Table of Contents
- How is Organic Milk Different from Regular Milk?
- Shopping for Plant-Based Organic Milk: Things to Avoid
- Benefits of Best Organic Milk
- Factors to Consider When Shopping for Natural Milk
- Plant vs. Animal Organic Milk: Which is Better?
- Best Organic Milk on the Market Today
- #1. Horizon Organic Low-Fat Milk
- #2. Organic Valley Organic Whole Milk
- #3. Prescribed for Life Organic Dry Milk Powder
- #4. 365 by Whole Foods Market Organic Whole Milk
- #5. Horizon Organic Store Whole Milk
- #6. Maple Hill Creamery Grass-Fed Organic Whole Milk
- #7. Stonyfield Organic Whole Milk
- #8. Organic Valley Ultra-Filtered Organic Whole Milk
- #9. Organic Valley Healthy Organic Whole Milk Boxes
- #10. Maple Hill Shelf Stable Organic Whole Milk
- Conclusion
Did you know that up to 15% of all dairy products in the U.S. are organic? Many consumers prefer organic milk and other dairy products as it has more nutrients and is free from toxins. Although the best organic milk has the same levels of essential minerals as regular milk, organic offers more benefits to you and the environment.
Whether you take plant-based or animal-based organic milk, you can avoid growth hormones, pesticides, and antibiotics residue in milk. Here is all you need to know about organic milk.
How is Organic Milk Different from Regular Milk?
Organic milk offers several advantages over regular milk as follows:
- Organic milk comes from cows left to graze in open pastures. These cows produce milk with a higher concentration of nutrients. According to studies, milk contains more iron, vitamin E, omega 3, and omega 6. (Amounts of omega-3 and omega-6 are small so we recommend using specific supplements).
- The U.S. Department of Agriculture lays out strict regulations on organic milk production. USDA prohibits antibiotics and inorganic farm products, such as pesticides. If a farmer uses antibiotics to treat a cow, the USDA requires that they sell off the cow to a non-organic farm. Antibiotics, such as beta-lactams, are present in milk once administered to cows.
- Conventional dairy farms use antibiotics, mainly in the treatment of mastitis. These antibiotics and other drugs are present in milk as residue.
- Alternative therapies used in treating cows in organic farms do not affect milk’s nutritional profile or leave toxic residue. These methods include vitamin supplements, botanicals, and homeopathic therapy.
- Organic milk has a longer shelf life compared to regular milk. You can keep it for up to 60 days unopened. Also, you can leave regular milk only for 17 days after ultra-heat treatment.
- Studies show that organic milk production involves applying sustainable farming practices. These practices enhance the quality of the soil and ensure there is no loss of nutrients.
Animal-based milk is common on the market, but you can still go for plant-based organic milk.
Shopping for Plant-Based Organic Milk: Things to Avoid
- Thickening Agents: These agents make the milk thick, but they can cause nutritional and gastrointestinal problems. For instance, cereal rice can cause constipation, according to research. Again, the rice cereal also increases the carb quantity in milk, making it less protein-based. To avoid other common thickeners, include xanthan gum, gellan gum, carrageenan, locust bean gum, and guar gum.
- Artificial Sweeteners: These sweeteners are sugar substitutes for people who need to control weight. However, there are concerns that these sweeteners might cause cancer. On the other hand, natural sweeteners can cause obesity and related health complications. To be safe, choose non-sweetened milk.
- Glyphosate: This is one of the most common herbicides. It is a constituent of products, such as PondMaster, Rodeo, and Roundup. According to WebMD, exposure to glyphosate can cause cancer, damage the liver and kidney, and cause reproductive development and health issues. The USDA prohibits the use of glyphosate in organic farms.
- GMO: Corn and soybeans are almost always available as genetically modified versions. Safe milk should contain a non-GMO label to show that it is secure. According to research, GMO foods have toxic effects on your reproductive system, kidney, liver, and pancreas. They can also alter your immune health, blood, and other aspects of your health.
- Pesticides and Herbicides: The USDA restricts the use of common herbicides and pesticides in organic farms. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, some pesticides are carcinogens while others can alter your body’s hormonal system. Sustainably farmed plants are free of these chemicals, making them safe for you and the environment.

Benefits of Best Organic Milk
- Get More Omega 3 Fatty Acids: The body needs Omega-3 fatty acids for immunity. It can help slow down the development of cancer, cardiac disease, and several other conditions. Taking organic milk offers you more Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids.
- More Linoleic Acid: When supplied in the right amount, conjugated linoleic acid helps the body fight disease and promotes better metabolism and muscle growth. It also helps the body fight cholesterol, thereby reducing the risks of developing obesity. When you take organic milk, you get 500% more conjugated linoleic acid compared to regular milk.
- No Toxic Chemicals: The USDA requires that organic farmers not use pesticides, herbicides, inorganic fertilizers, GM feed, hormones, urea, and antibiotics. Further, USDA requires that the cows graze in open fields to be ‘happy.’
- Safe for the Environment: The chemicals used in producing regular milk, such as pesticides and herbicides, are also harmful to some plants, microbes, and the soil. Stopping the use of these chemicals through organic farming practices helps save the environment.
- Get Antioxidants: Organic milk provides you with more zeaxanthin and lutein, two antioxidants that promote your eye health and help fight free radicals in the body.
Factors to Consider When Shopping for Natural Milk
- USDA Certification: Organic milk should have a label showing approval from the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Some milk brands may have other labels, such as a bunny label indicating that it is cruelty-free or a kosher-certified label. The USDA certification label guarantees that milk farmers follow organic farming practices.
- Nutritional Profile: The nutritional profile of whole organic milk should be the same across the board. However, the nutritional profile is never the same due to ultra-pasteurization, ultra-filtration, and fortification. Check the list of ingredients and the nutritional facts to know what the milk contains.
