Milk is a popular drink that is packed with nutrients, but with an influx of new milk varieties, finding the right type for you can be difficult. 

A glass of milk Photo by an_vision on Unsplash

So, how can you pick the best type of milk?

The Basics: 2 Main Categories

Milk from animals, like:

  • cow

  • goat

  • sheep

Plant-based milk, like:

  • almond

  • oat

  • sesame

Types Of Cow's Milk

A man with a sign that reads,

Whole milk: standard, nutrient-rich milk.

Reduced fat milks: (skim milk, 2%, low-fat) lower calories for people watching their weight or who don't burn as many calories per day.

Lactose-free: easier to digest, good for people with lactose intolerance.

Types Of Plant Milk

There is a large variety of plant milk, each with its own unique characteristics. Here are the most common varieties: 

Almond milk: Low calories, unique taste.

Soy milk: High protein, typically has added vitamins.

Rice milk: High carbohydrates, good for people with multiple food allergies.

Coconut milk: High saturated fat. A person deciding between two buttons: cow's milk and plant milk

Reading The Label

There are a few important things to watch out for when choosing the best milk for you. 

  1. Look for added sugar. Some plant based milks have a lot of added sugar.

  2. Look for artificial flavorings or additives. If you are seeking a healthier alternative, you probably don’t want these.

  3. Calories, fats, and proteins. These are important to know if you are trying to lose or gain weight. A microscopic view of a test tube

Quiz

Which type of milk could be considered a healthy alternative to whole milk?

Take Action

A cartoon character milk container

Ultimately, what milk you buy is up to you. These steps will help you make healthy choices in your milk drinking adventures:

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