The 9 Best Milk Brands To Buy, According to a Nutritionist

It's easy to take the gallon of milk in your fridge for granted. For most of us, milk is a rather ho-hum, everyday food. But that cold, creamy beverage you pour over cereal or into smoothies is a veritable nutritional goldmine. One cup of cow's milk contains all three macronutrients (high-quality protein, healthy fats, and healthy carbs from lactose), not to mention plenty of calcium and vitamin D for strong bones and a robust immune system.

Just about any milk you choose will have health benefits from these nutrients. And here's a fun fact: most milk in the U.S. is a good choice for supporting family farms. According to U.S. Dairy, about 97% of all American dairy farms are family-owned and operated. Plus, since dairy councils exist regionally around the country, most milk doesn't need to travel thousands of miles, making it far more local than other fresh foods like out-of-season fruits and vegetables.

Still, while dairy milk "does a body good," some brands offer more environmentally friendly farming practices and even superior nutrition. Read on to learn about the nine best dairy milk brands on the market, and then check out The 10 Healthiest Dairy Foods for Weight Loss.

How we chose the healthiest dairy milk brands:

• Animals' diet: When they eat grass, cows (and goats) are usually the healthiest and produce the most nutrient-dense milk. Research shows that milk from grass-fed ruminants contains higher levels of healthy fats like omega-3 fatty acids and conjugated linoleic acids (CLA)—hence the number of grass-fed milk brands on our list.

• Environmental impact: Though organic dairy products don't necessarily have better nutrition than conventionally produced dairy, organic foods are usually better for the planet. For this reason, we chose mostly organic milks.

• Ethical treatment of animals: Where possible, we sought brands that share details about how they treat their cows.

The Best Milk Brands to Buy:

• Maple Hill Organic Whole Milk
• Organic Valley Whole Grassmilk
• A2 Grassfed 2% Milk
• Horizon Organic Grassfed Whole Milk
• Stonyfield 2% Organic Milk
• Horizon Organic Lactose Free Whole Milk
• Organic Valley Family First DHA Omega-3 Whole Milk
• Meyenberg Whole Goat Milk
• Parmalat Whole Milk

Maple Hill Organic Whole Milk

Grass-fed, organic, and totally transparent about its farming practices, Maple Hill is a clear frontrunner in the contest for healthiest milks. The brand is committed to producing humane, ethical, and traceable dairy, so even though its price point is on the higher side, it may be worth the extra cash.

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Organic Valley Whole Grassmilk

Organic Valley offers another version of grass-fed organic milk with their "Grassmilk," a full-fat dairy product from cows fed 100% organic grass and dried forage. A hidden benefit of purchasing Organic Valley's milk (besides its extra healthy fats): each batch contains subtle seasonal flavors, depending on the pastures cows grazed.6254a4d1642c605c54bf1cab17d50f1e

A2 Grassfed 2% Milk

A2's milk could be the ticket to a tall, cool glass of milk for those who can't stomach it due to food intolerance. Most cows' milk contains two types of protein: A1 and A2. This unique grass-fed milk contains only A2 proteins, which some research has shown may minimize stomach discomfort. And in case it wasn't clear from the brand's name, it's totally grass-fed.

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Horizon Organic Grassfed Whole Milk

Conditions for milk cows aren't always sunshine and carefree grazing, but when you choose Horizon Organic Grassfed Whole Milk, you can rest assured that your purchase supports happy animals. Horizon's dairy cows are not treated with antibiotics or growth hormones and feed exclusively on organic pastures. They also get at least 150 days of sunshine and fresh air annually.

Stonyfield 2% Organic Milk

If you'd like milk with less fat, Stonyfield's Organic 2% Reduced Fat Milk is a winner, especially for its commitment to sustainability. The brand is on track to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions by 30% by 2030. Their website offers a clearly detailed sustainability plan with information on energy usage, logistics, packaging, and waste management.

Horizon Organic Lactose Free Whole Milk

Lactose-intolerant folks can enjoy the delicious creaminess of real dairy with Horizon's Organic Lactose-Free Whole Milk. This option has just as much protein and calcium as regular milk but skips the carbohydrate that causes digestive discomfort. And since it's a whole-fat dairy product, it could help protect against metabolic syndrome, a condition that encompasses health problems like obesity, type 2 diabetes, and heart disease.

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Organic Valley Family First DHA Omega-3 Whole Milk

All milk contains healthy fats, but Organic Valley's Family First DHA Omega-3 Whole Milk takes the good-for-you fats up a notch. With added omega-3 fatty acids, this organic beverage could support brain and heart health, according to research. Kids and adults alike may benefit from this nutritional bump.

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Meyenberg Whole Goat Milk

Not all dairy milk comes from cows! Goat milk offers a nutrition profile similar to cow milk but is more easily digested by some people.

If you want to switch things up with the tangy taste of goat milk, try Meyenberg's whole variety. It's Certified Humane, contains slightly less fat than cows' milk, and is fortified with vitamin D, just like regular milk.

Parmalat Whole Milk

When you want healthy milk that'll keep outside the fridge, check out Parmalat's shelf-stable whole milk. Pasteurized at ultra-high temperatures, this real dairy drink doesn't require refrigeration until it's opened. We especially like Parmalat's whole milk option for its thick, creamy texture.