Milk
What you need to know about the animals in the dairy industry
The life of dairy cows – why milk is harmful to the animals
Milk causes suffering
Cows are gentle and intelligent animals who, given the chance, care for their offspring and form lifelong friendships with each other.. But on many dairy farms, cows are kept in intensive confinement and live desperate, miserable lives. Meanwhile, the people who drink their milk face increased risks of heart disease, diabetes, cancer, and many other illnesses.
Cows are often treated as mere milk-producing machines, with farms selectively breeding them to produce unnaturally large amounts of milk. In Denmark, their calves are taken from them within 12 hours of birth in conventional dairy production and within 24 hours in organic production, causing grief and anxiety for both mother and calf. Mother cows often bellow desperately for their young for days afterward.
Dairy cows can spend their entire lives on concrete floors. They are fed unnatural, protein-rich diets—including dead chickens, pigs, and other animals—to boost milk production. Today, a European cow produces about 4.5 times more milk than needed to feed her calf. As a result, these cows often suffer from painful mastitis, an udder infection that leads to higher levels of pus and bacteria in their milk.
Continuous pregnancy exhausts the cows, often leaving them lame and debilitated. Once they are too exhausted to produce large amounts of milk, they are sent to slaughter and killed.
Fortunately, there are many ways you can help end their suffering:
Replace milk, cheese, butter, and other dairy products you normally consume with plant-based alternatives.
Ask for plant-based dairy alternatives at your favorite restaurants.
Sign up to receive free, delicious plant-based recipes and more at VeganerUdfordringen.dk.
See for yourself how cows are treated in the dairy industry
Few have witnessed the unimaginable suffering cows and calves endure on dairy farms, where a vicious cycle of cruelty affects entire families. Animal Equality’s team of investigators takes you inside this secretive industry to share the heartbreaking stories behind a glass of milk.
Warning: This video contains scenes of animal abuse.
Questions and answers about milk
Is milk healthy?
Milk has traditionally been seen as an important source of nutrients like calcium and protein, but recent research and environmental concerns raise questions about whether milk is healthy or necessary. For one, milk poses problems for many people due to lactose intolerance, which affects a significant portion of the global population and can cause digestive distress, bloating, and discomfort. There are also concerns about the role of dairy fat in heart disease and certain cancers, though studies remain mixed. Environmentally, dairy production is a major source of greenhouse gas emissions, water use, and land pollution, challenging its sustainability. These factors, combined with the growing availability of plant-based alternatives, lead more people to avoid milk for health and environmental reasons.
How do you get calcium without milk?
Although milk is often promoted as a primary calcium source, many plant-based foods can meet daily calcium needs. Leafy greens like broccoli, kale, and bok choy are excellent calcium sources and provide a range of other nutrients. Sesame seeds and almonds are rich in calcium and easy to add to everyday meals or snacks. Additionally, calcium-fortified tofu and tempeh offer good plant-based protein. Many grains and plant-based milks (such as soy, almond, and oat milk) are fortified with calcium and other nutrients, making them convenient dairy alternatives. Dried fruits like figs and dates also contribute to calcium intake. These plant-based calcium sources provide nutritious, sustainable options with lower environmental impact compared to traditional dairy farming.
Animal- and eco-friendly alternatives to milk
With growing awareness of health, animal rights, and the environment, plant-based milk alternatives are gaining popularity as sustainable, humane choices. These options offer a range of flavors and nutritional profiles to suit different preferences and needs.
In Denmark, oat milk has become incredibly popular. It’s an excellent choice because its production has a much smaller environmental footprint than cow’s milk. But there are many other options, too. Soy milk, one of the most nutrient-dense plant milks, is high in protein and often fortified with calcium and vitamins. Almond milk, known for its light, nutty flavor, is low in calories and a good option if you want less saturated fat. Oat milk’s natural sweetness and creamy texture make it especially popular in coffee and tea. Rice and cashew milks are other alternatives, each with unique flavors. These options are not only great for those with lactose intolerance or milk allergies but also for anyone wanting to reduce their environmental footprint, as plant-based milks require fewer resources and emit less greenhouse gases than cow’s milk. With more innovative plant-based products on the market, incorporating these milk alternatives into daily diets has never been easier or more accessible.
We especially recommend Naturli’s plant milks, which you can now find in almost all supermarkets. They offer a wide selection including almond, oat, “mini,” rice, and soy milks. Available in classic versions and a barista blend perfect for coffee and hot drinks in general. Naturli’ also provides oat-based cooking cream,as well as plantgurt and the critically acclaimed spreadable butter.Naturli’s milk and dairy alternatives make it easy to switch to plant-based products and make the animal- and climate-friendly choice.