Milk is a staple in many households, and choosing the right brand can significantly impact your experience. With a growing emphasis on quality and sustainability, many brands have stepped up to offer a variety of options that meet diverse needs and preferences. From organic and grass-fed choices to more traditional options, each brand offers its unique benefits and flavors. So, if you're ready to explore some of the best brands for milk on the market, continue reading below.
Illustration of milk
Best brands of milk in 2025
Organic Valley
Organic Valley, founded in 1988, is the largest farmer-owned organic cooperative in North America, with over 1,600 family farms. As a leading producer of organic milk, their products are always crafted without antibiotics, synthetic hormones, toxic pesticides, or GMOs. Demonstrating impressive growth, they experienced a 15.6% sales increase in the U.S. for their milk brand in a 12-week period ending in April 2023. Notably, organic milk sales accounted for 2.3% of all milk sales in the US in 2021, and 28% of organic food eaters in the United States choose Organic Valley. For more insights about their products and mission, visit their official website.
Horizon Organic
Horizon Organic, founded in 1991, is a leading American producer of organic milk, sourcing over 99% of its milk from more than 700 dairies across 23 states and ensuring their cows graze outdoors for at least 120 days per year. Their milk is USDA certified organic, with each serving containing 8 grams of protein and 25% of the daily value of calcium, and is produced without antibiotics, growth hormones, or prohibited pesticides. Approximately 70% of their total net sales in 1997 came from organic fluid milk products. The company became the first to supply organic milk nationwide and now partners with over 500 farmers.
Straus Family Creamery
Straus Family Creamery, established in 1994 as the first 100% certified organic creamery in the U.S., produces premium, non-homogenized milk with a naturally rising cream top, using milk from their family farm and other local, certified organic farms, while also being a leader in sustainable practices, including reducing their water usage by 30% in 7 years and generating 100% renewable electricity. Straus Family Creamery's milk, often sold in reusable glass bottles with an 80% return rate, has a higher milk fat content of 4.2% in their Barista milk, and the company was also recognized for being a pioneer in sustainability with the Sustainable Food Award in 2018. The company's commitment extends to humane animal treatment and environmental responsibility, further solidifying its position as a top producer. For more information, visit their official website.
Lactaid
Lactaid, founded in 1974 by a dairyman, is a leading brand in lactose-free dairy, using a natural enzyme to break down lactose in 100% real farm-fresh milk, making it easier to digest for those with sensitivities, and it is available in fat-free, 1%, 2%, and whole milk options; additionally, they ensure their milk comes from cows not treated with artificial growth hormones. While a voluntary recall of 96-ounce containers occurred in September of 2024 due to a potential almond allergen, no illnesses were reported. For more information, please visit their official website.
Fairlife
Fairlife, established in 2012, is a leading American brand of ultra-filtered milk distributed by The Coca-Cola Company, known for its delicious, lactose-free, and nutrition-rich dairy products, including reduced fat, chocolate, and whole milk, achieving over $1 billion in annual retail sales by 2022. In 2019, the flavored milk sales grew by 17% and white milk sales grew by 28%. Their milk contains 50% more protein and calcium through a unique filtration process, and they are committed to sustainable farming practices with a goal to provide high-quality nutrition. To learn more, visit their official website.
Stonyfield Farm
Stonyfield Farm, founded in 1983 as an organic farming school, has grown into a leading organic dairy company, holding a 13.3% market share in North America as the second-leading organic yogurt brand, and sources its milk from small family farms. With a commitment to sustainability, Stonyfield gives 10% of their profits to environmental causes and is working towards reducing their greenhouse gas footprint by 30% by 2030. In 2014, Stonyfield launched its Direct Milk Supply program to support farmers in New England; as of 2023, 14% of organic food eaters in the United States use Stonyfield Organic, demonstrating its continued commitment to healthy food, people, and planet.
Clover Sonoma
Clover Sonoma, a third-generation family-owned dairy since 1916, is a leading producer of high-quality milk from local Northern California family farms, with a commitment to animal welfare, earning the first American Humane Certified dairy title, and sustainability, reflected in their 2020 launch of the first fully renewable plant-based milk carton in the U.S. and a B Corp certification. The company has expanded its product line to include organic options and flavored milk, and gives at least 5% of profits to charitable organizations through their Clover Cares program. They also partner with the San Francisco 49ers, showing their commitment to the Bay Area community.
Alta Dena
Alta Dena, a dairy brand established in 1945 by the Stueve brothers in California, has been providing families with fresh milk for over 75 years, growing to be one of the largest dairies in the world by the 1960s and is now a farmer-owned brand; their whole milk contains 8 grams of protein, 150 calories, and 20% of the daily value for calcium per serving, while their reduced-fat 2% milk has 5 grams of fat, down from 9 grams in whole milk, and is a good source of vitamin D. In 2023, Alta Dena received a Best of Class Gold Medal for their 2% reduced-fat milk at the Los Angeles International Dairy Awards and was also recognized for its commitment to safety by the International Dairy Foods Association in 2016. With a focus on community, they have launched campaigns like FUEL THEIR DRIVE to support local school athletic programs and are dedicated to providing wholesome, high-quality dairy products. You can find more information about their products on their official website.
Shamrock Farms
Shamrock Farms, established in 1922, is a leading family-owned dairy in the Southwest, known for producing high-quality milk and dairy products, with a significant presence in over 135,000 retail locations nationwide and has its own herd of over 10,000 cows at their state-of-the-art farm in Arizona. Recently, Shamrock Farms is expanding its Virginia facility with a $59 million investment, reflecting its commitment to meeting rising consumer demand and innovation, including being one of the first dairies to meet the new pasteurization process back in 1926. More information about Shamrock Farms can be found on their website here.
Dean's Dairy
Dean's Dairy, established in 1925, has been a trusted provider of fresh dairy products for nearly a century, with a commitment to quality demonstrated through their five-point purity checklist, ensuring milk from cows not treated with artificial growth hormones, and tested for antibiotics; while in 2019, fluid milk accounted for 67% of their global sales, and they held a 5.7% market share in the U.S. dairy wholesaling industry, making them one of the most recognized dairy brands; their dedication to providing nutritious and tasty beverages has solidified their position as a community-loved and farmer-owned brand known for delicious milk and other dairy products. You can learn more about Dean's Dairy.
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