What are the different Organic Valley milk options?

November 27, 2025 •

4 min read

With more than three decades of experience, Organic Valley offers a comprehensive range of milk products, all sourced from pasture-raised cows. This extensive variety often leads shoppers to wonder what are the different Organic Valley milk options and which is right for their family's dietary needs and preferences.

Quick Summary

An overview of the different Organic Valley milk choices, including whole, reduced-fat, skim, grass-fed, lactose-free, and flavored varieties. It details the key features, fat content, pasteurization methods, and nutritional benefits for each type, helping consumers select the best product.

Key Points

Fat Percentage Options: Organic Valley offers milk in whole, 2% reduced-fat, 1% lowfat, and fat-free skim varieties to suit different tastes and dietary needs.
Grassmilk® is 100% Grass-Fed: This unique option comes from cows on a 100% grass and forage diet, resulting in higher levels of omega-3s and CLA.
Lactose-Free Alternatives: For those with lactose sensitivity, a specific line of lactose-free milk is available, which contains the lactase enzyme to break down sugars.
Pasteurization Differences: Organic Valley utilizes both standard pasteurization for fresh milk and ultra-pasteurization to extend shelf life, with UP milk having a slightly longer-lasting freshness.
Nutrient Fortification: Specialty milks like Family First® are fortified with additional nutrients like DHA Omega-3s for extra health benefits.
Flavorful Specialties: The range also includes chocolate milk, buttermilk for baking, and seasonal eggnog, expanding choices beyond standard white milk.
Organic and Pasture-Raised: All Organic Valley milks are certified organic and come from cows with regular access to pasture, emphasizing quality and animal welfare.

A Guide to Organic Valley's Pasture-Raised White Milks

Organic Valley is a farmer-owned cooperative known for its commitment to organic farming practices and high-quality dairy products. Their range of pasture-raised white milks is the foundation of their product line and includes a variety of fat percentages and pasteurization types to suit different tastes and uses.

Classic Fat Percentages: Whole, 2%, 1%, and Skim

Organic Valley's standard milk lineup is available in the classic fat percentages, offering a spectrum of creaminess and richness. These options are derived from cows that spend ample time grazing on organic pastures. You can find these in both standard pasteurized and ultra-pasteurized versions.

Whole Milk: Containing approximately 3.5% milkfat, this milk offers the richest and creamiest texture. It is a popular choice for drinking and baking due to its full flavor.
Reduced Fat 2% Milk: With 2% milkfat, this is a great middle-ground option for those who want a less fatty milk without sacrificing too much richness. It is a versatile choice for a variety of culinary applications.
Lowfat 1% Milk: This milk offers a lighter body and texture, making it ideal for mixing into coffee, tea, or cereal. It retains a good amount of flavor while being lower in fat.
Fat-Free Skim Milk: The lightest option, with virtually no milkfat. Skim milk is a good choice for those focused on minimal fat intake while still getting the essential nutrients of milk, like protein and calcium.

Specialized Milk Varieties for Specific Needs

Beyond the standard options, Organic Valley provides several specialized milk products that cater to distinct dietary requirements, lifestyle choices, and flavor preferences.

Grassmilk®: The 100% Grass-Fed Difference

For those seeking the benefits of a pure grass-fed diet for their dairy, Organic Valley offers Grassmilk®. This milk comes from cows that are fed 100% grass and dried forages—never any grain.

Higher Nutrients: The 100% grass-fed diet results in milk with higher levels of omega-3 fatty acids and conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), two fats considered beneficial for human health.
Seasonal Flavor: The taste of Grassmilk® can vary slightly with the seasons, reflecting the changes in the cows' diet of fresh, green pasture in the summer versus dried forages in the winter. This natural variation is a key characteristic of the product.
Animal Welfare: This line emphasizes superior animal welfare, as cows are on pasture year-round, weather permitting, and are never confined.

Lactose-Free Milk

Organic Valley's lactose-free milk is an excellent option for individuals with lactose intolerance. It is made by adding the natural lactase enzyme to the milk, which breaks down the lactose into simpler, more digestible sugars. This allows those with sensitivities to enjoy real dairy without digestive discomfort.

Available in different fat percentages, including whole, 2%, and 1%.
It offers the same nutritional benefits as regular milk, including calcium, protein, and vitamin D.

