Organic Milk Vs. Regular Milk

Organic milk is one of the most popular organic products available in grocery stores today. It can sell for up to double the amount of non-organic milk and it can leave consumers wondering if it's worth what you pay for it.

If you're concerned about bovine growth hormones, then the answer is yes. Because organic milk comes from cows who were never treated with such hormones, and therefore, such substances will never make their way into your milk. Popular brands of organic Milk, like Horizon, also have other determinants on what makes milk "organic". These cows also have free access to pasture, and so they are generally treated more humanely. This issue is an important one for milk drinkers who are concerned with animal rights. Because the cows can roam as they do naturally, they are able to have semi-normal lives, whereas some dairy cows never see the outside of a small pen.

The last requirement for milk to be organic is the absence of antibiotics. As Americans become increasingly more tolerant to our important antibiotic drugs, it's important to realize that we consume antibiotics through milk, dairy products, and sometimes groundwater (which has antibiotics in the water because animal waste can get into the Earth, translating into what we drink). It's important to minimize the access our antibodies have to such drugs, and organic milk is one way to avoid over-exposure to the drugs that can save our lives.

In terms of health benefits, studies cannot find any real correlation between good health and organic milk. Certainly, people who choose organic are willing to pay the price to be healthy, and are generally more health-conscious than most. But regular milk contains the calcium we need, which is the most important component of any dairy product. Organic milk is (at this point) a great choice for those who are interested in animal rights, environmental issues, and for those of whom are particularly aware of what is in their food. But for the everyday family, regular milk will do just fine.

Many consumers also wonder if there is a taste difference. In short: yes. But it's a difference that cannot be detected by many, and it's similar to the taste difference you can experience by simply switching brands. EcoMeal is a great place to start if you're thinking of making the switch or organic, but Horizon is the easiest to find and most pleasing to those who are used to regular dairy. Personally speaking, Silk soy milk seems to be the best choice. They are extremely dedicated to bettering the planet by contributing to wind power, and their varieties of soy milk are each delicious and different. Soy milk appeals to those who are not tolerant of dairy products, but also to those who are looking for a different taste, or lifestyle. Soy is one choice among the many when choosing organic foods, and it has been around for many years. Unlike other "organic" brands you may be wary of, you can be assured that Silk brand soy milk is the real thing.

The conclusion that can be reached will vary from consumer to consumer. If you have the money to spare, go organic! But for the average working family, the $5 half gallon of milk is simply not feasible. Many families choose to alternate their purchases by getting organic one week and regular the next. But the lack of hormones and antibiotics is of great concern to some scientists, and it is certainly worth consideration for new moms. Because the availability of organic milk is increasing, even in smaller towns, the pressure to go organic increases as well. It's important to keep in mind that research cannot concretely say that organic is better. Many people, including myself, feel healthier and happier when organic food and drink is consumed. The important thing is to do your research - don't be fooled by the label. Just because it says that it's organic doesn't mean that it is. In terms of milk, the guidelines above are what truly makes a milk organic, and they are the reasons why many consumers choose organic milk in the first place.

If you're wondering more about organic milk, and it's not available in stores near you, Amazon sells Horizon brand milk, and more information is available on the Horizon website. Silk soy milk also offers information on their website, including info on their involvement with alternative energy, at the following link:

http://www.silksoymilk.com/

Or, the Horizon Organic products site is at:

http://www.horizonorganic.com/