 8 fl oz |
Milk is a required component at breakfast and lunch. For adult participants, milk is optional at supper.
What changed on June 8, 2026
USDA’s final rule Expanding Fluid Milk Options in Child Nutrition Programs took effect June 8, 2026. It expanded the fat levels permitted for participants two years and older.
- Ages 2–5: previously low-fat (1%) or fat-free only. Now whole, reduced-fat, low-fat, or fat-free, unflavored.
- Ages 6 and older, and adults: previously low-fat (1%) or fat-free only. Now any of the four fat levels, flavored or unflavored.
- Ages 12–23 months: no change. Unflavored whole milk remains required.
Is the change mandatory?
No. USDA states that operators “are not required, but are encouraged, to make changes to menus.” Contracting entities decide which varieties to offer.
Confirm with TDA before changing milk purchases. The federal rule sets what is allowable; state agency guidance determines how it is applied in Texas, and TDA handbook updates follow separately. Menus, budgets, and TX-UNPS application details that reference specific milk types must also be updated to match.
Infants under 12 months
Cow’s milk is not creditable for infants under one year of age. Infants are served breastmilk or iron-fortified infant formula under the infant meal pattern.
Milk substitutions
Disability or medical need. A medical statement is required. TDA Policy Memo CACFP 01-2025 identifies who may sign one, including state-licensed healthcare professionals and registered dietitians.
Non-medical request. A written request from a parent or guardian is required, and the substitute must meet USDA’s nutrient standards for fluid milk substitutes.
Juice and water are not creditable substitutes for fluid milk.
Yogurt for adult participants
Yogurt may be served in place of milk once per day for adult participants. Six ounces by weight, or ¾ cup by volume, credits as 8 fluid ounces of milk. In the same meal, yogurt credits as either the fluid milk substitute or the meat alternate, not both.
Common errors
- Flavored milk served to children under six years of age.
- Milk other than unflavored whole served to children ages 12–23 months.
- Milk purchases changed to whole or reduced-fat without confirming with TDA or updating the approved budget.
- A meal on the menu missing the required fluid milk component.
- A medical-statement substitution signed by someone not authorized to sign it.
Questions
Contact CACFP Solutions if you need help applying these requirements to your menus or responding to a milk-related review finding. Contact us.
Verified August 27, 2026 against USDA’s Expanding Fluid Milk Options in Child Nutrition Programs final rule (effective June 8, 2026), USDA CACFP meal pattern charts, and Texas Department of Agriculture guidance published at squaremeals.org. Confirm current requirements with TDA before making menu decisions.