We’ve been getting all sorts of questions about dairy lately, especially around the many different types of milk options out there. So hopefully this post will clear some things up. Later this month we’ll be sharing our thoughts on cheese, sour cream, yogurt, and other dairy products as well so be sure to stay tuned!
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Raw Milk
Before our switch to real food I honestly had no idea what “raw milk” even was. I actually remember the day I first discovered that there's an entire world out there of raw milk advocates complete with websites, blogs, non-profit organizations, and the like. I’ve learned that the people who drink raw milk really LOVE their raw milk and feel strongly about their choice.
Raw milk is literally the way the milk comes out of the cow. It has not been pasteurized (heated to kill pathogens) or homogenized (processed to suspend fat globules) in any way, shape, or form. In the most basic terms it’s exactly what the calves get. And I actually think this quote from Wikipedia sums up why raw milk can be such a heated topic these days:
“Health food proponents tout the benefits of raw milk and the ills of pasteurization and homogenization. The medical community warns of the dangers of not pasteurizing milk. Preferences vary from region to region.” – Wikipedia
So speaking of our “region” raw milk is actually illegal here in North Carolina. I’ve had many people tell me I can drive just over the border into South Carolina to buy some, but to be honest I was actually kind of relieved that I didn’t have to make the tough decision if we should drink raw milk or not. I know the advocates say raw milk can cure all your ailments (or something like that), but others say there are health risks with milk that hasn’t been pasteurized (which kills both potentially harmful and beneficial bacteria – just like cooking raw meat).
So I’ve basically chosen to just stay out of it and drink the milk that is available to us here in town, which is obviously a personal choice that has been influenced by the state in which we live.
Plus I tried raw milk once and it didn’t exactly taste like the “milk” I am used to drinking (and enjoy), but I am certainly very happy for everyone who drinks raw milk and loves it. To each his own!
Pasteurized, Non-Homogenized, Whole Milk (from Grass-Fed Cows)
This is the type of milk that we’ve determined to be the least processed milk available here in North Carolina, and what we started drinking sometime last year. My whole 33 years prior to that I mainly drank skim milk so let me tell you what I was SCARED to gradually go from skim to whole (we briefly drank 2% in-between).
I did it though and honestly have never looked back. The milk we drink now is soooo good and fresh…it tastes how I think milk should taste! And to offset the switch to full-fat dairy we also reduced our consumption a bit, which helped from a budgeting standpoint as well.
The brand we buy is called Homestead Creamery (I get it from Earth Fare - pictured above) and it’s from cows that are mostly - but not 100% - grass-fed. Cows were designed by evolution to eat grass (not corn) so they are healthier when they do, which in turn gives more nutritious animal products to us as a result.
The milk we buy is also pasteurized at a slightly lower temperature than standard grocery store milk so for me I feel like this gets us a little bit closer to that whole “raw milk” option without going all the way. And while Homestead Creamery is not USDA Certified Organic they do follow all organic practices. Getting officially certified is expensive and timely so it’s always good to ask this question when purchasing from smaller farms.
Organic Milk
If you can’t find local, grass-fed, non-homogenized milk in your area then I think a “big brand” (i.e. Organic Valley or Horizon) of organic, whole milk is the next best bet. One downfall of highly commercialized organic milk though is that it’s actually ultra-pasteurized at a high temperature, which leaves even less beneficial bacteria.
This is why the expiration dates are sometimes further out than their conventional counterparts. I am not sure if they did this to give organic a longer shelf life (before it started becoming more popular), but regardless that’s the way it’s done and it usually says it right there on the package so it’s not a secret.
As I once heard Dr. Oz say though you can’t “peel” or “wash” off dairy like you can when it comes to conventional produce so I agree with his advice to go organic when it comes to dairy products (including milk).
