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Is Raw Milk Safe + More About Raw Milk for Toddlers & Kids
October 2022
Last reviewed: October 2022
Author:
CPT. Kim Whitbeck, MS, RD
Coauthors:
Jennifer Anderson, MSPH, RDN
About Kids Eat in Color
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Author:
CPT. Kim Whitbeck, MS, RD
Coauthors:
Jennifer Anderson, MSPH, RDN
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Inside: Is raw milk safe for toddlers? Get all the details about raw milk for toddlers and kids in this article, including the potential benefits and risks associated with drinking raw milk.
Parents often have questions about raw milk for toddlers and kids. Is it safe for kids or is pasteurized milk best? Where can you purchase raw milk? Is it legal? In this article, we answer all of these questions and more based on current research and guidelines regarding raw milk.
Raw milk refers to milk that comes straight from a cow, sheep or goat. It is not pasteurized. Pasteurized means that it’s heated to kill harmful bacteria. Raw milk is also not homogenized. Homogenized means mixed to keep the milk and cream from separating. (1,2,3)
Raw milk may also be used to make products such as cheese, ice cream and yogurt. If a dairy product is not labeled as pasteurized, it is important to ask whether or not the product contains raw milk.
Raw milk has more dangers than health benefits when compared to pasteurized milk. Research shows that pasteurization does not significantly reduce the nutrients in milk. Pasteurized milk contains the same amount of protein and fat as raw milk. Plus, vitamin D and vitamin A are often added to pasteurized milk. (4,5,6,7)
Drinking raw milk increases your families’ risk for foodborne illness, like food poisoning. Bacteria (i.e. E. coli, salmonella, and listeria) can contaminate raw milk in many ways and cause disease outbreaks. (8,9)
Because of this, consider pasteurized milk, which removes harmful bacteria, when choosing milk for your family.
Raw milk increases the risk of children drinking bacteria that may cause food poisoning. Kids’ immune systems are not yet fully developed. This puts them at a higher risk for illness from the harmful bacteria that may be found in raw milk. (3)
Raw milk has been associated with a number of illness outbreaks, with numbers increasing as raw milk consumption trends upward. From 2007-2012, data shows that 81 outbreaks were related to raw milk consumption, causing over 900 illnesses and 70 hospitalizations. (10,11,12)
Get the answers to commonly asked questions about raw milk for toddlers and kids below.
Does raw milk provide more enzymes, vitamins and minerals than pasteurized milk?
Pasteurization reduces the amount of some nutrients like vitamin B1, B6, B9, B12 and vitamin E. Milk already has low amounts of these nutrients though. So, eating other foods with these nutrients is important no matter what kind of milk you drink. (4,5,6)
Pasteruized milk can also have vitamin A and vitamin D added through fortification. Often children do not get enough of vitamins A and D, so getting them in milk can be helpful. (4,5,6)
Raw milk contains enzymes. An enzyme is a protein that does something in your body, like help your body digest foods.
Enzymes like lipases, proteases, and amylases, may be partially or completely inactivated at high temperatures. Lipases break down fats. Proteases break down proteins. Amylases break down carbohydrates.
It’s important to note that our bodies naturally make all the enzymes we need to help digest the nutrients in milk. So, your body is still able to benefit from the nutrients in milk, even if the enzymes are reduced.
Also, casein, the primary protein in cow’s milk, is heat stable. This means it is not destroyed during pasteurization. Casein has the same enzymatic activity as raw milk proteins.
Is raw milk produced from healthy cows tested and safe for consumption?
While farmers may test their milk at the source and determine that no bacteria is present, it still may not be safe for consumption.
From the time you purchase the milk to the time you drink it, bacteria can contaminate the milk. Bacteria can spread based on how the milk is sealed, transported, put into containers, or what temperature it is stored at. Even healthy cows and organic farms may harbor bacteria that can pass into milk. (1,10,11)
Raw milk does not contain the same composition of nutrients as human milk. Breast milk contains protective components including antibodies that build your child’s immune system and contains a ratio of macronutrients specific to your child’s needs. Cow’s milk functions to meet the needs of calves.
Is raw milk associated with lower rates of asthma and allergies?
