Story of Milk
Milk is the foundation of who we are and everything we do at FrieslandCampina. Our milk comes from 9,927 dairy farms owned by our member dairy farmers. We also use milk to make other tasty and responsible dairy products at our numerous production locations all over the world. We do this for everyone, for young and old.
The foundation of everything we do
FrieslandCampina milk is produced by our member dairy farmers. They ensure the highest possible quality of this natural product, maximising the health benefits of our milk and milk products. Our drivers pick up the milk and take it to production locations, where we pasteurise it and use it to make a wide range of other products. That means milk is much more than just milk.
A natural product
The milk that you buy in shops is almost the same as the milk we get from the cows. To keep it as natural as possible, we minimise changes. All the milk you buy is pasteurised, which means it has been heated to give it a longer shelf life. We also adjust the fat content of the milk. We do not add anything and this is not necessary either: everything good about milk is already in it.
From grass to food
Better nutrition, which is part of our purpose, all begins with grass. Cows eat grass. One special thing about grass is that it can grow well in many different places, even on agricultural soil that is less suitable for food crops such as grain. Grass is rich in nutrients, but we humans can’t digest it. Cows can. This involves an entire process. A cow chews, swallows, and rechews the grass until it has been ground down enough for the journey through the cow’s special digestive system that includes no less than four stomachs. Bacteria in the cow’s digestive tract help to digest the grass. Step by step. That is how grass, thanks to the cow, changes into a valuable food: milk.
Thousands of years ago
We were already drinking milk thousands of years ago, when people discovered the nutritious value of the milk of cows, goats and sheep. As time passed, we really began to understand what the important nutrients in milk mean for us. Nowadays, we know a great deal about how dairy can benefit your health.
Vitamins that help keep us going
Our bodies need nutrition for everything we do – move, grow, exercise, work, play or breathe. Milk contains calcium and proteins that help sustain our muscles, bones and teeth. Milk is a source of vitamins B2 and B12, which support our energy metabolism and our nervous system. Milk is recommended as part of a daily diet almost everywhere in the world.
Proteins
Milk naturally contains high quality proteins. These are the building blocks for your bones and muscles. Your muscle tissue renews itself every day and needs protein for this. If you are physically active, you need extra protein, preferably after sports.Vitamins B2 and B12
Vitamins B2 and B12 are really important because they release energy in your body that can be used by your muscles. They also help reduce fatigue.Calcium and phosphorus
The calcium and phosphorus in milk play an important role in maintaining strong bones and teeth. This is especially important for children and young people, as well as for older people, to remain healthy.
Milk and our health
Many people wonder whether milk is healthy. That is something we are happy to explain. Milk is brimming with important nutrients that are part of your necessary daily intake. Eating or drinking two or three daily portions of milk or dairy-based products, such as buttermilk, yoghurt, quark or cheese, supplies you with these vital nutrients.
Health benefits of milk
Milk is brimming with important nutrients that you need every day. Eating or drinking two or three portions of milk or dairy products, such as buttermilk, yoghurt or cheese, every day gives you these vital nutrients.
- Fact: Did you know that a 200 ml glass of milk contains 240 mg of calcium? 365 grams of broccoli also contains 240 mg of calcium.
- Fact: Did you know that vitamin B12 is only found in animal products such as milk? This makes milk even more important for people who do not eat meat.
- Fact: Did you know that calcium in milk is not only important for building up your bones and teeth, but also for your muscles and for transmitting nerve impulses?
Last modified on: 21/02/2023 00:26