Low-Fat Milk
As part of our switch to real food we did away with all low-fat and non-fat products, including milk. You can read more about that switch in our “Mini-Pledge Week 6: No Low-Fat, Lite or Nonfat Food Products” post. In short, according to Michael Pollan in his book In Defense of Food:
“To make dairy products low fat, it’s not enough to remove the fat. You then have to go to great lengths to preserve the body or creamy texture by working in all kinds of food additives. In the case of low-fat or skim milk, that usually means adding powdered milk. But powdered milk contains oxidized cholesterol, which scientists believe is much worse for your arteries than ordinary cholesterol, so food makers sometimes compensate by adding antioxidants, further complicating what had been a simple one-ingredient whole food. Also, removing the fat makes it that much harder for your body to absorb the fat-soluble vitamins that are one of the reasons to drink milk in the first place.” - Michael Pollan
After recently learning that the orange juice industry doesn’t even include their mysterious “flavor packs” (to keep the juice tasting the same year-round) on their list of ingredients I wouldn’t count on seeing “powdered milk” listed as in ingredient on your skim milk jug anytime soon either.
Long story short - I don’t think anyone can argue that low-fat and skim milk isn’t “more processed” than whole milk, which is of course one of our family’s top concerns when it comes to making food choices.
Milk Alternatives
Some people just can’t tolerate dairy and thankfully for them there are all sorts of milk alternatives out there these days. I do want to say though that I don't personally believe there’s any reason to avoid dairy unless you have an allergy or intolerance.
If you are one of those that needs to skip the lactose be sure to look for milk alternatives that are unsweetened, but no matter what always read the ingredients. My top choices would be either unsweetened full-fat coconut milk or almond milk…or even brown rice milk. Soy is already an additive in so many packaged foods so I would favor some of the other choices out there instead.
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Question: What kind of milk do you drink (and why)?
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Local Dairy Resources
To search for local farms in your area that might offer grass-fed dairy products like milk check out the following resources:
Susan says
First, thank you for the great info you provide on here. You've really helped open my eyes to a lot of things. But, I did have to comment on your mention of Horizon as a good organic alternative. According to the Cornucopia Institute: "they buy one-year-old conventional animals on the open market. These replacements likely have received conventional milk replacer (made with blood—considered to be a "mad cow" risk), antibiotics, other prohibited pharmaceuticals, and genetically engineered feed. Many practices on a farm of this nature put ethical family-scale organic farmers at a competitive disadvantage." There is much more info on this here:
http://www.cornucopia.org/dairysurvey/FarmID_134.html
Cornucopia also provides an Organic Milk "Scorecard" rating the best brands. You can find that here: http://www.cornucopia.org/dairysurvey/Ratings_Alphabetical.html
I don't work for Cornucopia or anything - just came across them when I was doing some research and thought it was good info to share!
Janine says
Haven't read through all previous comments, this question may have already been addressed; in Canada it is illegal for dairy farmers to sell milk to any individuals, making it completely impossible to access raw milk. I read your post on buying no "light" or "low fat" products and completely understand that. But if 3.25% milk is being processed just as the 0,1,& 2% are, is it really any better to get the homogenized 3.25%, given they've all been processed, I would just purchase 3.25% simply because of a higher fat content?
Assistant to 100 Days (Amy) says
Hi Janine. It is all a lot to think about, isn't it? I hope that this Michael Pollan quote helps clarify: “To make dairy products low fat, it’s not enough to remove the fat. You then have to go to great lengths to preserve the body or creamy texture by working in all kinds of food additives. In the case of low-fat or skim milk, that usually means adding powdered milk. But powdered milk contains oxidized cholesterol, which scientists believe is much worse for your arteries than ordinary cholesterol, so food makers sometimes compensate by adding antioxidants, further complicating what had been a simple one-ingredient whole food. Also, removing the fat makes it that much harder for your body to absorb the fat-soluble vitamins that are one of the reasons to drink milk in the first place.†Good luck on your decision. ~Amy
Christina says
What about dry milk?
Assistant to 100 Days (Amy) says
Hi Christina. Powdered milk contains oxidized cholesterol which there is some dubious science around. I would avoid it. ~ Amy
Maribel says
First of all let me thank you for your research and information about the different foods. I am enjoying and putting into practice much of this and trying to eat and feed my family "real food". I do want to point out that something you said doesn't seem to make a lot of since. "Evolution" doesn't rest on "design". The whole theory is based on chance and the survival of the fittest. SO, "design" is a word I would use to talk about a purposeful act by a Designer. Following evolutionary ideas will lead cows to "survive" on corn and us to "survive" on junk food or else . . . die.
