Hypercholesterolemia is a well-established risk factor for the development of atherosclerosis, a component of cardiovascular disease (CVD). The National Cholesterol Education Program advises the public to consume 2 g/day of plant sterols or stanols in addition to the Therapeutic Lifestyle Change Diet to lower elevated low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels. For foods to carry the FDA health claim label they must contain 0.65 g of phytosterol ester or 1.7 g of phytostanol ester per serving. The study was a controlled diet, cross-over clinical investigation using a Latin square sequence. It consisted of two 29 d phases separated by a four week wash out interval. Subjects were randomized to one of two treatment arms: 1 % dairy milk or low-fat soy beverage providing 1.95 g plant sterols/day.