Recent updates to Finland's nutritional guidelines have led to a change in the recommended fat content for milk and buttermilk, now advised to be no more than 0.5% fat. This is a shift from the previous recommendation of a maximum of 1% fat. According to the upcoming 2024 guidelines, milk and buttermilk should ideally be fat-free or have very low fat content, emphasizing the health benefits of consuming lower-fat dairy options.

In Finland, the types of milk available in stores include whole milk, light milk, first milk, and fat-free milk, with whole milk containing at least 3.5% fat content, light milk having 1.5–1.8% fat, first milk at 1.0%, and fat-free milk capping at 0.5%. Given the current dietary advice, making the appropriate choice aligns with opting for fat-free milk, which meets the latest health recommendations.

Furthermore, while dairy products are excellent sources of protein, calcium, and iodine, they also contain saturated fats. Therefore, the emphasis on selecting fat-free or lower-fat dairy options is significant for maintaining a balanced and healthy diet. The guidelines are part of broader efforts to enhance public health through dietary adjustments in Finland, highlighting the importance of informed choices in nutrition related to dairy consumption.