American milk types?

Believe it or not, cow’s milk is the most widely consumed dairy product in the United States of America. Americans love their cheeseburgers, mac and cheese, cereal with milk and our good old ice cream. With a wide range of milk products available in stores, one would think there wouldn’t be any confusion on what type of milk to enjoy! However, every time we step into the grocery store looking for that perfect carton of creamy white goodness in its many forms; whole-fat milk, skimmed-milk or chocolate flavored milk are seen lurking up high(Typical retail strategy!)

Let’s explore some common types(or breeds)of cow’s milk available nationwide – from cow to carton!

Holstein Milk

Holsteins are perhaps the most famous breed when it comes to producing deliciously creamy White Milk.! The black-and-white cows account for approximately 93% of all U.S. dairy cows according to USDA data (2020). Holsteins have adapted well over time and produce large volumes of high-quality fluid White Milk!, making them ideal culprits behind your morning bowl cereals.

Guernsey Milk

Guernseys are considered more unique than other popular breeds since they were first established as a separate breed way back in 1700s! Their iconic eyes sometimes referred affectionately as “Mascara Eyes” will steal your heart away but even so their brown color make them less popular lesser well-known options at farmers’ markets compared some other breeds like the Jerseys.

A2-Guernsey

Have you ever heard people going crazy about having A2- Jersey or Guernsey/A1-free milks? So let me explain briefly…

There’re two major variants found among cattle which produce casein proteins important source of protein content(having similar structure) – A1 beta-casein and A2 beta-casein.

It has been suggested that the consumption of A1 protein might have adverse implications for digestion in some people, who may experience discomfort. Milk containing only A2 beta-casein is referred to as “A2 milk”! This type of milk was prominently present among old world cattle breeds(Jersey or Guernsey).

Proponents believe that its consumption can be beneficial to those who struggle with digestive problems related to cow’s milk.

(Note:There isn’t compelling scientific evidence yet supporting health benefits claimed by enthusiasts but certainly it sounds fancy-right?)

Back to our “Guernseys”. Of all dairy cows, Guernseys have the highest proportion of their β-C casein consisting solely of the A2 variant!. So if you’re ever wondering from where(Or whom?) a lot(A LOT)of hipsters at your local cafe getting hold on their daily dose of this uncommonly-commodified product -now you know…

Jersey Milk

Meet another breed known for producing high-quality butterfat content called ‘Jerseys’. These small brown cows produce less White Milk than Holsteins or Guernseys (Undoubtedly they don’t want themselves perceived inferior)-but what they do produce packs quite The Creamy Taste Punch(Mmmmen!). Even when skimmed-A glass of cold Jersey milk will still give you an unforgettable taste sensation whether you put into it into a cuppa Joe or other recipes!

Raw-Jersey-Milk

The controversy surrounding raw-milk Never gets Cool.(Seriously-bacteria risk involved!) If we are playing Russian roulette anytime blindly trying something-then RAW MILK IS IT!.

While many states(my sympathies for Ohioans!)are adopting new regulations touting its safety protocols skeptics often warn against consuming unprocessed dairy products. But again -drinkers crave its authentic creamy flavor(profile) and surprisingly enough-“clean fasting-inspired lifestyle” enthusiasts-Argue that raw milk’s superior digestion-enhancing qualities are worth the potential risks (They can afford to ‘ride that train!’ ).(Yikes!)

Anyhow, Jerseys are known for producing high-quality White Milk! with a relatively high butterfat/concentrated amounts of protein, which makes them ideal sources for cream and cheese as well. At just 800 to 1,200 pounds on average(Jersey Cows), the little cows produce small volumes of creamy milk packed with Healthy Fatty acids(not meant just be body goals folks!). And in case(opportunity!) you had not already noticed-Jerseys’ Brown color is unique compared other breeds.

Ayrshire Milk

Have you ever heard of an Ayrshire cow? If not-DON’t even worry about it.(kinda kidding…) I am telling ya-they barely receive any media attention-but they exist And some indeed swear by their products.

