What is high-protein milk, and how is it made?

As a busy mom, I’m trying to eat more protein throughout the day to help me feel fuller longer. I also know that protein helps build and maintain muscle mass, which we tend to lose as we age.

I especially like high-protein dairy drinks that I can grab on the go. My favorites right now are Chobani Greek yogurt shakes and Kemps’ Protein+ milk. These dairy drinks have about 20 grams of protein per serving, perfect for a mid-morning protein boost.

To meet consumers’ growing demand for convenient sources of high-quality protein, more dairy processors are starting to offer high-protein milk and dairy drinks in a variety of flavors.

Apparently, I’m not the only one buying them. Sales of ready-to-drink, high-protein milk and other dairy beverages have grown 74% in just four years, according to a recent CoBank report.

How ultrafiltration increases protein in milk

Consumers today want convenient, great-tasting ways to add protein to their diets.

Many of these new dairy beverages, like Fairlife and Kemps Protein+ milk, are made from ultrafiltered milk from dairy farms. The milk passes through very fine filters that separate out some of the lactose and natural sugar in milk, while concentrating the protein.

Other high-protein dairy products, such as Greek yogurt and many protein milkshakes sold in stores, are made with added whey protein to boost the overall protein content.

These high-protein milks tend to cost more. So if you’re on a budget, you can still meet your protein needs with regular milk.

An 8-ounce serving of milk offers 8 grams of protein, plus important nutrients like calcium, vitamin D and potassium. These are nutrients that most Americans don’t get enough of.

How Iowa dairy farmers help meet protein demand

The high-protein trend is also creating new demand for milk produced from Iowa dairy farms. A new Daisy Brand cottage cheese plant is under construction in Boone, and it will source milk from local farms.

Iowa now ranks ninth nationally in U.S. milk production, marking the first time Iowa has ranked in the top 10 since the 1990s.

That growth positions Iowa dairy farms to help meet consumers’ increasing demand for high-protein milk and dairy foods. Behind that growth are dairy farmers who pay close attention to their cows’ health, nutrition and comfort. For example, farmers work with animal nutritionists to provide balanced diets that support their cows’ health and milk production.

Whether milk ends up in a high-protein shake or a gallon jug, it all starts with attentive care on a dairy farm.

And even if my daughter thinks I’m cringe, I’ll keep stocking the fridge with nutritious foods – including convenient dairy options. And someday, she’ll be the mom embarrassing her own kids.

To learn more about how Iowa farmers provide nutritious, high-protein dairy foods, beef and pork for your family, please visit www.RealFarmersRealFoodRealMeat.com.

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