Once again, when you talk about good foods and all, I think you have very helpful information. Thank you for your page.
Emma says
Do you absolutely NEED to drink milk? I've heard that once you've been weaned off milk as a baby you shouldn't drink it cause we weren't exactly meant to keep drinking it, and that drinking so much milk is making us sick and blah blah blah. Regardless if that's true or not, is it beneficial to still drink milk after your childhood years? Or can you just skip it altogether?
Assistant to 100 Days (Amy) says
Hi Emma. It is our opinion that unless you have an allergy or intolerance, there is no reason to avoid milk. Here is a little more information on where we stand: https://www.100daysofrealfood.com/2010/08/12/milk-%E2%80%93-good-or-bad/
Byron says
Hi Lisa, since you live in North Carolina and shop at Earth Fare, I recommend you try their Hickory Hill milk which comes from a farm in South Carolina. The new Whole Foods in Charlotte also sells this brand as well. It is a low pasteurized, cream on top product and you never have to pay a deposit as you do for Homestead milk. Plus, they also sell their milk in half gallon and gallon jugs. If you enjoy chocolate milk, theirs is very good in my opinion.
As for Organic Valley and Horizon milk, that is some of the worst tasting milk in the "organic" genre.
Becca says
Hello, wondering what you think about the additives to almond milks? I have been mixing that w/cow's milk to cut back on my 2 yo milk intake but now see that they add artificial "vitamins" to it that I read can be harmful? I am looking into making my own now, but so frustrating! I wish I could find pure almond milk w/out any additives.... I just started buying local milk but not sure if it's homogenized!
Assistant to 100 Days (Jill) says
Hi Becca. The nut milks do definitely have a little more added to them than I would like, but, the 365 brand at Whole Foods at least does not contain the carageenan. I would always choose one that is unflavored and unsweetened. Jill
Susanne says
Not sure if it's already been mentioned, but we live in NC as well and are raw milk drinkers for almost 3 years now. It is NOT illegal to sell raw milk in NC...as long as it is sold as "pet milk" (for your pets) and not intended for humans. Obviously, it's a loophole; however, it means that it is legal to sell it raw.
Anna says
I know this question has been asked but I haven't seen an answer for it--what about organic lower fat milk? Are there still unhealthy additives and extra processing in these ones? I understand that for the conventional milk there is, but wonder if that is true for Organic. I can't buy raw milk in BC so wondering if there are still health benefits to going from 1 or 2% to homo. We are already drinking organic, but homo milk has still been processed.
Assistant to 100 Days (Jill) says
Hi Anna. Here is some additional information on why we don't choose low fat dairy products...https://www.100daysofrealfood.com/2011/04/15/mini-pledge-week-6-no-low-fat-lite-or-nonfat-food-products/. Jill
Wallace says
Clearly this website is not trying to force anyone to adhere to a specific diet by no means. It is only trying to inform those who may be uneducated about the subject. Those that feel the site is trying to force them to eat a specific way, really has an issue with opening their minds to different ways of thinking. They should do their own research and stop listening to those with a like train of thought. I used to be in the same situation living at home. All I ever went by was the ignorance of my parents and my so called friends. Luckily I was able to stray away from that environment and surround myself with positive people. People who did not judge me. People who supported me.
Tonya Stewart says
I'm not a 'PETA woman', but I do believe in the humane treatment of animals. I love your blog, but I think if you establish yourself as a spokesperson for 'real food', you should be 'real' about the food you address, choose, and direct others toward. All dairy milk comes from lactating animals. If you drink cow's milk, in any form --skim, whole, organic, conventional, etc. -- know that it came from a cow that is repeatedly milked, impregnated, separated from her calf, and inhumanely put through that continuing cycle until she is 'no longer productive'. Typical dairy cows are not well cared for, and are used and abused until they are no longer capable of keeping up with production quotas. If one can buy milk directly from a farm and be knowledgable about the treatment of the cows from which one's milk comes, that's great. However, that isn't the case for 90% or more of us in the US. Regardless, let's all be knowledgable about our food sources.
