Switching to raw milk has been one of the best decisions for our family's health. Raw milk, unlike pasteurised milk, is full of beneficial bacteria, enzymes, and nutrients that can improve digestion, strengthen the immune system, and even help with allergies.
In the UK, the transition from raw to pasteurised milk was initially implemented for safety reasons due to milk-borne diseases in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. However, advocates of raw milk highlight its benefits that are lost during pasteurisation. Pasteurisation destorys beneficial enzymes, vitamins, and bacteria that contribute to digestive health and overall nutrition. Proponents of raw milk argue that with modern, rigorous standards of hygiene and responsible farming, the nutritional advantages of raw milk can be safely enjoyed, making it a positive choice for many. For more on the benefits of raw milk and the impact of pasteurisation, you can visit Real Milk.
Why is it so confusing and somewhat considered a taboo: There are lots of conflicting views about raw milk online. As raw milk is a natural, untreated product, there are some risks associated with drinking it but it is important to bear in mind that providing you source your milk from a reputable farm with healthy grass-fed cows, the risk is small. In my opinion, you are far more likely to get sick from eating shellfish, packet salad, undercooked chicken, or countless other high risk food products that are readily available in the shops. Fenfarm Dairy shares this quote from a dairy hygiene expert recently, saying that there are more bacteria on the average household dishcloth than in raw milk.
Benefits of Raw Milk
Nutrient-Rich: Raw milk contains vitamins and minerals in their natural state, which are often diminished through pasteurisation. This includes essential enzymes that aid in nutrient absorption and digestion, such as lactase, which helps digest lactose.
Probiotics and Good Bacteria: Raw milk is a great source of probiotics, which are beneficial bacteria that support gut health and can help fight infections. Unlike pasteurised milk, raw milk retains these good bacteria, offering a natural way to improve your microbiome.
Allergy Relief: Many people who are lactose intolerant or suffer from allergies find that they can tolerate raw milk. This is because the enzymes that help digest lactose are intact in raw milk, and it does not contain the histamines that can trigger allergic reactions, which are present in pasteurised milk.
Where to Buy Raw Milk in the UK
Here are some of our favourite places to buy raw milk in the UK:
Fen Farm Dairy Shop At Fen Farm Dairy, the Crickmores passionately produce raw milk from their Montbeliarde cows, a breed known for its rich, protein-packed milk. Their cows graze on diverse, fertile pastures along the Waveney River Valley, ensuring the milk reflects the unique "terroir" of their land. This beautiful unprocessed milk captures the essence of their sustainable, family-run farm, offered fresh from the UK’s first raw milk vending machine or shipped nationwide. Their detailed and gentle milking process ensures the highest quality and freshness, making their raw milk a true product of their dedication and environmental ethos. They also sell magnificent cheese, yoghurt, butter and gut-healthy cultured cream - my son loves this especially.
Hook & Son Farm Shop At Hook and Son, Phil and Steve Hook continue a 250-year family tradition of organic farming in East Sussex, emphasising sustainable practices that enhance local ecology. Their farm, part of the Pevensey Levels SSSI, focuses on pasture grazing and organic feed, supporting a rich biodiversity and producing organic raw milk. They prioritise cow welfare, knowing each cow’s history and reducing stress to prevent health issues. This care, combined with their commitment to maintaining natural pasture and cultivating cricket bat willow, showcases their dedication to both animal welfare and environmental sustainability. They also do markets in London selling their produce and sell raw dairy butter, ghee, cream and yoghurt too. They are also soil association organic approved.
Hill Farm Real Food They offer a variety of raw dairy products and prioritise organic farming, emphasising the true connection between healthy soils and healthy people. Their methods exceed standard organic practices by incorporating natural rearing and a strict no-antibiotic policy, enhancing both the environment and the quality of their dairy products. This approach, alongside their seasonal availability of products, truly embodies their commitment to sustainability and real food.
Gazegill Organics This family-run farm is committed to sustainable and ethical farming, offering fresh and high-quality raw milk. I love their commitment to organic and natural farming practices. They produce raw milk from their rare breed of Old English Dairy Shorthorns, which are grass-fed and free to roam herb-rich pastures. This natural diet, along with careful, hands-on milking practices, ensures their milk retains its unique, sweet taste and health benefits, including active enzymes and probiotics. Gazegill's approach emphasises animal welfare and sustainable farming, avoiding artificial hormones and ensuring daily quality testing of their milk.
For those looking to find the nearest raw milk producer, Raw Milk Producers UKÂ offers a handy map to locate local farms. Buying locally not only supports small farms but also ensures you get the freshest milk possible at a lower cost.
Switching to raw milk can be a fantastic step towards a healthier lifestyle. Always ensure you source your milk from reputable producers who follow stringent hygiene practices to enjoy all the benefits of this natural, nutrient-rich food.
For more detailed information on the benefits of raw milk, visit Hook & Son's Raw Milk page.
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