7. Alta Dena Dairy
Alta Dena Dairy is a brand that’s part of the Dairy Farmers of America cooperative. The number of products that Alta Dena Dairy produces is vast. It includes both whole-fat lactose-free milk and 2% fat lactose-free milk, making the brand a favorite of Americans with lactose intolerances.
All of the milk products produced by Alta Dena are known for their luxurious texture and rich taste. This is an extra bonus for reduced-fat milk drinkers who are often stuck with milk products that lack whole-fat milk’s creamy texture. This was noted by one customer on Amazon: “In all of these years I never noticed a difference in milk brands until trying this milk. It’s 2% but it tastes rich, more like whole milk than any other brand I’ve tried. I really like the new bottle as well. Smaller, takes up less space, and is easier to handle.” The quality of the brand’s low-fat milk options means Alta Dena Dairy is a great option for those looking to cut back on their fat intake, without compromising on flavor.
8. Darigold
Darigold is one of the few milk brands on this list that offers both an organic and non-organic range of products. The non-organic range is considerably more expensive than many other nationally available milk brands. For example, a gallon of Darigold’s whole-fat (non-organic) milk costs around $5.59, which is significantly more than Target’s Good & Gather brand whole milk. Darigold justifies this elevated price point through the longevity of its products. The milk undergoes a process of ultra-pasteurization, meaning it lasts up to three times as long as high-temperature, short-time pasteurized milk.
This extra duration is especially important for those that buy the large, one-gallon jugs of milk, as this customer explained on Darigold’s website: “I love milk, but I am extremely sensitive to even the slightest rancidity in it. Traditionally pasteurized milks usually start to sour within a few days of opening (and sometimes even before opening). Darigold milk is ultra-pasteurized and therefore stays fresh long after being opened. As a result, Darigold milk tastes fresher, sweeter, and cleaner than regular milk … It costs a little more than regular milk, but this is one of those products that’s definitely worth buying name brand.”