Alicia says
I have, yet, to try raw milk, but I am trying to phase out processed foods. This will be interesting because I hate milk, except in my cereal or if it's chocolate milk. Plus, my husband thinks raw milk, organic milk, etc., is a joke. Wish me luck. I hope my kids like it.
Dan, nobody is forcing this diet on you. Plus, this diet doesn't require a book to follow...all you need is common sense and the ability to read. Non processed foods means not buying Kraft macaroni and cheese and the like which has so many ingredients that you either don't know what they are or you can't pronounce them. Our bodies are not designed to digest the artificial ingredients added to a lot of the foods. Self control isn't enough.
Elenda says
I too hated milk & it hated me as it made me very ill, but recently I have been drinking raw milk & it actually tastes better & I have not been ill after drinking it. I had read that drinking raw milk was better but I was a skeptic. Not anymore!
dan says
well apparently i eat fake food and drink the wrong type of milk. I usually don't post anything on theses sites that my friend feels like she has to send them to everyone, but this one stuck out to me. not so much because of what the post said, but because i was reading comments about how people are giving raw milk to their infants. it doesn't matter what the diet says, i can't see any reason to take the risk of your child getting any harmful bacteria from it.
Another thing about this diet, i'm not against it so much, but i am against how most of the people on this diet feel like they have to try and convert everyone to this diet. In my opinion, there is not a diet that works for everyone. You don't have to give up things that you liked, or completely change your diet to be healthy. The best diet out there isn't one that you have to pay money for, or read a book to know what to do for it. The best diet out there is called self-control and there is nothing that can replace it
RNMom says
I don't think this is so much a "diet" but a smart way of living. If you are trying to lose weight, you are correct, Dan, decreasing calorie consumption and increasing activity are the best way to go. I think the people who run this site are just trying to educate us on the dangers of consuming too many chemicals from processed foods, not trying to force everyone to be exactly like them. The approach that I take is that I know I am not going to get rid of all things bad for me, especially not all at once, but to do one thing at a time, makes me feel better about what my family is eating (or in this case, drinking).
Emily S. says
Dan, I hope you have an opportunity to read more of the blog! This is NOT a diet - it's just the recognition that the American food supply is really tainted. We should feel safe to pick up an item at the store and feed it to our kids, but the truth is, a lot of the items on the shelves are filled with chemicals and other modified ingredients that are linked to some serious issues - like cancer! The reason people are eager to share information is because we realize that a lot of BIG $ is spent making sure people DON'T start to think about food the way 100Days does. Best wishes!
Steph says
I was part of a cow share for a while, I'm in Louisana so it's illegal to buy raw milk!! Unfortunate my farmer stopped her cow share, so now I am buying nonhomogenized, from a local creamery!! I was able to make a type of formula for my 9 month old with the raw milk when I was forced to ween him early b/c i caught the flu and stopped making milk!!!!
Jennifer says
We live in Chicago and drink Kalona Supernatural Whole Milk bought from Whole Foods. We made the switch a year ago after doing some research on food/dairy in general. We've been trying to eat food that is less processed and better for you, which is what led me to your site. The milk is so much yummier. The cream rises to the top and it is the closest thing to raw milk we've been able to find. One thing you didn't mention in your article is WHY Americans started sterilizing the milk in the first place. For thousands of years humans have been consuming raw milk with no problems and then all of a sudden, the milk became unsterile? And now everyone is so used to the fear that gets rammed down our throat that most are scared to try milk in it's natural state.
Emily S. says
I have two kids on WIC, so I get 8 gallons of skim, 1%, or 2% each month. I'm really grateful for the help with our food budget, but kind of secretly cannot wait to not have WIC so I can have more leeway with certain foods. (Don't get me started on how frustrating it is that I can't find a WIC approved bread that doesn't have HFCS in it or cereals without the same stuff...). I have a milk & nut allergic kid, so he drinks soy. We tried rice, coconut, everything on the market, but he simply won't drink any of it. So soy, but really, he just gets it on cereal. I buy the Silk with the nonGMO butterfly on the label. Last week I switched from my regular half and half for my coffee to Horizon Organic Whole Milk. It's REALLY delicious, and I'm not a milk drinker. Baby steps...
