The 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and peroxy radical-scavenging activities of 30 different dairy products (milk, yoghurt and cheese) were evaluated. The contents of ascorbic acid and total polyphenols were also determined. The DPPH radical-scavenging activity, peroxy radical-scavenging activity and total polyphenol content of the dairy products containing coffee, cocoa, tea, vegetables or fruits were higher than those of cow's milk. The radical-scavenging activity and total polyphenol content of the samples were highly correlated.