1 FRESH WHOLE MILK
Vital statistics
66 calories, 4g of fat per 100ml.
What is it?
The milk, the whole milk and nothing but the milk.
Advantages
Provides fat-soluble vitamins A and D (only in whole milk or fortified milk), for good skin and strong bones.
Drawbacks
Provides 23g of fat per pint, 14g of which is saturated — the type that can raise blood cholesterol. There are potentially more antibiotic residues than in organic milk.
Best for
Children under two, who need an energy-dense drink, or adults without a weight or cholesterol problem.
2 FRESH WHOLE ORGANIC MILK
Vital statistics
66 calories, 4g of fat per 100ml.
What is it?
Milk from organically reared and farmed dairy herds.
Advantages
There are potentially fewer antibiotic residues than in whole milk. It naturally supplies higher levels of omega-3 oils.
Drawbacks
You pay about 75p per 750ml carton.
Best for
Those prepared to pay for a nutritionally superior milk.
3 FRESH REDUCED-FAT MILK
Vital statistics
Semi-skimmed, 46 calories, 1.6g of fat per 100ml; skimmed, 33 calories, 0.1g of fat per 100ml.
What is it?
Milk that has had most or virtually all of the fat removed.
Advantages
All of the calcium remains. Both varieties have slightly more calcium than whole milk, with 120mg per 100ml.
Drawbacks
Supplies virtually no vitamin D or A, as this is lost when fat is removed.
Best for
Everyday use for most adults and those on a low-fat diet. As the calcium content is slightly higher than in whole milk, this is also a good option for menopausal women at risk of osteoporosis.
4 FRESH GOLD-TOP MILK
Vital statistics
81 calories, 5.2g of fat per 100ml.
What is it?
Milk from Jersey and Guernsey dairy herds, which is naturally richer in fat than milk from other breeds.
Advantages
This “champagne” of milk is creamy-tasting and has slightly more calcium than whole milk.
Drawbacks
Higher in fat and saturated fat than standard whole milk.
Best for
Those needing calorie-dense milk: normal-weight active teenagers, sportsmen and convalescing patients whose appetite is lacking.
5 FRESH NIGHT-TIME MILK
Vital statistics
48.9 calories, 1.7g of fat per 100ml.
What is it?
A semi-skimmed milk from cows that are tested, then selected for their naturally high melatonin levels .
Advantages
Our bodies produce melatonin in the evening. It helps to encourage a good night’s sleep. The extra melatonin in this milk may help to enhance this effect.
Drawbacks
Who wants to buy one kind of milk for night-time and another for day?
Best for
People who are stressed and find it hard to nod off at night.
()
6 FRESH PASTEURISED GOAT’S MILK
Vital statistics
62 calories, 3.5g of fat per 100ml.
What is it?
Milk from goats rather than cows.
Advantages
It is richer in vitamins B12 and B2 (needed for healthy nerve endings) than cows’ milk.
Drawbacks
It has slightly less calcium than cows’ milk, and some people think it tastes as if you have feta cheese on your cereal or in your tea. If you are intolerant to cows’ milk, lactose and milk protein, goats’ milk is not a safer or better option.
Best for
Those who do not like the taste of cows’ milk.
7 FLORA PRO-ACTIVE MILK
Vital statistics
49 calories, 1.8g of fat per 100ml.
What is it?
Semi-skimmed milk with added plant extracts called sterols.
Advantages
These plant sterols attract bad cholesterol (LDL cholesterol) in the intestine and help to eliminate it from the body.
Disadvantages
More expensive than standard milk, at about £1.49 per litre.
Best for
People who have been diagnosed with raised cholesterol.
8 ST IVEL ADVANCE MILK
Vital statistics
Whole, 65 calories, 3.7g of fat per 100ml; semi-skimmed, 49 calories, 1.7g of fat per 100ml.
What is it?
Fresh whole/semi-skimmed milk with added omega-3 oils.
Advantages
Two glasses of whole Advance give 50% of the recommended daily intake (RDI) of omega-3; two glasses of the semi-skimmed give 28%. Omega-3 is important to help the brain function smoothly and prevent heart disease.
Disadvantages
Large intakes of omega-3-enriched milk, eggs and bread, and supplements, could take you over the safe daily intake, 3g. Best for Those who are not taking omega-3 supplements.
9 LACTOLITE
Vital statistics
68 calories, 4g of fat per 100ml.
What is it?
Long-life whole milk with added lactase, an enzyme that breaks down the milk sugar lactose.
Advantages
Only 5% of the lactose remains. People who have difficulty digesting lactose (present in all cows’ milk) should be able to drink it without digestive problems. It has a pleasant sweet taste and all the goodness of ordinary milk.
Disadvantages
At about 45p for 500ml, it is more expensive than standard long-life whole milk.
Best for
Partially lactose intolerant adults or children over six months old.
10 FRESH SOYA MILK
Vital statistics
Alpro, 46 calories, 2.2g of fat per 100ml; So Good, 50 calories, 1.7g of fat per 100ml.
What is it?
Fresh and long-life soya milk made by soaking soya beans, grinding with water, boiling, filtering, then adding vitamins and minerals.
Advantages
Suitable for vegans, contains no milk sugar (lactose) or milk proteins and is naturally rich in isoflavones, which are believed to reduce the risk of prostate and breast cancer, and to relieve menopausal symptoms. Soya protein is proven to lower LDL cholesterol.
Drawbacks
Some people do not like the taste, and some versions have added sugar. Look for unsweetened varieties.
Best for
Vegans, vegetarians, those intolerant to milk sugar and proteins, people with raised cholesterol and heart disease. Visit www.alprosoya.co.uk and www.sogood123.com.
11 OATLY
Vital statistics
35 calories, 0.7g of fat per 100ml.
What is it?
A dairy-free organic alternative to milk and soya.
Advantages
Milk-type drink that provides fibre (2g per pint), which can help lower blood cholesterol and blood sugars.
Drawbacks
It does not contain calcium.
Best for
A nutritious drink in place of diet or sugary drinks.