Nicole says
Kudos to you for getting your kids the best food you can with WIC. It is not easy! I agree that there are serious problems with the restrictions. Families should be rewarded for buying healthy, whole foods for their families.
Emily S. says
Thanks! I agree - why isn't whole wheat flour an option available to families instead of frosted minispooners or cinnamon raisin bread? I think food industry has a huge stake in WIC dollars. Feeding our kids shouldn't be political. Whole 'nother conversation, there. :)
Sharry says
I have a one year old going from breastmilk to regular milk soon. What kind of milk do you suggest? Organic?? Whole?? Thanks
MamaBear says
Raw goat milk is the closest thing to human breastmilkbfrom what research I've done.
Assistant to 100 Days (Jill) says
Hi Sharry. Here are some posts to help you when selecting the best milk for you...https://www.100daysofrealfood.com/2012/06/07/milk-101-whole-raw-organic-low-fat-etc/ and https://www.100daysofrealfood.com/2011/04/15/mini-pledge-week-6-no-low-fat-lite-or-nonfat-food-products/. Jill
Lynn says
I have been lucky enough to find and purchase shares in a goat herd. This means I go to the farm and participate in the care of the animals for a share of the products. So not only do I get the raw product of fresh goat milk, I know intimately how, what, when and where went into the production of the product. Our goats are so very well treated and maintained. I grew up drinking raw cows milk from animals on our farm so this is going back to my "roots".
Robin says
Approaching 300 comments, here... Obviously a topic that raises a lot of interest. I'm taking a Coursera class online via San Francisco State University on health promotion and disease prevention. It's based on USDA recommendations and the current mainstream nutritional practices. Serious advocating for low fat diet. I'm glad to get this perspective--and definitely one I can believe in.
Jodi says
We use Oberweis and get our milk delivered to the house in glass bottles. It is so nice not having to worry about going to the grocery store just for milk. We did run out this week so I stopped and got some big brand organic and man it tasted gross. I can't believe how fresh our milk taste! We actually switched because of your blog and we will never go back!
Carrie says
We haven't been able to dive into the world of organic, but I do buy whole milk and dairy products vs skim or low fat. Would you guys say that is an ok option? I do try to get the hormone free milk from either Trader Joes, Aldi or WalMart... We are a growing family of almost 5 and drink almost a gallon a day!
Assistant to 100 Days (Jill) says
Hi Carrie. I always tell people to do what they are able to and what is right for their family, so, I think that being able to get milk that is hormone free is a great option when you are not able to buy organic. Jill
Catherine @ Happily Ever Crafter says
Also, I've heard horror stories about Horizon brand being just as bad as conventional brands...so I steer clear from them.
Catherine @ Happily Ever Crafter says
I'm not sure if someone's commented the same thing or not (I don't have time to read through all the comments, sorry) but here in Virginia it's illegal to sell raw milk too. The way a lot of farmers get around it is by selling cow shares. Basically, you buy a "share" of a cow and pay a maintenance fee every month. Therefore, you have part ownership in that cow and are entitled to what that cow produces, so every week or every other week, you're able to collect a gallon or two of fresh, raw milk from your own cow! It's really awesome. If you ever decide to switch, look around for farms in your area that do this. I'm sure there are plenty! My husband and I haven't made the switch but we're seriously considering it. We get organic 2% now...after reading your post we may switch to organic whole, though.
Susan says
My daughter is lactose intolerant and we have found that she can drink and digest whole milk just fine. Less processed = better for your body.
Amanda Brown says
I was diagnosed "lactose intolerant" a number of years ago. Conventional dairy products still make me violently ill, but once we switched to raw milk I am able to drink that without any problems. The research I've done seems to indicate the processing (particularly homogenization) renders a final milk product many people's bodies can't correctly digest.
