1 EXHIBIT 1 --------- CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS ---------------------------------- We hereby consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statement on Form S-8 (No. 2-94753) of Dean Foods Company of our report dated May 8, 1998 appearing on page 4 of the Annual Report of Deans Foods Company Investment and Profit Sharing Plan on Form 11-K for the year ended December 31, 1997. Price Waterhouse LLP Chicago, Illinois June 26, 1998