Top Whole Milk Brands You Need to Try

In recent years, whole milk has become a staple in households around the world, known for its creamy taste and nutritional benefits. As consumers increasingly seek quality and flavor, several brands have distinguished themselves in offering premium whole milk products. Renowned companies have committed to organic farming and ethical animal care, ensuring that their milk not only tastes great but also aligns with environmental and health standards. If you're curious about which brands stand out in the marketplace, explore our comprehensive list below.

Illustration of whole milk

Best brands of whole milk in 2025

Organic Valley

Organic Valley is a leading producer of organic whole milk, known for its high-quality products derived from cows that spend their days grazing in green pastures, enhancing the nutritional content of the milk. As of 2021, Organic Valley's cooperative includes over 1,400 organic dairy farms, contributing to the production of 5.2 billion gallons of organic milk annually. The cooperative had 50% of the total certified organic dairy cows in the U.S. by 2013 and managed to increase milk utilization and reduce inventory through effective quota systems during economic crises. Organic Valley's commitment to organic farming practices and pasture management sets it apart, ensuring the milk is free from antibiotics, synthetic hormones, and GMOs. The brand's whole milk products are enriched with vitamins, including vitamin D, to maintain nutritional consistency. You can learn more about their organic whole milk on their website.

Horizon Organic

Horizon Organic, a subsidiary of Danone, is renowned as the largest USDA-certified organic dairy brand, committed to producing high-quality whole milk that meets stringent organic standards, including no GMOs, antibiotics, added hormones, or toxic pesticides. Each serving of Horizon Organic Whole Milk contains 8g of protein, 25% of the daily value for calcium, and 25% of the daily value for vitamin D. The company aims to become carbon neutral by 2025 and has conducted a Life Cycle Assessment to reduce its carbon footprint, with one half-gallon of milk contributing 12.3 pounds of CO2 emissions. Horizon Organic sources its milk from large organic dairy farms, particularly in California and Texas, which produce significant amounts of organic milk. The brand is also dedicated to humane cow treatment and sustainable practices.

Straus Family Creamery

Straus Family Creamery is renowned for its premium organic dairy products, particularly its whole milk, which is sourced from small-scale certified organic dairy farms in Marin and Sonoma Counties in Northern California. The creamery processes about 16,000 gallons of milk daily, with a focus on sustainable practices and regenerative farming. Since its inception, Straus Family Creamery has maintained a strong commitment to quality, as evident in their artisanal butter with 85% fat content. The company has been a pioneer in organic dairy since 1994, and in 2019, it achieved TRUE Zero Waste Certification. Straus Family Creamery's products are known for their superior taste and minimal processing, free from gums, thickeners, and artificial ingredients. For more information, visit Straus Family Creamery's website.

Stonyfield Farm

Stonyfield Farm is a leading producer of high-quality organic whole milk, founded in 1983 with a mission to demonstrate that environmentally and socially responsible businesses can be profitable. The company holds approximately 3.3 percent of the U.S. yogurt market and is the largest producer of organic yogurt, with about 35 percent of its total production being certified organic. Stonyfield Farm sources its milk from over 200 small, organic family farms, ensuring the milk is free from genetically engineered bovine growth hormone (rbGH). The company has achieved significant growth, with sales increasing from $3.5 million in FY1990 to $56.8 million in FY2000. Stonyfield's commitment to sustainability is evident in its energy-efficient practices, including offsetting 100 percent of its CO2 emissions from facility energy use since 1997.

Kirkland Signature

Kirkland Signature, Costco's private label brand, is renowned for its high-quality whole milk products, such as the Kirkland Signature Organic Whole Milk, which is USDA Organic and enriched with Vitamin D. This product comes in 8 fl oz cartons, with an 18-count pack, and is highly rated by consumers with a 4.7 out of 5 stars average rating. Introduced in 1995, the Kirkland Signature brand has grown to become one of the largest consumer packaged brands in the world, generating over $52 billion in revenue annually. Despite its large scale, the brand maintains a focus on quality and cost-efficiency, making it a favorite among

Clover Sonoma

Clover Sonoma is a renowned dairy brand, celebrated for its high-quality whole milk products sourced from 29 small family farms in Sonoma and Marin Counties. Established in 1916, the company has a long history of commitment to sustainability, animal welfare, and community support, earning it B Corporation certification since 2016. Clover Sonoma processes over 100,000 gallons of milk daily and has introduced innovative products like the fully renewable plant-based milk carton, the first of its kind in the U.S..

Whole Foods 365 Organic

Whole Foods' 365 Organic brand is highly regarded for its organic whole milk, sourced from family farmers rather than industrial-scale factory farms, ensuring a high integrity milk supply. The brand boasts a strong cooperative policy with cows spending significant time on pasture, a very low cull rate, and no use of antibiotics or reproductive hormones. Whole Foods was the first retailer to be transparent about their private-label products, setting a high ethical standard in the industry. Their organic milk production adheres to strict organic rules, avoiding synthetic pesticides, fertilizers, and genetically engineered ingredients. With a focus on animal welfare and sustainable practices, 365 Organic milk is an excellent choice for those seeking high-quality organic dairy products. For more details about 365 Organic milk's sustainability practices, visit the Cornucopia Institute's survey page.

Maple Hill Creamery

Maple Hill Creamery is a leading producer of 100% grass-fed organic dairy products, including whole milk, with a presence in over 7,500 stores nationwide. Founded in 2009, the company has grown to become one of the fastest-growing dairy brands in the natural channel, representing over 120 small family farms and recently expanding to include 14 new farms in Central Pennsylvania. Maple Hill's products, such as whole and 2% reduced fat milk, are produced in alignment with sustainable and regenerative farming practices. The company holds the #2 share in its key fluid milk segment, with retail sales exceeding $85 million annually. Maple Hill's commitment to 100% grass-fed organic dairy ensures a healthier and more nutrition-dense product for consumers.

Shamrock Farms

Shamrock Farms is a renowned producer of high-quality whole milk, known for its pure, fresh, and nutritious products. Established in 1922, this fourth-generation, family-owned business has grown into one of the largest family-owned dairy companies in the nation, employing approximately 6,000 people. Their whole milk is rBST-free, contains 8 grams of protein per serving, and has a shelf life of 105 days. With a significant investment of $59 million in their Virginia facility, Shamrock Farms continues to expand its production capabilities to meet rising consumer demand. The company is committed to using milk from local farms and supports Virginia dairy cooperatives by purchasing millions of pounds of milk annually. For more details, visit their product page on Shamrock Farms Whole Milk.

Hood Milk

Hood Milk, a brand synonymous with quality dairy products since 1846, stands out as a leading producer of whole milk. Notably, Hood's Lactaid lactose-free milk saw an 11.6% increase in dollar sales and a 9.5% rise in unit sales in the retail whole-milk category as of 2020. This brand is part of HP Hood, LLC, which also experienced significant sales growth in other segments, such as skim/low-fat milk, where Lactaid showed a 3.6% increase in dollar sales and a 1.2% growth in unit sales. Hood's commitment to quality and its extensive distribution network contribute to its strong market presence. For instance, Lactaid's Class I lactose-free milk sold over 108 million gallons in the U.S. multi-outlet market for the 52 weeks ending July 30, 2023. For more information, visit their official website.