Tag: Dairy classification

By definition, cream is the high-fat portion separated from milk. Despite their shared origin, many people wonder: is cream classed as milk? The short answer is no, because cream is classified differently based on its significantly higher fat content, chemical composition, and physical properties.

The US dairy industry organizes raw milk into four primary classes, and Class 2 milk products comprise those used for soft, perishable items like yogurt, cream, and condensed milk. This system, which also affects milk pricing, is crucial for regulating the market and ensuring fairness across the dairy supply chain.

The global dairy industry produces billions of gallons of milk annually, which are processed into a vast array of products. Understanding how is dairy classified is essential for both consumers and professionals, as classification methods inform everything from production standards to market prices.