Busting the Myth: Thicker Cream DOES NOT Mean Better Milk

We’ve all heard the age-old belief that thick cream or malai is the ultimate marker of high-quality milk. But it’s time to unravel the truth and expose the myths surrounding this notion. Join us on a journey as we dive deep into the science of milk and discover how thick cream can sometimes be a deceptive indicator of milk quality.

For generations, people have associated thick malai with rich, high-quality milk. It’s a common belief that the thicker the cream, the better the milk. However, scientific research and a closer look at dairy practices reveal a different story.

A study [1] published in the Society for Dairy Technology sheds light on the various adulteration methods used to manipulate the thickness of cream in milk – playing right to the consumer psyche. These methods include adding starch, gelatine, and synthetic emulsifiers to give the illusion of thicker cream. Because these adulterants blend into the milk, it is virtually impossible to gauge their presence with the naked eye.

Another research paper [2] discusses how unscrupulous practices involve diluting milk with water, adding thickeners, and even using chemical agents to mimic the creamy consistency.

A study [3] conducted by the Committee on Technological Options to Improve the Nutritional Attributes of Animal Products underscores that milk quality is a multifaceted concept influenced by various factors, including hygiene, cow health, and processing methods. Cream thickness alone is not a reliable indicator, contrary to what has been propagated for decades.

Milk composition naturally varies among cow breeds, individual cows, and even seasons. Some cows naturally produce milk with higher fat content, while others produce milk with thinner cream. During summer months, the fat percentage in milk can be up to 0.4 percent lower than winter months.

Genuine milk quality depends on factors such as the cleanliness of the milking process, proper storage, and hygiene practices. It is important to recognize that contaminated milk can have thicker cream but still be of poor quality.

Instead of fixating on cream thickness, consider these key factors when assessing milk quality:

1. Hygiene: Ensure that the milk source, milking process, and storage practices adhere to strict hygiene standards to prevent contamination with factors like air, light and environmental elements.

2. Transparency: Check for transparent labelling that provides information about the milk’s source, processing, and any added substances. Good, honest milk declares its fat and protein content, allowing consumers to make informed decisions.

3. Testing and Certification: Opt for milk products that have undergone rigorous testing and certification processes to guarantee quality and purity. The testing should be periodic and for a wide range of factors – not just for the fat content or consistency

Because, as Indians, we rely on milk as a major source of nutrition, especially for children, it is time to understand that the thickness of cream in milk is not a foolproof indicator of its quality. It’s important to be aware of deceptive practices in the dairy industry and focus on a holistic evaluation of milk quality. Remember, milk quality depends on various factors beyond cream thickness and the only way to get a clear picture of this is to explore the source of your glass of milk.

Akshayakalpa Organic Cow Milk is a testament to Akshayakalpa’s vision of purity and a promise to bring products that are good for its patrons, our farmers and sustainable for the planet. Every batch of our organic milk from organic-fodder-fed, free-roaming cows on our farms is tested to ensure it has no antibiotics, no induced hormones, and no chemical residues. A fully-automated milking and packaging process ensures that milk never comes in contact with the human hand and is protected from any external factors.

To trace the journey of Akshayakalpa Organic milk, one can visit the Akshayakalpa farms in Tiptur and Pooriyambakkam and see for themselves the meticulous ways Akshayakalpa ensures the milk that reaches our patrons is safe, unadulterated and nutritious – always!

References:
1. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/1471-0307.12274
2. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10418805/
3. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK218193/