Alison McC says
Same as Kimberly R above- the raw milk here (SC) is $13/gallon! As of right now we do a mix between the Homestead Creamery Milk, 1/2 gal/week of raw milk for my husband and I, and almond milk.
(We drink Shaklee 180 smoothies for breakfast and lunch so we need a lot of milk!) :)
Good post- looking forward to what you have to say about the other dairy products too! Thank you!
Kimberly R says
We were drinking Raw milk for about 2 months but have switched to Organic milk just because our local farmer here is now charging $6 a half gallon!!! We can get a half gallon of Organic for $3.50.
Amanda Lovan says
You realize you're not paying more for commercialized, Ultra-High Pasterized Milk (essentially water) than you would pay for a gallon of milk from your LOCAL FARMER selling raw (better for you) milk?
Corinne says
I have been drinking regular "skim" milk my whole life. I just recently switched to Horizon Organic 1% milk but I'm curious to know if all those additives are in the 1% organic milk? I just assumed because I was buying organic that those additives wouldn't be in the milk? Am I wrong in this assumption?
Assistant to 100 Days (Jill) says
Hi Corinne. Here is another post on why we don't do any low fat products, including 1% milk...https://www.100daysofrealfood.com/2011/04/15/mini-pledge-week-6-no-low-fat-lite-or-nonfat-food-products/. Jill
Nicole says
We are the only species that drinks another species milk, not to mention drinking it after infancy. I don't see the need to drink dairy at all. As a nation, we consume more dairy yet have the highest rates of osteoporosis. I personally am more of a fan of almond milk or other milk alternatives.
Amanda Brown says
Research indicates conventional dairy products are produced and processed in such a way the nutrients are rendered inaccessible. Also, the standard American diet consists of inordinate amounts of refined sugar and grains, which block adsorption of essential nutrients even if a person is eating foods that contain them. I'd think those two facts contribute significantly to health issues such as osteoporosis; maybe more so than the amount of dairy being consumed. When it comes to food, I've learned your source/quality always matters!
Megan says
I love the comments on all of these blog posts almost as much as I love the blog and facebook page. So many great people helping other people! I get almost as many good ideas from the comments as I do from the original post.
Lara says
We are in NC and I get raw milk from a local dairy, my 'livestock' loves it! My dairyman is diligently clean and takes pride in his farm. I love the unprocessed aspect as well as how the cows are treated, and I love the fact that it is local and isn't shipped all over.
I really enjoy your info on the blog and FB, how did I miss that you are in NC too? Keep up the good work.
Karey says
We have a local bulk store that carries a local dairy's milk. We buy a half gallon of raw for the grown ups and older child, and whole milk that has been pastuerized for my 1 year old. The milk is from jersey cows so it is so amazingly creamy (even the whole) so it's been amazing to switch! I don' think we could ever go back to store bought milk - the difference in taste is amazing and makes you wonder what the store brands are missing.
Deborah Bruner says
Also, speaking to the weight gain, cholesterol and shelf life/contamination issues: every member of my family, save my 7 year old daughter, have lost weight, slowly, since drinking whole, raw goat milk AND my husband's cholesterol has gone down. Milk is a sterile body fluid and contains macrophages and leucocytes which actually consume bacteria. Contamination occurs during handling. Pasteurization was initiated during a period in history when milk was transported in unsterilized containers prior to refrigeration. Pasteurization allows dairy farmers to leave dairy cows attached to milking machines for extended periods and even with mastitis. I don't want my family consuming this. I'm an RN and have researched this extensively.
lance99c says
I know this is totally anecdotal evidence, but I grew up on a dairy farm in SW Wisconsin and I can't tell of of a single farm family I knew that didn't get their daily milk right from the bulk tank (big stainless tank that hold the milk for shipment. Raw milk is getting a lot more press these days about the "risks" associated with drinking raw milk, but I never knew any farm kid that got sick from drinking on-farm milk. In fact, I believe that if there were any exposures to "pathogens" from drinking the milk that the regular exposure to such aided the body in developing natural antibodies or resistance to the germs. you would think this would be an easy survey for the FDA to compile. Survey all dairy producing families. See how many drink the "raw" milk and check the rate of illness. I am sure you will not find an increase in food-borne illnesses among that population.
