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The Different Types of Milk and Their Benefits

Gone are the days when a milk truck would deliver glass bottles to every house in the street. Nowadays, supermarkets are a jungle of different types of milk.

If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed at the choice or confused about how you can possibly 'milk' an oat – we’re here to clear up all your questions. Whether you’re looking for the milk with the least calories, a lactose-free option, or deciding between whole milk and semi-skimmed, we’ll break it down to help you decide.

 

Types of Cow’s Milk

Cow’s milk remains a staple in many households due to its versatility, affordability, and nutritional value. Although milk alternatives have certainly become more popular, a YouGov poll found that cow’s milk is still the UK’s favourite.

But even under the category of ‘cow’s milk’ there are choices to make. Wondering what the health benefits are of full-fat milk versus semi-skimmed? Let’s get into it.

 

Whole Milk

So, what is whole milk?

The least processed form of cow’s milk, it retains all of its natural fat content (around 3.25%). It’s rich and creamy, making it a popular choice for coffee, baking, and families with young children.

Whole milk is packed with essential nutrients like calcium, protein, and vitamin D, which support bone health and muscle function. However, due to its higher fat content, it may not be the first choice for those monitoring their fat intake. For context, a typical 200 milliliter glass of whole milk contains around 7g of fat, whereas semi-skimmed has 4g and skimmed around 1g.

 

Semi-Skimmed Milk

Semi-skimmed milk strikes a balance between taste and nutrition, with around 1.8% fat content. It’s a versatile choice for households aiming to monitor fat intake, without compromising on essential nutrients like calcium and protein.

Like all the best things in life, sadly, this more calorie-conscious option doesn’t pack the same creamy punch.

 

Whole Milk vs. Semi-Skimmed

When comparing whole milk and semi-skimmed, the best option for you will come down to what your goal is.

Whole milk offers a richer taste with a higher calorie content, ideal for children or those needing extra energy. Additionally, it is also thought to offer slightly higher levels of fat-soluble vitamins, such as A and E.

It also depends how you're consuming it. If you’re just having one splash in your coffee in the morning, you probably don’t need to worry about the higher fat content and calories, but if you're guzzling it by the gallon, the semi-skimmed milk might be the better choice for you.

 

Lactose-Free Milk

One important thing to know is that ‘lactose-free’ isn’t the same as ‘dairy-free’. Lactose is the natural sugar found in milk, which some people find difficult to digest.

Interestingly, approximately 75% of the world’s population loses the ability to digest lactose at some point. So, if you ever feel bloated or gassy after drinking cow’s milk, this could be you too.

By removing it, lactose-free milk could be the best type of milk for people who are lactose intolerant but still wanting to enjoy dairy. Retaining the creamy texture and nutritional profile of traditional dairy milk, it is a great variant to try - you might not even notice the difference!

 

Raw Milk

You might be wondering what raw milk is? Let us fill you in.

Essentially, it’s milk that hasn’t been pasteurised (heated to kill bacteria) or homogenised (breaking down the fat molecules for a smooth texture). This means it’s in its most natural state - straight from the source. Some people love it for its rich, creamy taste and claim it retains more nutrients than processed milk.

However, there are a few things to be aware of. Because it hasn’t been heat-treated or processed, the Food Standards Agency advises that raw milk can carry harmful bacteria. While many people buy raw milk for the perceived benefits, it’s essential to weigh up the risks before consuming it.

 

Goat’s and Sheep’s Milk 

Looking for a tasty alternative to cow’s milk? Goat’s and sheep’s milk are both excellent options!

Thanks to its smaller fat molecules and lower lactose content, goat’s milk is thought to be easier to digest, which is perfect for sensitive tummies. Sheep’s milk, on the other hand, is rich and creamy, packed with protein and essential vitamins. With slightly different tastes to cows milk – the only way to see if they are for you, is to taste them!

 

Plant-Based Milk

Plant-based milks are really having a moment and there are now delicious dairy-free options for all kinds of diets.

From creamy oat milk to protein-packed soy milk, and almond milk to tropical coconut milk, there’s something for everyone. They’re a great choice if you’re looking to go vegan or reduce your environmental impact. The nutritional value can vary between options, so remember to peek at the label if you’ve got specific goals, as some brands add sugar or even fortify with extra nutrients like calcium and vitamin D.

 

What is the Healthiest Type of Milk?

The healthiest type of milk depends entirely on your individual goals and lifestyle. For someone looking for a high-protein option, cow’s milk or soy milk might be best. For those aiming to reduce calorie intake, almond milk or semi-skimmed milk could be the best shout.

Ultimately, 'healthy' is subjective and it’s about what works best for you.

 

What Type of Milk Has the Most Protein?

If you’re searching for the milk with the most protein, cow’s milk and soy milk are excellent choices.

Both provide roughly seven grams of protein per 200 millilitres, making them a nice option for post-workout recovery or to support growing kids! Sheep’s milk also has a high protein content - around 10 grams per 200 millilitres - though it’s not as commonly available as other types of milk.

With so many different varieties of milk available, there’s definitely something for everyone. Whether you prefer the creaminess of whole, the balance of semi-skimmed or the plant-based appeal of almond or oat, discovering what type of milk is best for you might come down to trying them all out!

Browse our range of milk to find the ideal one for you and your family today!