1 Exhibit 12.1 Dean Foods Company Computation of Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges (In Millions) 39 Weeks Ended February 25, 2001 ----------------- Income before taxes $ 118.1 -------- Fixed charges: Interest expense 55.7 Portion of rentals (33%) 12.6 -------- Total fixed charges 68.3 -------- Earnings before taxes and fixed charges $ 186.4 ======== Ratio of earnings to fixed charges 2.7 ========