Ayrshires are like Holsteins cousins who made some lifestyle choice changes -aka became smaller and lighter! Known for their white heads that give way to brown bodies stained so often they might as well come striped(from all those sunbathing activities!). They have an impeccable reputation when it comes to grass-fed farms thanks partially to their independence streaks which cause the cows love exploring-Especially great if you’re ALL IN on Sustainability trend or simply environment-lover!

Even though they only account for approximately a half percent of U.S. dairy cattle populations(A tad bit lesser!), Ayreshire milks’ rich taste gets easily overshadowed due-of insecurities- by heavier hitting relatives-the Guernseys’, Jerseys & Holsteins!(Big congrats tho-Westborough Farm-A leading supplier-completely devoted). Vous êtes le meilleur!

(Note:Every time someone talks TINY hushed voices proclaiming about them fitting perfectly into suburban life-maybe send them a few pics of some adorable miniature goat on Insta?)

Brown Swipes – What is that?

When it comes to dairy breeds, Did you know cow related accidents are more common than shark attacks!(Sorry- couldn’t resist!). There’s one breed though no one seems to talk about with respect-Are we being unfair?

The widely unknown Dutch Belted cows produce White Milk unlike anything else found in the local Dairy-case aisles! Despite being unpopular and having small populations-Their healthy genetic traits(that we don’t quite understand yet!)may provide unique flavor profile giving their milk great potential for artisan cheesemaking.

OKAY-YOU’VE READ TONS OF COW MILK INFORMATION. But what happens when those milks hit processed counters? Here are some of the most popular types:

Whole-fat(milk)

Whole milk contains varying levels(it’s hard not counting this liquid gold as an important food group isn’t it?)of fat content from 3.5%. It is usually homogenized(homogenization refers to breaking down large fat globules into tiny particles) so the cream doesn’t rise to the top(Sorry-Keto folks).Brands like Organic Valley®, Horizon® & Borden® remain consistent favorites never out of vogue!.

(Note:For all my fellow cool individuals-most bars don’t stock whole ice-cube trays but if they do-a shot of whole-milk Kahlúa takes things up BY; EIGHTY-NOTCH (Pass-those-Belts!)

Skimmed Milk

If there ever was such a thing as “White-Water” then skim milk would be praised for its relatively low calorie count!. To make skim milk or Non-Fat-Milk(A more collective name?) -the processor separates almost all the butterfat leaving only 0-2% behind(guilty confession-alert-this guy likes his latte coffee looking like water but who’s judging?). Fairlife®, Blue Diamond® & Silk® are some popular options tried and tested by patrons in their weight-loss journeys.

Low Lactose(Can I get a ‘Happiness-please’?)

If the phrase “LBS”-not pound(s) but lactose bothers you more than anything else, We Hear Ya!. Many people around the world suffer from lactose intolerance(a classic catchall). However-Diary industry never wants to let someone leave them behind(Some might call it shady of course!).
Fortunately-lactose-free milk is widely available in most grocery stores! (Note:Alternative plant milks-Almond, Soy Oat have much lesser amounts of protein compared dairy-milk-maybe not ideal for heavy lifting goals- so if ya’d ask me-I’d go with these random small batch specialty brands across-the-deli-counter!)

Chocolate Milk

Nothing is more synonymous with childhood treats than Chocolate Milk (Who runs every morning without it as an incentive or shameless craving-grow up folks!)But there’s a common conspiracy floating about that claims chocolate milk actually helps your body perform better after exercise -reports I think can’t be confirmed scientifically.Remember-Treats should be consumed wisely and maybe reserved for Treat occasions(Why ruin innocence?).

(Note:Any personal beliefs supporting consumption just because football players bulk on chugs during games do Not Necessarily Promote Healthy Eating Habits)

In conclusion(don’t you roll those eyes), cow’s milk has been enjoyed by millions since humans began domesticating cattle centuries ago(qurious fact-it wasn’t done til-6th millennium BCE)and frankly speaking-America took it quite seriously(Ain’t nobody taking away their Identities huh?). With various breeds and types now popularized-USDA authority continuing regulations-we can always count on our four-legged friends for fresh liquid gold!.

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