As a highly efficient, convenient and nondestructive detection method, near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) is appropriate for the analysis of milk and dairy products. The present review discusses the principle of the near-infrared spectroscopy analysis technology and the evaluation standard criteria of milk and dairy products, and also reviews the hardware device technology and the data processing technique for the analysis of milk and dairy products in order to promote the application of near-infrared spectroscopy analysis technology in milk and dairy products quality control in China.