Iran’s dairy intake falls below half recommended level

IRAN – Iran’s Health Ministry has noted that the milk consumption in the country has dropped to less than half the recommended level, warning of rising nutritional risks amid falling purchasing power and food insecurity.

Ahmad Esmailzadeh, head of the ministry’s Nutrition Improvement Office, said that high prices have driven dairy consumption to record lows, while malnutrition, obesity, and vitamin deficiencies are worsening.

He added that the government plans to resume the long-suspended school milk distribution program within two weeks to support children’s nutrition.

Over 120,000 deaths each year in Iran are linked to diet-related illnesses such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and obesity, according to ministry data.

“Nearly one in five children is overweight, and up to 70% of Iranians suffer from vitamin D deficiency,” Esmailzadeh said.

According to UN Food and Agriculture Organization data, Iran’s per capita dairy consumption fell from 101 kg in 2010 to 70 kg in 2023, less than half the global average.

The decline reflects a broader collapse in household food spending as inflation and sanctions-driven poverty deepen. Meat consumption has dropped 17% over the past decade, and calorie intake has fallen 22% since 2010.

Industry officials say milk exports have surged more than 500% in recent years as domestic demand collapses, following the government’s suspension of free milk distribution in schools during the mid-2010s.

Iran’s dairy exports rise by 32% in June 2025

Recently, the country reported a significant surge in its dairy product exports in the first quarter of the calendar year, which began in late March.

According to a report by the Tasnim news agency, Iran exported US$280.7 million worth of dairy products in the three months to June 21, a 32% increase compared to the same period last year.

Iraq was responsible for nearly 40% of dairy product purchases from Iran in the June quarter, the report stated, adding that Pakistan, the United Arab Emirates, and Russia were among the other major buyers.

Milk powder accounted for 28% of Iran’s dairy export shipments over the period, followed by ayran and kefir at 19% and cheese at 16%, said the report, citing figures from Iran Dairy Industries Society (IDIS).

The report said, however, that the subsidized currency offered by the government for imports of animal feed has played a significant role in the rise in dairy exports from Iran in the June quarter.

IDIS figures released in April showed that Iran had exported more than 0.587 million metric tons worth US$948.9 million in the 11 calendar months to late February.

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