Stacey says
I just wanted to give you a shout out! We have been on a similar journey as a family for years - with some ebb & flow along the way depending on circumstances. The starting with one change at time, and the "seeing even one small change as a step in the right direction and therefore beneficial for your family" attitude is essential to this process for EVERYONE, not just stay-at-home-moms and folks on a tight budget. Interestingly, I stayed at home when we started our journey, and found it easier to do on a tight budget with lots of time to figure it out, shop, cook, and research. Now I work full-time and I find it much more difficult to always follow these principles. Its almost been like starting over - figuring out how to maintain this lifestyle while still meeting our needs for convenience and portability. For example, my first year back to work, my DH made lunches all the time and they were highly processed and definitely built around convenience - we were in survival mode, and that was one area that suffered. Now that i am on my 3rd year, Bento lunches are my answer for meals away from home - helps me to feed my children the same way I did when they were homeschooled, and yet, completely transportable. Their health, attitudes, and school performance is a clear indicator of this healthier lifestyle and I am grateful for my husband's support. We have taught the kids how to make these healthier lunches and they LOVE THEM!! Anyways, I just want to say that I love your site, I am here frequently getting more ideas and I just feel like we are kindred spirits - on the journey to a healthier, wholesome family! :)
Rebecca says
I drink raw milk from JERSEY cows. They are from the A2 breed of cows that produce healthier milk than from Holsteins. And the A2 breeds don't cause mucus.
There are problems with most commercial milk products. The first is that about 95% of all commercial dairy is from Holstein cows, which will cause mucus and is not very good for you to begin with.
The second is that the nutritive value of milk is denigrated during the pastuerization process. Therefore even if you are drinking "organic" milk you are basically drinking white flavored liquid with vitamins added. If you aren't drinking organic milk, you are getting the added "bonus" of hormones and antibiotics, not to mention how unhealthy it is to eat any type of animal product that is not fed their normal diet (i.e. grass vs. corn and soy).
The enzymes that are naturally occurring in raw milk help to digest the lactose, so folks who are lactose intolerant are still able to drink raw milk without any gastric issues. Many people though, think they are lactose intolerant, when in reality they are allergic to the casein protein in the milk, so in those cases even raw milk wouldn't work for them.
I do not see any nutritive value in commercial, pasteurized milk products. With organic commercial milk, at the very least, you are doing no harm, but you aren't doing any good. (your body doesn't know how to assimilate "fake" vitamins that are synthetic, created in a lab, and added to the milk so that it is "fortified").
I am very opinionated about this, I know. But in your article you stated that you tasted raw milk and didn't like the taste of it. I would definitely be concerned about the farm you got that from. Fresh, raw milk is the most delicious (and one of the most wholesome) foods you can feed your body -- as long as it is from grassfed, pastured cows that are of the A2 breeds (Jersey or Guernsey are the most popular in the U.S.).
Deborah Bruner says
I'm also in NC. I have goats and we drink unpasturized goat's milk. It's naturally homogenized. I can't tell you of the health benifits this amazing fluid gives!!! Plus it's delicious!
CRing says
raw milk is illegal in my state of MI, and up until today I usually drank skim milk, while the others in my family drank 2% of whole. no more skin milk for me after reading this article
Irene says
Now I know why Wegman's Organic milk has such a short shelf-life so not only is the least expensive in our area, it's also not pasteurized at high temps. Thanks!
Ange says
We drink Organic Valley Grass milk. It's non-homogenized and from 100% grass-fed cows. We only buy whole. It tastes like ice cream, it's so sweet and creamy.
We also usually have Coconut and Almond or Hemp milk in the fridge too.
If I could get raw, grass fed milk where I live, we would buy that.
Erin I. says
Our friend's toddler died in 1996 to unpasteurized juice from Odwalla. There was Ecoli in the juice. Odwalla now pasteurizes their juices for this reason. You couldn't pay me to give my kids raw milk or juice.