Raw milk is in the news again after reports this week that a newborn baby died in New Mexico from a listeria infectionand influencer-run Ballerina Farm had to stop selling raw milk after it failed safety tests in Utah. If you’re looking for milk with fewer additives that’s safe for you and your family, you might want to consider whole milk. Whole milk has seen renewed interest and is less dangerous to drink than raw milk.

If you remember, in the 1990s, Got Milk? ads became popular because of a marketing campaign created by the California Milk Processor Board, which encourages people to drink more cow’s milk through celebrity-filled ads and commercials. Interest eventually waned, and soon, plant-based milks began to gain popularity. Since the 2000s, every version of plant-based milks you can imagine, from soy, oat, almond, pistachio, macadamia, pea — you name it, it’s probably in your supermarket aisle. Now it appears that whole milk is becoming popular again among health influencers and others.

I talked to dietitians to find out why this is happening, what are the benefits of whole milk and who should be careful when drinking it.

Why dairy has a chance again

Several factors may be responsible for the popularity of whole milk: the concept that “natural” is better, people want less. additives in their food and the Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy Jr. “Make America Healthy Again” initiative.

Clara Noseka registered dietitian, points out that cow’s milk became less popular in the first place because it was stigmatized in popular culture, blamed for any stomach issues and is called inflammatory for a long time. “The shift back to dairy seems partially driven by widespread chemophobia,” says Nosek, “Many of the plant-based milks contain ingredients like gums and preservatives for strength and added sugars for palatability, which are also demonized.”

Chemphobia refers to the fear of chemicals found in everyday life. However, there is often misunderstanding about how chemicals work and the importance of knowing their dosages, among other things.

Chemphobia, along with the appeal-to-nature fallacy (the idea that something “natural” is better), makes cow’s milk look more attractive because it has fewer ingredients compared to non-dairy milk. “Cow’s milk is starting to be seen as a more ‘pure’ option and the appeal-to-nature logic is pushing further down the chemophobia spectrum, as seen in the growing popularity of raw cow’s milk,” says Nosek.

Raw milk is unpasteurized cow’s milk, and its interest has also increased due to the push of some wellness influencers and even the secretary of health and human services. Health officials are talking about danger of drinking raw milk and its risk of foodborne illnesses, especially after many cases of bird flu in 2025.

Benefits of drinking whole milk

Whether you drink cow’s milk or not, there is no denying that milk has many benefits. Whole milk, in particular, provides you with many nutrients. Lauren Manaker, one registered dietitian and nutritionistsaid, “It is a natural source of high quality proteincalcium and it provides essential vitamins such as B12 and D, which are difficult to replicate in the same way as plant-based alternatives.” In addition, whole milk contains fat, carbs and other micronutrients such as potassium, B vitamins and vitamin A.

“There is no one needs to drink whole milk, and the nutrients are readily available in other foods; however, it’s a quick and cheap way to get nutrients,” explains Nosek. Other factors that may make whole milk more appealing are its flavor and taste, since it’s more creamy, and the higher fat content makes it tastier compared to plant-based milks.

Manaker points out that an eight-ounce glass of whole milk contains 16% of your daily recommended amount of protein. “A growing body of research suggests that, too Whole-fat dairy is not associated with an increased risk of obesitydiabetes or heart disease; In fact, this type of dairy may even help reduce the risk for these chronic diseases,” he said.

One downside of whole milk

The downside to this is that the added fat and sugar in each serving can add up, and adults should be more mindful of this when they’re watching their saturated fat and carbohydrate intake. “I would recommend discussing the amount consumed with a dietitian to ensure a balanced meal and snack,” advises Nosek.

Parents who give their children cow’s milk must follow the Dietary Guidelines for Americans. For example, children ages 12 to 23 months should get 1⅔ to 2 cups of dairy equivalents per day, while children two years and older should get two to three cups per day.

You can also think how these different milks affect the environment.

What about other types of cow’s milk?

Other forms of cow’s milk include 1% milk, skim and nonfat milk. The only difference between these milks and whole milk is the fat content. “When the fat is removed from the milk, the fat-soluble vitamins (A and D) are reduced, but they are usually added through fortification,” explains Nosek. Manaker adds that you still get the same 13 essential nutrients, such as high-quality protein, calcium, vitamins D and B12 and iodine, with these milks.

“The fat in whole milk contributes to its creamier texture and slightly higher calorie count, but when it comes to vitamins and minerals, you won’t lose out by choosing a low-fat option,” says Manaker.

What if your stomach can’t handle milk?

In fact, not everyone can handle cow’s milk. If you are lactose intolerant or have a milk allergy, you will probably choose a milk without milk. Keep in mind that there are some nutrients you may be missing out on with plant-based options. “Real milk is a complete protein, while most plant-based proteins are incomplete, meaning they’re missing some of the essential amino acids, or building blocks, that our bodies need,” Manaker explains. He also points out that dairy protein, known as whey and casein, keeps you feeling fuller while fueling your day, and aids in muscle recovery—even while you sleep.

If you’re not a fan of plant-based milks, but still want to get the benefits of cow’s milk without the stomach upset, Nosek recommends giving it a try. lactose free options. Some brands that make lactose-free milks include: Fairlife, Lactaid, Horizon Organic and Organic Valley. Remember, lactose-free options are best for those with lactose intolerance (the inability to digest lactose, the natural sugar in milk) and are not suitable for those with milk allergies (an immune reaction to milk proteins) because they still contain milk proteins.

If you’re allergic to cow’s milk, it’s best to stick to plant-based milk options. “While supplements can help fill some gaps, such as calcium, vitamin D and B12, it’s always better to get nutrients from whole foods whenever possible,” explains Manaker. He recommends adding allergy-friendly protein options like eggs, meat, fish or plant-based sources like beans and lentils to your diet, and for iodine, seafood or iodized salt.

Takeaway

The sudden popularity around dairy shows that people are starting to show more interest in food options without additives. Although this is not a bad thing, it is important to remember that cow’s milk may not be suitable for everyone based on dietary restrictions. But if you’re interested in adding cow’s milk to your diet (and the dairy agrees with you), you can reap the benefits of the many vitamins and nutrients it provides.

If you are allergic to milk, you may not have a choice to drink cow’s milk, but you can try your best to get the same nutrients through other foods in your diet. If you’re planning to change your diet or aren’t sure if supplementing with cow’s milk is right for you, it’s best to consult a registered dietitian or your doctor first.