There are several studies that have looked at this. A few studies showed that raw milk reduced kids’ risk for asthma and allergies, but several other studies showed that there is not enough evidence to conclude that raw milk reduces kids’ risk for asthma and allergies. (13,14,15)
At this time, we don’t know if raw milk decreases kids’ risk for asthma and allergies but we do know it increases their risk for foodborne illness.
Where to buy raw milk
The sale of raw milk is illegal in many states. Some states allow for purchase in stores and others only allow purchase directly from farmers. Find more information about whether or not raw milk is legal in your state and any illness outbreaks that have occurred here. (1)
Raw milk cannot be transferred across state borders. If it is illegal in your state you cannot travel to another state to purchase it and bring it home.
How long does raw milk last?
At this time there is no agreed upon time for how long raw milk lasts. Bacteria grows rapidly at higher temperatures, so it is important to keep your milk refrigerated to help prevent the growth of harmful bacteria.
Also, remember that raw milk is not processed to remove harmful bacteria and increases your risk for foodborne illness. If you have consumed raw milk in the past without illness, this does not mean you cannot get sick from it in the future.
Want to try a new kind of milk? Change up the flavor of milk by making your own chocolate milk or strawberry milk and check out the following recipes using milk as an ingredient:
Created by experts, Kids Eat in Color is the leading resource for families seeking evidence-based information and strategies on child nutrition and feeding.
Kim Whitbeck is a Registered Dietitian for the U.S. Army. She has a Master of Science in Exercise Science from Liberty University and a Bachelor's Degree in Dietetics from University of Delaware. Before joining the Army, she worked at WIC as a nutrition professional, as a diet tech at a nursing facility, and worked as a personal trainer during her time in undergrad. She aspires to work in nutrition policy and research related to community nutrition.
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Inside: Is raw milk safe for toddlers? Get all the details about raw milk for toddlers and kids in this article, including the potential benefits and risks associated with drinking raw milk.
Parents often have questions about raw milk for toddlers and kids. Is it safe for kids or is pasteurized milk best? Where can you purchase raw milk? Is it legal? In this article, we answer all of these questions and more based on current research and guidelines regarding raw milk.
Article breakdown:
What is raw milk?
Is raw milk healthy?
Is raw milk safe for toddlers and kids?
What is the best milk for kids?
Is raw milk more nutritious than pasteurized milk?
Is raw milk safe for consumption?
Is raw milk comparable to breast milk?
What about raw milk and asthma or allergies?
Where can you buy raw milk?
How long does raw milk last?
Milk recipes for kids
What is raw milk?
Raw milk refers to milk that comes straight from a cow, sheep or goat. It is not pasteurized. Pasteurized means that it’s heated to kill harmful bacteria. Raw milk is also not homogenized. Homogenized means mixed to keep the milk and cream from separating. (1,2,3)
Raw milk may also be used to make products such as cheese, ice cream and yogurt. If a dairy product is not labeled as pasteurized, it is important to ask whether or not the product contains raw milk.
Note: If you need picky eating help, download our free picky eater’s guide to learn tips for minimizing stress at mealtimes.
Is raw milk good for your health?
Raw milk has more dangers than health benefits when compared to pasteurized milk. Research shows that pasteurization does not significantly reduce the nutrients in milk. Pasteurized milk contains the same amount of protein and fat as raw milk. Plus, vitamin D and vitamin A are often added to pasteurized milk. (4,5,6,7)
Drinking raw milk increases your families’ risk for foodborne illness, like food poisoning. Bacteria (i.e. E. coli, salmonella, and listeria) can contaminate raw milk in many ways and cause disease outbreaks. (8,9)
Because of this, consider pasteurized milk, which removes harmful bacteria, when choosing milk for your family.
Related: Top Dairy & Non-Dairy Calcium-Rich Foods for Kids
Is raw milk safe for toddlers and kids?