Family First® DHA Omega-3 Milk

This premium option is fortified with DHA Omega-3, an essential fatty acid known for its benefits for brain, eye, and heart health. It provides added nutritional benefits on top of the 12 essential nutrients already found in milk.

Flavored Milks and Specialty Products

For a treat or a specific application, Organic Valley offers additional dairy options:

Chocolate Milk: A creamy and delicious classic, available in lowfat 1% and often sold in single-serve sizes, making it perfect for lunchboxes or on-the-go enjoyment.
Buttermilk: A cultured dairy product used primarily in cooking and baking to add a tangy flavor and tender texture.
Eggnog: A seasonal favorite offered during the holidays.

Understanding Pasteurization: HTST vs. Ultra-Pasteurized

When selecting Organic Valley milk, you may notice different pasteurization methods. This is an important distinction that affects shelf life and sometimes taste. For a deeper understanding, Cornell University has an informative fact sheet on the process.

HTST (High-Temperature Short-Time) Pasteurization: Standard pasteurization heats milk to 161°F for 15 seconds. This method kills harmful bacteria while preserving milk's fresh flavor. The shelf life is shorter, typically a couple of weeks, requiring constant refrigeration.
Ultra-Pasteurized (UP) Milk: Heats milk to a much higher temperature (at least 280°F) for just two seconds. This kills even more bacteria, significantly extending the refrigerated shelf life to up to 90 days. The higher heat can impart a slightly sweeter or 'cooked' flavor, and it is less suitable for cheesemaking.

Comparison of Organic Valley Milk Options


Feature	Classic White Milk	Grassmilk®	Lactose-Free Milk
Fat Levels	Whole, 2%, 1%, Skim	Whole, 2%, Skim	Whole, 2%, 1%, Skim
Pasteurization	HTST & Ultra-Pasteurized	Ultra-Pasteurized	Ultra-Pasteurized
Dietary Specialization	Standard pasture-raised	100% grass and forage	Lactose enzyme added
Key Benefit	Versatile, classic taste	Rich in Omega-3 & CLA	Digestible for sensitive systems
Typical Flavor	Classic, creamy	Slightly seasonal, herbal	Slightly sweeter
Best For	Everyday drinking, cooking	Health-conscious, flavor seekers	Lactose-sensitive consumers

Conclusion: Your Organic Choice Awaits

Organic Valley offers a robust selection of milk, ensuring that every consumer can find a product that aligns with their dietary preferences and lifestyle. From the rich and creamy Whole Milk to the specialized, nutrient-dense Grassmilk®, the options are all rooted in the cooperative's commitment to organic farming and high animal welfare standards. By considering your needs regarding fat content, taste, shelf life, and dietary restrictions like lactose intolerance, you can make an informed choice that supports your health and the cooperative's family farmers. Whether for a glass with a cookie, a bowl of cereal, or a gourmet recipe, there is an Organic Valley milk option for you.

Frequently Asked Questions

The main difference is the cow's diet. While all Organic Valley cows are pasture-raised, those producing Grassmilk® are fed a 100% grass and forage diet, with no grains. This results in higher levels of beneficial omega-3 and CLA fatty acids in Grassmilk®.

Yes, Organic Valley's lactose-free milk is real dairy milk from organic cows. It is made by adding the lactase enzyme, which naturally breaks down the lactose sugar, making it easy to digest for people with lactose intolerance.

Ultra-pasteurization (UP) involves heating the milk to a higher temperature for a shorter time, which kills more bacteria and extends the milk's refrigerated shelf life. This is especially useful for wider distribution or for consumers who prefer a longer-lasting product.

Yes, the primary difference is the fat and calorie content. Whole milk contains all the milkfat, while skim milk has had it removed. Both contain the same amount of protein, calcium, and other essential nutrients, although fat-soluble vitamins (A, D) are lower in skim unless fortified.

Yes, some people may notice that ultra-pasteurized milk has a slightly sweeter or 'cooked' flavor compared to standard pasteurized milk. This is a normal result of the higher heat used in the process.

It is not recommended to use ultra-pasteurized milk for cheesemaking. The high heat alters the milk proteins in a way that prevents them from forming the necessary curds for cheese.

Pasture-raised means the cows spend a significant amount of time grazing outdoors on organic pastures. This, combined with their organic diet, is a key part of Organic Valley's commitment to animal welfare and producing high-quality milk.