Milk is an important part of the Indian diet. From tea to sweets to curries, people use it in many different dishes and drinks. But did you know that milk can also be of different types and tastes? While you must have heard of vegan alternatives like almond, oat, and soy milk, have you heard of ultra-filtered milk?
In an interaction with the OnlyMyHealth team, Dr Preeti Nagar, Dietician at Noida International Institution of Medical Sciences College and Hospital (NIIMS), explains what ultra-filtered milk is, how it differs from regular milk, and whether or not it is safe to consume.
Also Read: Experts Share 6 Surprising Ways Milk Can Boost Your Health
What Is Ultra-Filtered Milk?![]()
Dr Nagar explains that ultrafiltration, commonly referred to as ultrafiltered (UF) milk or diafiltered milk, is a type of dairy product that resembles regular milk but is processed differently.
The ultrafiltration process involves passing regular milk through a fine filtration system that separates out certain molecules, similar to how water is filtered.
This process retains essential nutrients like proteins while reducing the content of others, such as lactose or water, resulting in a product that is slightly different from regular milk.
How Safe Is Ultra-Filtered Milk To Drink?![]()
Ultra-filtered milk is safe to drink for most individuals, as long as they are not allergic to dairy. In fact, for healthy people, it may offer several health benefits. These include:
Increased protein content: Ultra-filtered milk usually has nearly twice as much protein as regular milk. Its high protein and minimal carbohydrate content makes it an ideal choice for high-performance nutrition purposes, such as sports or muscle-building.
Less sugar: The ultrafiltration process reduces the lactose in milk, which is a sugar found in normal milk. Consequently, ultra-filtered milk is far less sugary (about 6 g per cup vs. 12 g in regular milk), so it appeals to those looking to keep their sugar consumption in check and/or manage diabetes.
Safe for lactose-intolerant people: Ultra-filtered milk is made by passing cow's milk through a membrane that separates the water and lactose from the other components, hence making it safe for lactose-intolerant individuals.
Also Read: What Are Best Ways To Enhance Milk’s Nutrition and Benefits
When Should You Avoid Ultra-Filtered Milk?![]()
While ultra-filtered milk is beneficial for people, some individuals may need to avoid it or consume it with caution. Here’s a list of people who should avoid consuming it:
- People who have a milk allergy.
- People who avoid processed foods as the ultrafiltration method alters the natural composition of the milk.
- Individuals who have sensitivity problems with additives
- Those who follow dietary restrictions such as certain ketogenic or paleo diets
- People who prefer unprocessed food and want whole food
Conclusion
Ultra-filtered milk is a great option for people who are lactose intolerant and cannot enjoy their tea or coffee due to milk restrictions. It is also a great source of protein—in fact, double the protein you get from regular milk. However, people who have milk allergies or are concerned about processed foods and those adhering to specific dietary preferences must avoid it or consult a healthcare professional before including it in their diet.