3 min read- Organic Valley is launching a line of high-protein, lactose-free milks in Whole, 2%, and Skim.
- Delish editors got an exclusive first taste of the milks to see how they compared to your standard carton.
- The reviews were overall positive, though tasters preferred Whole and 2% over Skim.
Once upon a time, dairy milk was all the rage—just think back to those iconic “Got Milk?” ads of yesteryear (yes, I collected them) that made every child and adult want to rock a milk mustache. Nowadays, it seems like we’ve strayed far from our beloved cow’s milk in deference to trendy nut and oat milks. While these alternative milks are helpful for people with an allergy or a dislike of dairy, there’s also something to be said for a real, creamy glass of cold milk.
Organic Valley is introducing yet another player to the milk game, but it’s not another nut-double. The brand is introducing the first high-protein, lactose-free milk—something that may make you rethink your go-to coffee order. This “Protein Plus” line of organic milk boasts 50% more protein and 50% less sugar than regular milk, all without that pesky lactose that can cause tummy troubles for some.
What Is High-Protein Milk?
The Protein Plus line is ultra-filtered (which removes lactose and boosts protein levels) and made from pasture-raised cows on organic family farms that are free of antibiotics, synthetic hormones, toxic pesticides, and GMOs, according to the brand. They are available in Whole, 2%, and Skim nationwide beginning this month.
While this all sounds well and good in theory, the most important factor here is how the milk actually tastes. No one wants a chalky, icky-tasting milk. Thankfully, I’m here to report that the editors at Delish had no bad words to say about this new line.
What Does It Taste Like?
First, we tried the Whole Milk. It was extremely creamy with a slightly sweet taste, almost reminiscent of cereal milk, which made me immediately think of all of the amazing ways I could put this beverage to use—in my matcha lattes, in a bowl of cereal, or as an ingredient in homemade brownies. The Reduced Fat 2% milk was another winner—lusciously creamy and flavorful, and almost indistinguishable from the Whole. The biggest difference was in the Skim milk, which definitely tasted more watered down but was totally comparable to your average skim milk.
How Does It Compare To Regular Milk, Nutrition-Wise?
While a regular serving of milk has 8 grams of protein, all of the Protein Plus versions have 13 grams, making them an even more satiating way to start your day. And even though they all had a deliciously sweet taste, they contain half the amount of sugar as regular milk (6 grams compared to 12)! I was also pleasantly surprised to find that there was hardly an increase in calories. The Whole version had the exact same number of calories per serving as regular whole milk, while both 2% and skim milk contained only 10 calories more than their regular counterparts.
I know I’m already stocking my refrigerator shelves not only for myself, but for my lactose-intolerant (and picky) niece, who I know will be a fan. In the current world of watery milk alternatives, this rich and nutrient-boosted line is a more than welcome addition.