Dairy Product Consumption Patterns and Associated Sociodemographic and Lifestyle Factors Among Adults from Selected Peruvian Cities.

Background

Dairy products provide protein, calcium, and other essential nutrients, but intake may vary across sociodemographic and lifestyle groups.

Objective

To characterize dairy consumption patterns and identify factors associated with consuming ≥3 dairy servings/day among adults recruited from selected Peruvian cities.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted from April to June 2026. Of the 1619 eligible participants, 203 (12.5%) reported no dairy consumption and were analyzed separately for reasons for non-consumption; the final analytical sample included 1265 dairy consumers. Dairy intake was assessed using a culturally adapted questionnaire with content validity evaluated by expert judgment. Descriptive analyses, bivariate tests, and multivariable logistic regression were performed.

Results

Mean age was 33.0 ± 13.0 years, and 61.2% were women. The most commonly consumed products were cheese (90.9%), yogurt (85.4%), whole milk (71.2%), and quesillo or fresh cheese (60.8%). Overall, 16.3% consumed ≥3 dairy servings/day. Participants recruited from cities in the Highlands (aOR = 0.54; 95% CI: 0.37-0.79) and Amazon (aOR = 0.59; 95% CI: 0.40-0.87) had lower odds of reaching this threshold than those from the Coast. Middle socioeconomic status was associated with lower odds (aOR = 0.48; 95% CI: 0.34-0.67), whereas physical activity ≥3 times/week was associated with higher odds (aOR = 1.53; 95% CI: 1.09-2.14). Perceived lactose intolerance was the most frequently reported reason for non-consumption (46.8%).

Conclusions

Consumption of ≥3 dairy servings/day was uncommon. Socioeconomic differences were the most consistent correlate, while geographic and physical activity associations warrant cautious interpretation.