Milk
A source of nutrients
Milk contains a unique package of nutrients namely protein, calcium, iodine and vitamin B12. As a staple of the Irish diet, milk provides an important source of nutrients to Irish consumers.
Milk – your choice, your way
Whole milk
- Irish whole milk is typically standardised at 3.5% fat.
- Ideal for: a refreshing stand-alone drink, smoothies, serving with breakfast cereals, tea and coffee, hot chocolates and desserts such as creamy rice pudding.
- Fact: Analysis of data from a National Food Survey, showed that there was no difference in body weight and waist circumference measurements between Irish women who drank two thirds of a pint of whole milk per day compared to women who drank only enough milk for two cups of tea.
Semi-skimmed milk
- Semi-skimmed milk contains between 1.5 and 1.8% fat or approximately half the fat of whole milk. Semi-skimmed milk may also be referred to as low-fat milk.
- Ideal for: a refreshing stand-alone drink, smoothies, serving with breakfast cereals, hot chocolate and tea and coffee.
- Fact: Low-fat milk also froths to make delicious cappuccinos!
Skimmed milk
- Skimmed milk contains no more than 0.5% fat. Skimmed milk is sometimes called fat-free milk.
- Ideal for: as above.
- Fact: Though virtually fat-free, skimmed milk is not lower in calcium than whole milk.
Fortified milk
- Fortified milk is typically semi-skimmed or skimmed milk, and contains added vitamins and minerals e.g. vitamins A, D and E, folic acid and calcium.
- Ideal for: as above - and is also a great choice for pregnant women, convalescents and growing teenagers.
- Fact: Folic acid supplementation (400ug per day) four weeks prior to conception and up to twelve weeks of pregnancy is recommended to assist in preventing neural tube defects.