Raw milk increases the risk of children drinking bacteria that may cause food poisoning. Kids’ immune systems are not yet fully developed. This puts them at a higher risk for illness from the harmful bacteria that may be found in raw milk. (3)
Raw milk has been associated with a number of illness outbreaks, with numbers increasing as raw milk consumption trends upward. From 2007-2012, data shows that 81 outbreaks were related to raw milk consumption, causing over 900 illnesses and 70 hospitalizations. (10,11,12)
More information about choosing milk for kids
Looking for the best milk for your child? Read about the best milk for toddlers and the best non-dairy milks for more information.
Related: What to Do If Your Child Refuses to Eat Anything But Milk
Common Questions About Raw Milk
Get the answers to commonly asked questions about raw milk for toddlers and kids below.
Does raw milk provide more enzymes, vitamins and minerals than pasteurized milk?
Pasteurization reduces the amount of some nutrients like vitamin B1, B6, B9, B12 and vitamin E. Milk already has low amounts of these nutrients though. So, eating other foods with these nutrients is important no matter what kind of milk you drink. (4,5,6)
Pasteruized milk can also have vitamin A and vitamin D added through fortification. Often children do not get enough of vitamins A and D, so getting them in milk can be helpful. (4,5,6)
Raw milk contains enzymes. An enzyme is a protein that does something in your body, like help your body digest foods.
Enzymes like lipases, proteases, and amylases, may be partially or completely inactivated at high temperatures. Lipases break down fats. Proteases break down proteins. Amylases break down carbohydrates.
It’s important to note that our bodies naturally make all the enzymes we need to help digest the nutrients in milk. So, your body is still able to benefit from the nutrients in milk, even if the enzymes are reduced.
Also, casein, the primary protein in cow’s milk, is heat stable. This means it is not destroyed during pasteurization. Casein has the same enzymatic activity as raw milk proteins.
Is raw milk produced from healthy cows tested and safe for consumption?
While farmers may test their milk at the source and determine that no bacteria is present, it still may not be safe for consumption.
From the time you purchase the milk to the time you drink it, bacteria can contaminate the milk. Bacteria can spread based on how the milk is sealed, transported, put into containers, or what temperature it is stored at. Even healthy cows and organic farms may harbor bacteria that can pass into milk. (1,10,11)
Related: Probiotics for Kids: Should Your Kids Take Them?
Is raw milk comparable to breast milk?
Raw milk does not contain the same composition of nutrients as human milk. Breast milk contains protective components including antibodies that build your child’s immune system and contains a ratio of macronutrients specific to your child’s needs. Cow’s milk functions to meet the needs of calves.
Related: Baby’s Diet from 0 to 12 Months Old
Is raw milk associated with lower rates of asthma and allergies?
There are several studies that have looked at this. A few studies showed that raw milk reduced kids’ risk for asthma and allergies, but several other studies showed that there is not enough evidence to conclude that raw milk reduces kids’ risk for asthma and allergies. (13,14,15)
At this time, we don’t know if raw milk decreases kids’ risk for asthma and allergies but we do know it increases their risk for foodborne illness.
Where to buy raw milk
The sale of raw milk is illegal in many states. Some states allow for purchase in stores and others only allow purchase directly from farmers. Find more information about whether or not raw milk is legal in your state and any illness outbreaks that have occurred here. (1)
Raw milk cannot be transferred across state borders. If it is illegal in your state you cannot travel to another state to purchase it and bring it home.
How long does raw milk last?
At this time there is no agreed upon time for how long raw milk lasts. Bacteria grows rapidly at higher temperatures, so it is important to keep your milk refrigerated to help prevent the growth of harmful bacteria.
Also, remember that raw milk is not processed to remove harmful bacteria and increases your risk for foodborne illness. If you have consumed raw milk in the past without illness, this does not mean you cannot get sick from it in the future.
Related: Foods & Remedies to Relieve Toddler Constipation
Milk recipes for kids
Want to try a new kind of milk? Change up the flavor of milk by making your own chocolate milk or strawberry milk and check out the following recipes using milk as an ingredient:
Easy Green Mango Smoothie for Kids
Easy Strawberry Chia Pudding
The Best Avocado Chocolate Pudding
Help feeding toddlers and picky eaters
Do you ever serve beverages to your toddler in open cups? Get help and read tips for teaching your toddler to drink out of cups.
If you need more support and strategies to feed a picky eater toddler, check out our best-selling picky eating course.
References