Is Great Value Milk rBST Free? A Look at Walmart's Dairy Sourcing

December 7, 2025 •

2 min read

Since 2008, in response to growing consumer demand, Walmart has sourced its private-label Great Value milk from cows not treated with the artificial growth hormone rBST. This decision was a significant shift, providing customers with more dairy choices at an affordable price point.

Quick Summary

Walmart’s Great Value milk is sourced from cows not treated with the synthetic growth hormone rBST. This policy, implemented in 2008, addresses consumer preference for milk from untreated cows. While regulatory bodies deem milk from rBST-treated cows safe, the labeling is a key differentiator for many shoppers seeking specific dairy sourcing.

Key Points

Is Great Value milk rBST-free?: Yes, Walmart announced in 2008 that all Great Value brand milk is sourced from cows not treated with the artificial growth hormone rBST.
What is rBST?: Recombinant bovine somatotropin (rBST) is a synthetic hormone developed to increase milk production in dairy cows.
Why is it labeled this way?: Walmart made the change in response to customer demand for products from cows not treated with artificial hormones.
Is rBST-free milk safer?: According to the FDA, no significant difference has been shown between milk from treated and untreated cows regarding human health. However, some controversy exists around potential animal welfare concerns.
How does it differ from organic milk?: While all organic milk is rBST-free by definition, Great Value conventional milk is not organic. This means differences exist regarding antibiotic use, feed, and pasture requirements.
How do I check for rBST-free milk?: Look for explicit labeling on the carton indicating the milk is "from cows not treated with rBST".
Why do some choose rBST-free?: Reasons include a preference for perceived more 'natural' products, ethical concerns over animal welfare, and a response to marketing.

What Does "rBST-Free" Really Mean for Your Milk?

rBST, or recombinant bovine somatotropin, is a synthetic version of the naturally occurring growth hormone in cows. It was developed to help increase a dairy cow's milk production. Its use sparked consumer debate, leading retailers like Walmart to respond. The "rBST-free" label indicates the milk comes from farms that do not use this artificial hormone.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) maintains that there's no significant difference in safety between milk from rBST-treated and non-rBST-treated cows. Despite this, consumer preference has increased the availability of rBST-free products. Great Value milk cartons specify the product is from cows not treated with rBST, often with the FDA's suggested disclaimer about compositional similarity.

The Evolution of Walmart’s Dairy Program

In March 2008, Walmart announced that all Great Value milk would come from suppliers committing to no rBST use. This addressed customer feedback and concerns about artificial growth hormones. This move influenced the dairy industry and set a precedent for other food brands and retailers. It was a strategic business decision aligned with consumer sentiment.

Impact on the Dairy Industry

Walmart's shift to rBST-free milk had several key impacts:

Consumer Influence: It highlighted the power of consumer demand in shaping corporate food sourcing.
Market Trendsetter: As a major retailer, Walmart's decision encouraged other dairy producers and retailers to move away from rBST to stay competitive.
Increased Availability: The policy made rBST-free milk more widely accessible and affordable for a broader consumer base.

Understanding the Labels: Great Value vs. Organic

It's helpful to distinguish between Great Value conventional milk and certified organic milk. Here is a comparison:


Feature	Great Value (Conventional) Milk	USDA Certified Organic Milk
rBST-Free	Yes, guaranteed since 2008.	Yes, prohibited by organic standards.
Antibiotic Use	Used for sick cows; milk kept separate and tested.	Prohibited; treated cows removed from organic herd.
Sourcing	From a network of Midwest farms meeting Walmart’s standards.	From farms following strict organic standards, including pasture access.
Cost	Typically lower priced.	Higher priced due to stringent requirements.

Potential Animal Welfare Considerations

Animal welfare is a key part of the rBST discussion. Some reports suggest potential negative health effects on cows treated with the hormone, such as increased rates of mastitis. While the FDA focuses on human safety, some international bodies, like those in Canada and the EU, have banned rBST due to animal welfare concerns. These differing regulations show varied views on using artificial growth hormones. Choosing rBST-free milk can be a way for shoppers to support farming practices prioritizing animal wellness.

Conclusion

In summary, Great Value milk is indeed rBST free. Since 2008, Walmart's policy requires private-label suppliers to commit to not using the artificial growth hormone. This decision addressed consumer demand and positioned Great Value as offering this specific quality alongside conventional options. Although regulatory bodies consider milk from rBST-treated cows safe, many consumers prefer the rBST-free choice for personal or ethical reasons, highlighting the importance of this label detail.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, Great Value milk does not come from cows treated with artificial growth hormones like rBST.

The FDA states that there is no significant difference in safety or nutrition between milk from rBST-treated and non-treated cows. The choice is often a personal preference rather than a medical necessity.

Walmart made the change in 2008 to meet growing consumer demand for products from cows not treated with artificial growth hormones.

All Great Value brand milk is rBST-free. Other national or specialty brands sold at Walmart may have different policies, so it is best to check the label for confirmation.

Great Value milk is conventional but rBST-free. Organic milk adheres to stricter USDA standards that prohibit antibiotics and synthetic growth hormones, and have specific requirements for feed and pasture access.

The FDA recommends this disclaimer to provide context, but labeling laws can vary by state. Walmart's products include this qualifying statement.

Yes, some animal welfare advocates cite increased health problems in cows, such as higher rates of mastitis, as a reason for concern with rBST use.