- Additives: To make the milk thicker, sweeter, and give it a better flavor, some manufacturers may include additives. Some, such as natural sweeteners, can be safe but can increase your risks of developing obesity in the long run. Opt for natural milk without any additives.
- Pasteurized or not Pasteurized: Ultra-pasteurization improves the shelf life of milk to have it for a couple of months. Shelf-stable milk does not even need refrigeration after pasteurization. Unpasteurized milk still has the hormones and vitamins available in natural milk. However, you will need to use it fast as it goes bad fast.
- Packaging: Some brands offer organic milk in single-serve packages ideal for children’s lunchboxes, snacking, and on-the-go use. For families, you can take the large gallon or more packages. Further, some brands offer recyclable packages that are safe for the environment.
- Powder vs. Liquid: Powdered milk is ideal when you need long-lasting milk. However, the milk adds an extra step in preparation. Liquid milk is ready to use, but it has a relatively shorter shelf life. The form does not affect the nutritional profile of the milk.
Plant vs. Animal Organic Milk: Which is Better?
- Animal milk comes from cows, goats, and sheep. It is rich in calcium, proteins, minerals, and water. On the other hand, plant milk is a beverage made from plants. Plant milk manufacturers fortify their milk with calcium and vitamins to give it the same nutritional profile as animal milk.
- Animal milk contains a high calcium concentration, ideal for your bones, teeth, and overall body health. It is also a rich source of vitamins A, B2, B12, and proteins, among other nutrients. Goats and sheep milk contain fewer proteins but are excellent sources of vitamins and calcium.
- Although animal milk has a rich nutritional profile, people with indigestion problems, diabetes, or lactose intolerance will not benefit. This is where the plant milk alternative comes in. However, such people can go for low-fat or lactose-free animal milk.
- Plant milk comes from soy, almond, rice, or cocoa. It is advisable to avoid soy milk as soybeans are almost always GMO-based. If you have lactose intolerance, you should go for plant milk as it is also rich in vitamins and minerals. The milk is easy to digest, making it ideal for people with digestive issues.
- If you find organic soy milk, it will be rich in proteins, vitamins A, D, and B12, and minerals. Also, soy milk has many proteins as cow’s milk. However, milk is not ideal for babies. You can feed babies rice or almond milk.
Best Organic Milk on the Market Today
You can go for cow or goat milk or pick organic plant-based milk. The milk is available in liquid and powder form, whichever you prefer. Here are our top picks.
#1. Horizon Organic Low-Fat Milk

- Non-GMO
- Single-serve packaging
- USD certified
- Available in chocolate flavor
- Rich in nutrients
- Packaging ideal for snacking
- Sweet taste
- It contains a bit of natural thickener
#2. Organic Valley Organic Whole Milk
- Ultra-pasteurized
- From pasture-raised cows
- Free of sweeteners and flavors
- Free of microbes
- Longer shelf life
- The natural taste of milk
- Thick enough
- No single-serving packaging is available.
#3. Prescribed for Life Organic Dry Milk Powder
- Powder form
- Available in different packages
- USDA certified organic
- Great taste
- Easy to mix
- Long shelf life
- Ideal for baking
- Relatively pricey
#4. 365 by Whole Foods Market Organic Whole Milk
- USDA certified organic
- Rich in vitamins and minerals
- Grade A whole milk
- The natural flavor of milk
- Fortified with minerals and vitamins
- Hygienic processing and packaging
- Available in different package sizes
- Relatively shorter shelf life
#5. Horizon Organic Store Whole Milk
- USDA certified organic
- Ultra-pasteurized
- Liquid form
- Sourced from pasture-raised cows
- Delicious taste
- Long shelf life
- Non-GMO
- It contains additives that may alter its natural taste
#6. Maple Hill Creamery Grass-Fed Organic Whole Milk
- Gluten-free
- Non-GMO
- USDA certified organic
- Free of any additives
- Kosher certified
- Long shelf life
- Safe to drink out of the package
- It contains no additives for natural taste
- Ultra-pasteurization destroys some nutrients
#7. Stonyfield Organic Whole Milk
- USDA certified organic
- Free of additives
- Gluten-free
- Grade A whole milk
- Natural creamy taste
- It comes from pasture-raised cows
- Rich in vitamin A and C
- Ultra-pasteurization destroys enzymes in milk
#8. Organic Valley Ultra-Filtered Organic Whole Milk
- USDA certified organic
- Lactose free
- Ultra-filtered
- Ultra-filtered for safety
- Safe for lactose-intolerant people
- It contains a high-protein content
- Natural creamy taste
- Relatively thin profile
#9. Organic Valley Healthy Organic Whole Milk Boxes
- Single-serve packaging
- USDA certified organic
- UHT whole milk
- Grade A milk
- Filtered and ultra-heat treated for safety
- Rich nutrient profile
- Free of any additives
- Relatively thin
#10. Maple Hill Shelf Stable Organic Whole Milk
- 100% organic
- Shelf-stable
- Non-GMO
- Longer shelf life
- Safe for instant use
- Safe for the environment
- Ideal for all milk recipes
- Relatively pricey
Conclusion
The nutritional profile of milk as listed on the package should guide you on which brand to buy. Avoid milk with harmful additives and instead, go for 100% natural milk. This milk will have a rich, creamy taste and offer you all the nutrients you need. You can try using milk together with meal replacement powder.
Our top choice is the Horizon Organic Low-Fat Milk. It offers you all the nutrients you need without adding unnecessary fat to your diet. It is available in different natural flavors, making it ready to drink out of the box. In addition, it fits the complete USDA organic milk profile.