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                                                                   EXHIBIT 23(a)




                       CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS


We hereby consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration
Statement on Form S-3 (No.333-12184) and in the Registration Statements on Form
S-8 (No. 333-36643 and No. 333-37954) of Dean Foods Company of our report dated
June 26, 2001 relating to the financial statements and financial statement
schedule, which appears in this Form 10-K.


/s/ PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP

PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
Chicago, Illinois
August 9, 2001