World Milk Day 2023: Top 7 Types Of Milk You Must Know
Image Credit: Types of milk, Shutterstock

Both fresh and processed dairy products made from the milk of domesticated animals are an essential part of the human diet. Indians drink mostly cow's milk but also some buffalo's milk and, in a few regions, even sheep's, goat's, or camel's milk. Milk is a fat- and protein-rich emulsion in water that also contains many essential vitamins, minerals, and carbs. Milk from every animal has the necessary nutrients, although those nutrients are different for each species. Commercially accessible milk for human consumption comes in a wide range of flavours and preparations. One can pick from various options depending on one's age and health.

Milk protein is highly regarded as a complete protein since it provides all nine of the body's required amino acids. Milk includes many nutrients necessary for healthy skeletal growth and development, notably calcium and phosphorus, but relatively little iron. Milk also contains other vital vitamins, including riboflavin and B12. Vitamins D and A are added to commercially sold milk to improve its nutritional value. Milk fat is the most complicated kind of fat since it contains over 400 distinct types of fatty acids. Saturated fatty acids account for up to 70% of the fat in whole milk, while polyunsaturated fatty acids make up 2.3% and monounsaturated fatty acids make up the remaining 28%.

Dairy milk comes in a variety of grades. Find out what they are, how they vary, and which option is better. 

Standard Milk

You can start you type of milk knowledge from here. Cow's milk, buffalo's milk, goat's milk, sheep's milk, or a mix of any of these kinds of milk can be used to produce standardized milk with a 4.5% milk fat content and an 8.5% solid-non-fat percentage.

Toned Milk

Among different types of milk, toned milk is a combination of cow's milk, buffalo's milk, or both, with the fat content of the milk standardized to be 3% and the solid non-fat content standardized to be 8.5%. The Phosphate test results should be negative after pasteurization. Toned milk is a consistent product since no fat settles to the bottom as it stands.

Double-Toned Milk

Combining cow's milk, buffalo's milk, or both to achieve a milk fat percentage of 1.5% (milk fat) and a marketed non-fat value of 9.0% results in double-toned milk. The phosphate test comes back negative for pasteurized milk.

Full-Fat Milk

Combining cow and buffalo milk that has been homogenized to have a 6% milk fat percentage and a 9% solid non-fat content yields full cream milk. The phosphate test results for this milk, which has been pasteurized, are harmful. To further ensure that no contamination occurs during packaging or retail sale, it is placed in a clean, sturdy, hygienic food container.

Skim Milk

Skim milk packet, Image Source: Shutterstock

Skimmed milk is made from regular milk that contained all of the fat removed using mechanical means. Milk has a fat proportion of 5%, but the non-fat percentage is a robust 8.7%. One can choose this type of milk if the need is for an option to include in a low-calorie diet. 

Anti-Lactase Milk

For those who have trouble digesting lactose, there is lactose-free milk, simply regular cow's milk that has had the lactose removed. However, unlike regular milk, lactose-free milk still contains vital minerals, including vitamin D, calcium, and protein.

Organic milk, Image Source: Pexels

Organic Milk

Among several types of milk available in the dairy industry, organic milk is produced from cows that have never been injected with hormones or antibiotics and farms that adhere strictly to organic dairy production procedures.