Dairy products refer to food items that are derived from milk. These include butter, cheese, yogurt, cream and various types of fermented or processed milk such as kefir, lassi, and ice cream. Dairy products come in different forms and can be made using a variety of methods, including pasteurization, homogenization, and culturing. They are an important source of nutrition for humans, providing essential vitamins, minerals, protein, calcium, and other vital components needed for good health.