DEAN FOODS CO, 10-Q, EX-12.1, 2000-10-11

DEAN FOODS CO
10-Q, EX-12.1, 2000-10-11
DAIRY PRODUCTS

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<PAGE>   1
                                                                    Exhibit 12.1


                               Dean Foods Company
                Computation of Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges
                                  (In Millions)



<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                13 Weeks Ended
                                                August 27, 2000
                                                ---------------
<S>                                             <C>
Income before taxes                                $42.7
                                                   -----

 Fixed charges:
   Interest expense                                 17.5
   Portion of rentals (33%)                          4.2
                                                   -----

   Total fixed charges                              21.7
                                                   -----

 Earnings before taxes and  fixed charges          $64.4
                                                   =====

 Ratio of earnings to fixed charges                  3.0
                                                   =====
</TABLE>