Raw food and whole-food diets have become more popular as people attempt to find ways to maximize their nutritional intake. Raw milk is not a stranger to the party. Many believe it to be a whole food that is more nutritious than milk that has been heated. However, if you’re not careful you could jeopardize your health in a serious way. In this post, we’ll tackle what is raw milk vs pasteurized milk. We’ll also help you answer which is a safer choice for your family. 

Raw milk is milk from any animal that hasn’t been through the heating process called pasteurization (discussed below). While liquid raw milk is banned in most states, there are raw milk products readily available on the market. Some include soft cheeses like blue cheese, Brie, Camembert, and Queso Fresco. 

In the United States, imported cheese under the age of 60 days must be pasteurized. But cheese over the age of 60 days can be unpasteurized because the environment is inhospitable to bacteria. Some countries ban the import of unpasteurized products altogether.

Arguments for raw milk include:

• Local = safer: Many believe if they know where their food comes from it is safer to eat. 
• Nutrient-dense: Many drink raw milk for the nutrients that are lost in the pasteurization process
• Whole food: Raw milk is minimally processed and closer to its natural state
• Allergies and intolerance: Some believe raw milk reduces allergies and intolerance to milk

There’s no concrete evidence to support raw milk reduces allergies or lactose intolerance. Studies show that many with lactose intolerance may actually have an intolerance to the A1 protein chain in milk. This is most of the milk available on the market today. The A1 protein chain is a genetic mutation of the original protein, A2, that was present among cattle throughout Africa and Asia.

That’s why we choose our milk from cows that naturally produce only the A2 protein and no A1. You get all the benefits of milk without the tummy upset. Learn more about the differences between a milk allergy and intolerance in this blog post.

Raw milk does retain some nutrients that are lost in the heating process. However, 96% of foodborne illnesses from dairy products are due to raw milk. Foodborne illnesses such as Salmonella, E.coli, and Listeria are potentially fatal and can lead to hospitalization. Children, pregnant women, and older people are especially at risk.

Pasteurized milk still contains an abundance of nutrients such as vitamin D, calcium, and protein. And any nutrients lost in the pasteurization process are regained through a healthy, balanced diet. So exposing yourself and your family to sickness by drinking raw milk may not be worth the benefits. 

Also, while some feel local food sources are more trustworthy as well as sustainable, you shouldn’t mistake this to mean food-safe. All food producers in the US have to adhere to strict guidelines to ensure the food being sold is safe for consumption. So whether local or national, food handling and animal care matter.

At a2 Milk®, every day we strive to make our products, practices, and partnerships more sustainable. That means healthier food for your family and a better way of doing things for the planet. Read our blog to learn more about building a healthy, balanced lifestyle and recipes to go along with it. And as always, don’t forget your a2 Milk®!