What's the difference between organic and regular milk?

The dairy case has something for everyone — whether you're looking for low-fat, lactose-free, a favorite flavor or foods that are certified "organic" — so it's easy to meet the federal government's dietary recommendations for three servings of milk and milk products each day.

As with all organic foods, it's the process that makes milk organic, not the final product. In other words, foods that are certified by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) as "organic" are really "organically grown" or "organically produced," meaning they are grown according to a philosophy that emphasizes a productive and balanced ecological environment for soil, plants and animals.

While proper animal care and environmental stewardship are priorities for all dairy farmers, marketers using the term "organic" must ensure that all of the USDA on-farm criteria are met, and they must follow the FDA's labeling guidelines.

Is organic milk more nutritious than regular milk?

No, both types of milk are equally nutritious. Carton to carton, bottle to bottle, organic and regular milk contain the same unique package of nutrients that makes dairy products an important part of a healthy diet. Just check the nutrition facts label and you'll see that each 8-ounce serving of milk offers the same amount of nine essential nutrients, including calcium, vitamin D and potassium.