Different Types of Milk
While strolling the dairy case, you might notice different types of milk – but which is which, and what makes them different?
The primary types of milk available include whole milk, reduced-fat milk, low-fat milk, and fat-free milk. Each type of milk is complete with 13 essential nutrients, including 8 grams of protein! The difference between the milks is the percentage of milk fat – otherwise known as the amount of fat that is in the milk by weight. Whole milk contains 3.25% milk fat, reduced-fat milk contains 2% milkfat, low-fat milk contains 1% milkfat, and fat-free milk contains no milkfat and is known as skim milk.
Click the button below learn more about the types of milk, including the primary types of milk, lactose-free, organic, flavored milk, and more!
Milk Nutrition
Did you know that just one serving of milk contains 13 essential nutrients your body needs to be healthy? It includes calcium, protein, vitamin D, phosphorus, vitamin A, riboflavin, vitamin B12, pantothenic acid, niacin, zinc, selenium, iodine, and potassium. These vitamins and nutrients are essential to maintaining strong bones and teeth, a healthy immune system, energy, and more!
Click the button to learn more about 13 essential nutrients in each glass of cold milk.
Milk vs. Milk Alternatives
Calcium-Fortified Beverages
In the United States, most milk sold at retail stores contains vitamin D, a necessary vitamin to help our bodies absorb calcium and to keep bones and teeth healthy and strong. Because there are few foods that naturally contain vitamin D, it can be added to specific foods like milk and other dairy products to help people meet their recommended dietary needs. To learn more about the history of Vitamin D being added to milk, click here.
But not all calcium-fortified beverages and food are created equally, and the source of calcium matters! To discover how other calcium-fortified beverages stack up to dairy, click the button below.
Dairy and Lactose Intolerance
Lactose intolerance is the body’s inability to break down the milk sugar (lactose) found in dairy products. It can be characterized by symptoms such as abdominal pain and bloating, among others. However, there are many low-lactose and lactose-free dairy foods, meaning those with lactose intolerance can still enjoy the great taste and nutritious benefits of dairy products! Products like lactose-free milk, hard cheeses such as parmesan, Swiss, and cheddar, and Greek yogurt are low or free of lactose and are perfect dairy options for lactose-intolerant people to enjoy.