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Raw milk is in the news again after reports this week A newborn baby in New Mexico died from a listeria infectionand running influencers Ballerina Farm was forced to stop selling raw milk after it failed safety tests in Utah. If you are looking for a milk that has fewer additives and is safe for you and your family, you may want to consider whole milk. Whole milk is seeing renewed interest and is less risky to drink than raw milk.
If you remember, in the 90s, you got milk? Advertisements became popular because a Marketing campaign Created by the California Milk Processing Board, it encourages people to drink more cow’s milk through celebrity-filled ads and infomercials. Interest eventually waned, and soon after, plant-based milks began to gain popularity. Since 2000s, All versions of plant-based milk You can imagine, from soy, oats, almonds, pistachios, macadamia, peas – you name it, it’s probably in your supermarket aisle. Now it seems like whole milk is gaining popularity again among health influencers and others.
I spoke to nutritionists to find out why this happens, what the benefits of whole milk are and who should be careful about drinking it.
Why are dairy products having a moment again?
A few factors could be contributing to the resurgence in popularity of whole milk: The concept that “natural” is better, with people wanting less Additives in their food An initiative by Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy Jr. “Make America Healthy Again.”
Clara NozickThe registered dietitian points out that cow’s milk has become less popular primarily because it has been disparaged by popular culture, and blamed for anything. Stomach problems It is called prolonged infections. “The shift back to dairy appears to be driven in part by rampant chemophobia, as many plant-based milks contain ingredients such as gums and preservatives for stability and added sugars for palatability, which are also denigrated,” Nozick said.
Chemophobia is related to the fear of chemicals found in everyday life. However, there is often a misunderstanding of how chemicals work and the importance of knowing their dosages, among other things.
Chemophobia, combined with the naturalism fallacy (the idea that “natural” milk is better), makes cow’s milk seem more tempting because it contains fewer ingredients compared to non-dairy milk. “Cow’s milk is starting to look like the purer option, and the logic of attraction to nature has pushed it further down the chemophobia spectrum, as we’ve seen in the growing popularity of raw cow’s milk,” Nozick said.
Raw milk is unpasteurized cow’s milk, and interest in it has also increased thanks to a push from some health influencers and Even the Secretary of Health and Human Services. Health officials have talked about Risks of drinking raw milk The risk of foodborne illness, especially after multiple cases Bird flu in 2025.
Benefits of drinking whole milk
Whether you drink cow’s milk or not, there is no denying that milk has a lot of benefits. Whole milk, in particular, can provide you with a lot of nutrients. Lauren Manaker, A Registered Dietitian and Nutritionist“It is a high-quality natural source,” he said proteinAnd calcium, which provides essential Vitamins such as B12 and D, which are difficult to replicate in the same way with plant-based alternatives.” In addition, whole milk consists of fats, carbohydrates and other micronutrients such as potassium, B vitamins and vitamin A.
“no one needs To drink whole milk, as its nutrients are easily available in other foods; “However, it is an easy and affordable way to get these nutrients,” Nosek explains. Other factors that may make whole milk more attractive are its flavor and taste, as it is creamier, and the higher fat content makes it richer compared to plant-based milk.
Manaker points out that one 8-ounce cup of whole milk contains 16% of the recommended daily value of protein. “A growing body of research also suggests so Full-fat dairy products are not associated with an increased risk of obesityOr diabetes or Cardiovascular diseases; In fact, this type of dairy product may help reduce the risk of developing these chronic diseases.”
The downside of whole milk
The downside to this is that the added fat and sugar in each serving can add up, and adults need to be more aware of this if they are watching their intake of saturated fat and carbohydrates. “I recommend discussing the volume consumed with a dietitian to ensure a balance between meals and snacks,” Nosek advises.
Parents who give their children cow’s milk should follow these instructions Dietary Guidelines for Americans. For example, children ages 12 to 23 months get the equivalent of 1⅔ to 2 cups of dairy per day, while children ages 2 and older should get 2 to 3 cups per day.
You may also want to consider How do these different dairy products affect the environment?.
What about other forms of cow’s milk?
Other forms of cow’s milk include 1% milk, skim milk, and skim milk. The only difference between these dairy products and whole milk is the fat content. “When fat is removed from milk, the availability of fat-soluble vitamins (A and D) decreases, but they are usually added back in through fortification,” Nozick explains. Manacker adds that you’re still getting the same 13 essential nutrients, like high-quality protein, calcium, vitamin D, B12 and iodine, with this milk.
“The fat in whole milk contributes to its creamier texture and slightly higher calorie count, but when it comes to vitamins and minerals, you can’t miss out on choosing a lower-fat option,” says Manaker.
What if your stomach can’t handle dairy products?
In fact, not everyone can handle cow’s milk. If you are lactose intolerant or have a milk allergy, you should probably choose dairy-free milk instead. Keep in mind that there are some nutrients you may miss with vegetarian options. “Real milk is a complete protein, while most plant proteins are incomplete, meaning they are missing some essential amino acids, or building blocks, that our bodies need,” Manaker explains. She also points out that the protein in dairy products, known as whey and casein, keeps you feeling full longer while providing energy to fuel your day, and helps with muscle recovery — even while you sleep.
If you’re not a fan of plant-based milk, but still want the benefits of cow’s milk without the stomach upset, Nozick recommends trying it. Lactose free Options. Some brands that make lactose-free milk include: Fairlife, Lactaid, Horizon Organic, and Organic Valley. Keep in mind that lactose-free options are best for those with lactose intolerance (inability to digest lactose, the natural sugar found in milk) and are not suitable for those with a milk allergy (immune reaction to proteins in milk) because they still have milk proteins.
If you have an allergy to cow’s milk, it’s best to stick to plant-based milk options instead. “While supplements can help fill in some gaps, such as calcium, vitamin D, and B12, it’s always best to get your nutrients from whole foods whenever possible,” Manaker explains. She recommends adding allergy-friendly protein options such as eggs, meat, fish or plant sources such as beans and lentils to your diet, and iodine, seafood or iodized salt.
Ready meals
The sudden popularity surrounding dairy products shows that people are starting to show more interest in food options without additives. Although this is not inherently a bad thing, it is important to remember that cow’s milk may not be suitable for everyone based on dietary restrictions. But if you’re interested in adding cow’s milk to your diet (and dairy agrees with you), you can reap the benefits of the many vitamins and nutrients it provides.
If you have a milk allergy, you may not have the option of drinking cow’s milk, but you can still do your best to get the same nutrients through other foods in your diet. If you’re planning to make changes to your diet or aren’t sure if adding cow’s milk is right for you, it’s best to consult a registered dietitian or your doctor first.