Dark History Podcast Summary
Episode: 170: The Shocking Truth About Dairy: Why are we really drinking milk?
Host: Bailey Sarian
Release Date: May 21, 2025
Produced by: Audioboom Studios
Introduction: America's Complicated Love Affair with Dairy
In this captivating episode of Dark History, Bailey Sarian delves deep into America's intricate and often overlooked relationship with dairy. From cultural taboos to governmental intervention, Bailey unravels the hidden narratives that have shaped our consumption habits.
"As a country, America has always had a complicated relationship with dairy. One month, we hate it. The next month, some weird, like, cottage cheese recipe goes viral, and then it's like, yeah, we're back in."
— Bailey Sarian [00:00]
Historical Beginnings: From Taboo to Staple
Bailey traces the origins of milk consumption in America, highlighting the stark contrast with other cultures. For instance, up until the 1700s, milk consumption in countries like Japan was considered unclean and punishable by divine retribution. This cultural shift in America began as the upper class sought the strength observed in the working class, leading to the adoption of milk as a dietary staple among the elites.
"Peasants were drinking cow's milk and sheep milk, mostly because it was accessible and also filling. So the royals decide that, you know, my weak ankles need some help and support. So I better start drinking this white creamy stuff."
— Bailey Sarian [05:20]
The Birth of Swill Milk: A Crisis in 19th Century America
With America's expansion and urbanization in the 1800s, the traditional source of fresh milk became untenable. Refrigeration was nonexistent, and milk began to spoil rapidly. To address this, brewhouses and distilleries repurposed their byproducts—fermented mush—into "swill milk." This substandard milk was often adulterated with harmful substances like plaster of Paris to enhance its appearance, leading to widespread illness and infant mortality.
"In just one year, the New York Times reported that an estimated 8,000 infants died. What was going on? ... Swill milk. Okay?"
— Bailey Sarian [25:45]
Government Intervention During the Great Depression
The importance of dairy to the American economy led the government to intervene during the Great Depression. In 1933, a pact was made wherein the government would purchase surplus milk to prevent the dairy industry from collapsing. This guarantee encouraged farmers to overproduce, unaware that it would set the stage for future crises.
"The government agreed that if the price of milk ever dipped too low, they would step in to buy the extra milk. This would make sure that the dairy industry wouldn't flop."
— Bailey Sarian [36:10]
The Rise of Dairy Management Inc. and Milk Propaganda
To counteract the swill milk fiasco and rebuild trust, the National Dairy Council, later known as Dairy Management Inc. (DMI), launched extensive marketing campaigns. These efforts included educational tours in schools, catchy jingles, and strategic partnerships with celebrity athletes and fast-food giants. The goal was to ingrained milk consumption into the American lifestyle, promoting it as essential for health and strength.
"They rebrand this weight gain and call it being big and strong."
— Bailey Sarian [54:30]
Dairy in Fast Food: The Era of Government Cheese
By the late 20th century, dairy had become ubiquitous in American fast food, thanks in large part to DMI's initiatives. Collaborations with chains like Taco Bell and Domino's introduced cheese-laden menu items, ensuring that dairy remained a cornerstone of the fast-food industry. This surge in demand led to practices like artificial insemination of cows to maximize milk production, raising ethical and health concerns.
"They started putting cheese on everything. Everything has cheese on it, right? It's all, it's all we know."
— Bailey Sarian [1:10:15]
Health Concerns and Modern Criticisms of Dairy
Despite its entrenched status, modern studies have cast doubt on the health benefits of milk. A 1990s Harvard study challenged the notion that milk prevents osteoporosis, linking excessive dairy consumption to increased risks of prostate cancer, Parkinson's disease, acne, and iron deficiency. Additionally, the use of Bovine Growth Hormone (BGH) in dairy farming has raised alarms about antibiotic resistance and animal welfare.
"Drinking milk didn't actually help prevent osteoporosis. ... 36% of Americans were lactose intolerant."
— Bailey Sarian [1:25:50]
Government Cheese and Its Legacy
The government's efforts to manage dairy stockpiles culminated in the infamous "Government Cheese" programs. Excess cheese from initiatives like the 1973 dairy bailout was distributed to those in need, embedding dairy further into the social fabric. However, this also led to overconsumption of processed cheese products, contributing to health issues related to high saturated fat and sodium intake.
"Ronald Reagan... started to publicly distribute cheese. ... It was used in military kitchens and given out in, like, these big blocks to food banks and churches."
— Bailey Sarian [1:40:00]
Conclusion: Big Dairy’s Place in Modern America
Today, dairy remains a significant yet controversial component of the American diet. With an average consumption of 33 pounds of cheese per person annually—triple the amount from 1970—the legacy of government intervention and marketing prowess is undeniable. Despite growing awareness of the health implications, the dairy industry's deep-rooted presence ensures its continued dominance, leaving consumers to navigate the complex interplay between tradition, health, and industry influence.
"Big dairy has literally gotten too big to fail. ... It’s linked to fast food, it’s just not going anywhere anytime soon."
— Bailey Sarian [1:55:30]
Notable Quotes
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"We've been brainwashed into thinking we need dairy from the time we were kids, right? And there's actually a reason for that."
— Bailey Sarian [00:45] -
"Milk was a way of life. It was a promise into heaven, you know?"
— Bailey Sarian [1:15:40] -
"Forever chemicals were present in DMI's government cheese."
— Bailey Sarian [2:05:20]
Final Thoughts
Bailey Sarian effectively intertwines historical facts with engaging storytelling, shedding light on the often-overlooked dark history of America's dairy industry. This episode not only informs but also prompts listeners to reconsider their daily choices and the systemic forces shaping them.
Stay Tuned:
Next week, Bailey explores the dark history of Walmart, uncovering the complexities behind an American retail giant.
Join the Discussion:
Have you experienced or heard about the impacts of government cheese or dairy practices? Share your thoughts and stories in the comments below or on the Dark History YouTube channel.