What's The Difference Between Organic And Regular Milk?

Photo credit: Flavio Coelho - Getty Images
Photo credit: Flavio Coelho - Getty Images

At one point or another, you've likely stood in the milk section of the grocery store reading a milk carton's label a little bit too closely to figure out the difference between one type and another. If you've ever done so, or at the very least pondered the difference between organic and regular milk, here's what you should know before making your next purchase at the store.

According to Healthline, there are several differences between organic and regular milk, including that studies have shown organic milks tend to have a higher concentration of vitamin E, iron, and omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids.

It's important to note though that there's a chance those increased nutrient levels are due to farming practices rather than the requirements that go into having the organic label. In other words, farming practices that let the cows graze and forage may lead to these higher levels of vitamins rather than organic farming specifically.

Organic dairy livestock can't be treated with antibiotics and are instead often treated with botanicals or vitamin supplements. For this reason, regular milk is more likely to have higher (but still safe) levels of drug residues in the final product. Conventional milk can also have slightly fewer calories and less protein than organic milk. Both milks tend to have similar levels of calcium, potassium, and sodium, minerals that many choose to drink milk for to begin with.

Ultimately, your dairy choice all comes down to what you prioritize when it comes to your groceries. Perhaps that has to do with taste, price, or farming practices, so consider that the next time you're pondering in the dairy aisle of the grocery store.

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