Running out of milk and dropping into the nearest shop to pick some up used to be a simple exercise of grabbing a bottle. But now there are so many different types of milk on offer it has become overwhelming to choose.
Here is a rundown of the types of fresh milk available in Australia.
What is Full Fat Milk?
Full Fat Milk has a creamy taste and has between 3.2%- 4% milk fats. This milk may be marketed under the name: full cream milk, whole milk, regular milk, original milk (which contains a mixture of both milk proteins called beta-casein A1 60% and A2 40%) or A2 milk (which comes from cows that produce only A2 protein). Full fat is recommended for children up to 2 years.
What is Reduced-Fat Milk?
Reduced-Fat Milk contains around 2% milk fats and may have added protein or calcium. Look for labels such as ‘reduced fat milk’, ‘new 2% fat’ milk in Victoria and Tasmania or Smarter White Milk. Reduced fat milk is recommended for children over 2 years.
What is Low-Fat Milk?
Low-Fat Milk contains 1.5% milk fat or less and is higher in calcium than the full-fat variety. Look for HiLo, Light milk, Lite milk, A2 light milk, Light Start, Rev, Trim, Physical or Light white. Low-fat milk is recommended for children over 2 years.
What is Fortified Milk?
Fortified/Modified milk may be full fat, reduced fat or low-fat milk that has been enriched with other nutrients like extra calcium, iron, protein, vitamin D, Omega-3 fatty acids, and plant sterols. Look for names like Kids, Boost, heart active, heart plus, calcium plus or junior milk. Reduced fat children varieties suitable for children over 2 years.
What is Skim Milk?
Skim milk contains no more than 0.15% fat. Often has milk solids added to improve the taste. Look for names like skim milk, tone or no fat milk. Not recommended for children under 5 years.
What is Lactose-Free Milk?
Lactose-free or reduced milk is suitable for people who suffer from lactose intolerance. The sugar naturally found in milk, lactose, has been partial or fully removed. Look for names stating ‘lactose free’, Zymil.
What is Buttermilk?
Buttermilk is milk made from reduced fat or skim milk and culture of lactic acid bacteria. Used mainly in cooking.
What is Permeate Free Milk?
The latest marketing from the dairy manufacturers is Permeate free milk.
All milk is made up fat, milk proteins, sugar, water and vitamins and minerals.
In the manufacture of milk products they go through a process of ultra-filtration which separates all these ingredients. The milk-sugar (lactose), vitamins and minerals which filter through are given the term permeate. This permeate was then added back into milk products to dilute the protein level. Dairy manufactures are now stating on their products that the milk is Permeate free.
Whichever milk is chosen, try to include it into the 3 serves a day of dairy:
- 1 glass (250ml) of milk
- 1 tub (200g) of yoghurt
- 2 slices (40g) of cheese
