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The Instacart guide to milk
Milk is one of the most common foods consumed universally. More than six billion people globally drink milk, which is thought of as a perfect food, as it contains fat, protein, carbohydrates, calcium, and B vitamins. Whether we drink it, pour it over cereal, or cook or bake with it, milk is the one staple that almost every household considers a must-have in their refrigerator.Â
About milk
What exactly is the history of drinking milk? Around 10,000 years ago, it was uncommon for anyone to drink milk except for rare occasions. The first people to drink milk regularly were farmers in Western Europe, as they were some of the first to live with domesticated animals, including cows. Today, drinking milk is common practice in places such as northern Europe and North America.Â
Therefore, consuming dairy milk is an evolutionary trait that has been passed down over centuries to those who had access to livestock. This explains why some areas of the globe where people were growing plants but not caring for livestock show that people there didn't develop the gene mutation to handle the lactose in milk. Basically, some people are genetically set up to tolerate lactose while others simply cannot.Â
Today's cow's milk comes in a wide variety of options, including:Â
- Whole, 2%, 1%, and skim: Â The higher the fat content, the creamier taste the milk will have.
- Lactose-free: Lactose-free milk is regular dairy milk minus the natural sugar in milk called lactose. This is a great alternative for anyone who is lactose-intolerant and wants to enjoy regular dairy milk without any side effects.
- Raw: Raw milk is milk that is straight from the cow and unpasteurized. The pasteurization process kills harmful bacteria by heating milk to a specific temperature for a period of time. As raw milk isn't pasteurized, this type of milk is generally unavailable for purchase. The sale of milk is heavily regulated by government agencies such as the FDA, USDA, and the Centers for Disease Control.
There's an ever-increasing variety of non-dairy milk available, including:
- Soy Milk: Made from soybeans, soy milk was created in Asia. It became a popular non-dairy beverage in North America and Europe toward the end of the 20th century. Soy milk available today now closely resembles dairy milk and can be used as a replacement in baking and cooking as well as for those who are lactose-intolerant or vegan.Â
- Almond Milk: Made from almonds, almond milk is a great substitute in baking or cooking for dairy milk because it tastes great and is naturally free of cholesterol, saturated fat, and lactose. Vegans and those who are lactose intolerant enjoy almond milk as a delicious alternative to dairy milk.
- Coconut Milk: Made from water and the white flesh of brown coconuts, coconut milk has a creamy texture and a sweet but subtle coconut flavor. Of all the non-dairy options available, it has the lowest protein and carbohydrate content.Â
- Hemp Milk: Hemp milk is made from hemp seeds that are soaked and ground in water. The best part of hemp milk is that it resembles milk in color, texture, and flavor. Â
- Oat Milk: Made from whole oats by extracting the plant material with water, oat milk has a creamy texture and oatmeal-like flavor. Oat milk comes in various flavors, such as sweetened, unsweetened, vanilla, and chocolate.
- Rice Milk: Made from rice, commercially produced rice milk is typically made using brown rice and brown rice syrup and is often sweetened using sugar or sugar substitutes.
For anyone looking to save time shopping, decide on your milk of choice when you order through Instacart. Once you've placed your order, an Instacart shopper will shop your order for you. You can receive your milk in as little as 2 hours when you order via Instacart!
How long does milk last?
When purchasing milk, it's important to check the carton for the sell-by date. This date is what you should look for before you even open your milk, as you'll want the freshest dairy product available and not one that's past the sell-by date. Unopened milk has a shelf life of five to seven days. Opened milk lasts two to three days past the sell-by date.Â
Milk that has gone bad will have a distinct sour odor. If you notice that it has changed color or has a lumpy or curdled appearance, this is another way to tell whether it has spoiled. If you pour an opened carton of milk and notice any of these things, throw it out and buy some new milk immediately.
Milk Near Me
Buy your favorite Milk online with Instacart. Order Plain Milk, Lactose-Free Milk, Flavored Milk, and more from local and national retailers near you and enjoy on-demand, contactless delivery or pickup within 2 hours.
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FAQs about milk
While it may seem confusing to distinguish between the various types of dairy milk available, the only difference is fat content. Whole milk has 8g of fat; 2% has 5g of fat; 1% has 2 1/2g of fat, and skim milk has 0g of fat. All forms of cow's milk contain a whopping 8g of protein.