Dietary Decisions: 5 Different Types of Milk Explained

Are you trying to navigate new dietary restrictions? Perhaps you’re merely curious about what other options are available on the market. Either way, we have you covered with our guide to the different types of milk.

Keep reading to find out about the most common milk alternatives and the reasons why you may want to try them.

• Reduced-Fat Milk

The main distinguishing factor between reduced-fat milk and whole milk is the amount of fat contained in one serving. There are also differences in the number of calories in each option.

For instance, eight ounces of full milk typically includes eight grams of fat and 150 calories. By contrast, an equivalent amount of reduced-fat milk only has 2.5 grams of fat and 100 calories.

• Whole Milk

When it comes to milk, this is the most popular option. In most cases, it is 3.25% milk fat by weight, which is far less than many people believe it to be. A glass of whole milk, which is 8 ounces in volume, has 150 calories and 8 grams of fat (12% of daily value).

If you’re worried about the amount of fat you consume, it may be worth exploring the health advantages of drinking whole milk. Studies show that this type of milk can play a significant role in a balanced diet. However, it’s certainly not for everyone. 

• Fat-Free Milk (Skim Milk)

Also referred to as skim milk, fat-free milk is an excellent option to consider if you want to consume fewer calories and less fat yet get the same nutritional benefits as full milk. A single serving of fat-free milk (an 8-ounce glass) only has 80 calories since it contains no fat at all.

It’s a common misconception that skim milk contains water to lower the total amount of fat in the product. This is not true. All thirteen essential nutrients, including eight grams of high-quality protein, have been preserved.

• Organic Milk

This kind of milk has not yet been homogenized or pasteurized, which is another way of stating that it has not been heated to destroy any disease-causing bacteria that could be present.

The Food and Drug Administration strongly recommends against consuming raw milk, and the commercial distribution of raw milk is illegal in all but 13 states.

Although some believe that organic milk is a healthier alternative to conventional milk, there is little to no scientific evidence to back these claims. Still, supporters of the product maintain that raw milk comes with essential minerals, enzymes, and probiotics that are destroyed when the product is subjected to pasteurization. 

You can get organic milk from a dairy farm in your area if you don’t mind its strong fragrance and taste. However, keep the health warnings in mind, especially if you have children at home. 

• Lactose-Free Milk

Lactose-free milk is still made from cow’s milk, exactly like the other kinds of milk. The only difference is that it does not contain lactose. Lactose, the naturally occurring sugar in milk, has been hydrolyzed into its parts. Some lactose-free products also contain lactase – the enzyme needed to break down lactose – making them even gentler on the stomach. 

Lactose-free milk is an excellent choice for those who are unable to consume lactose. It’s also believed to be a good source of fundamental elements like calcium, protein, and vitamin D.

Now that you know a little more about the different types of milk, you can make a more informed decision in the supermarket aisle. Who knows – you may even go home with a carton of creamy oat milk or nutty macadamia milk!