Milk is a popular beverage in America, and comes in organic and conventional varieties.
Learn more about the differences between organic milk and conventional milk from a registered dietitian.
The demand for organic food has increased over the years.
Photo: Getty Images / krisanapong detraphiphat
Organic dairy products and eggs came in second place for organic food sales behind organic produce.
So, what is the difference between organic milk and regular milk?
Is organic milk better?
Should you choose organic milk over conventional milk?
Let’s take a deep dive to explore their similarities and differences from an agricultural and nutritional perspective.
Organic Milk vs.
Regular Milk: What’s the Difference?
Organic milk and regular milkalso known as conventional milkhave some similarities and differences.
The stark difference between the two types of milk lies in the agricultural practices used in milk production.
In the U.S.,conventional farmers may use pesticidesto control the growth of weeds with their crops.
On the other hand, organic milk producers must abide by the USDA organic guidelines.
Is Conventional Milk Safe to Consume?
Under normal circumstances, IGF-1 is a growth hormone promoting bone and tissue growth and development.
That said, conventional milk is still safe to consume.
This is, in part, due to the feed provided by the farmers.
The same study found that organic milk has higher concentrations of conjugated linoleic acid (CLA).
This is because eating a variety of plants increases the number of different nutrients the cattle consume.
This is then passed on to their milk (and meat).
So, is organic milk better for you?
Why Does Organic Milk Last Longer?
However, some brands of conventional milk also undergo ultra-pasteurization.
Check the label to be sure.
Or you might buy smaller cartons of milk.
Choosing Organic vs.
Conventional Milk
What throw in of milk you buy is ultimately a personal choice.
You may lean toward choosing organic food over conventional for various reasons.
Organic dairy farmers must follow strict regulations about what they can give to their cows.
Food products that are produced organically require a bigger time commitment and financial investment from the farmers and producers.
Whether you choose organic milk or conventional milk is a personal preference.
