6 Things Milk Cravings Can Say About Your Body

You might find yourself craving milk for social and physical reasons, but there isn’t much science to explain milk craving. For many people, milk is a favorite drink from childhood, and lots more people believe that milk and cookies (or any dessert) are a match made in culinary heaven.

1. You’re Thirsty

Milk is mostly water—in fact, whole milk is made up of 87% water—so it’s a great way to quench your thirst. Since milk is usually served cold, you might associate it with being a particularly refreshing option,

A glass of water should quell this craving as well, but milk also provides electrolytes (charged minerals including sodium, potassium, and calcium) that help maintain fluid balance in the body, while plain water does not.

2. You’re Feeling Nostalgic

For many people, milk has strong associations with childhood. Generally speaking, children consume more milk than adults, and milk consumption tends to decrease as a person ages.

You might find yourself craving a glass of milk when you’re feeling nostalgic for your younger days. You could also associate milk with certain meals, like cereal, and be more apt to crave milk when you’re having those. 

3. You Ate Something Spicy

You might find yourself craving milk after eating something spicy. Research has found that the fat and protein in milk can help relieve the burning sensation caused by spicy foods, such as chilies. The good news is that alternative milks, such as soy milk, can also help reduce the heat sensation, especially if they contain protein.

4. You’re Having Dessert

Milk and cookies are a beloved food pairing, right up there with peanut butter and jelly. There may even be science behind why milk goes so well with cookies—or any fatty, chocolatey dessert.

Proteins in milk are great emulsifiers—substances that allow other substances to mix smoothly together. The proteins in milk can help smooth chocolate and other fats, which may explain why you crave milk when you’re indulging in a sweet treat.

5. You’re Hungry

Milk is a great balanced food source, providing protein, fat, and carbohydrates in a good ratio. A cup of whole milk contains 8 grams of protein, nearly 8 grams of fat, and 12 grams of total carbohydrate—all of which are important fuel for your body.

It’s also a great source of vitamins and minerals, including calcium and vitamins B, D, and A. When you’re craving milk, you may actually just need a good meal instead. 

6. You’re Cutting Back on Milk Consumption

If you’re a milk enthusiast, you may find yourself craving milk more if you try to cut back on it. Research indicates that food cravings are a complex phenomenon. If you cut back on a food, you might find yourself craving it more.

Dietary guidelines suggest that people consume 3 cups of low-fat dairy products each day as part of a balanced diet. Assess your reasons for cutting back on milk and whether it’s OK to enjoy an occasional cup of dairy milk or a fortified plant-based milk.

How Much Milk Is Too Much?

Dietary guidelines suggest that adults drink 3 cups of milk (or three servings of dairy) daily. That can provide you with health benefits, such as strong bones, and help prevent osteoporosis.

There’s not much research on how much milk is too much. Some research finds that drinking more than the recommended amount of milk can have adverse health effects. However, a 2016 scientific review found that milk consumption didn’t increase or decrease the risk of death.

If you’re worried about the impact that milk consumption might have on your health, talk to a healthcare provider. 

How to Stop Milk Cravings

Taking care of your overall health can help reduce food cravings: