There are two distinct categories of milk consumption: all infant mammals drink milk directly from their mothers' bodies, and it is their primary source of nutrition; and humans obtain milk from other mammals for consumption by humans of all ages, as one component of a varied diet.

Milk is the liquid produced by the mammary glands of mammals, including humans. Breast milk is the preferred food for infants, as it is well-tolerated while their digestive tracts develop and mature. Dairy milk may be introduced at later ages if tolerated well.

This is a detailed article about milk. What it is, what it contains, along with detailed information on nutrition and health effects.

Milk is essentially an emulsion of fat and protein in water, along with dissolved sugar (carbohydrate), minerals, and vitamins. These constituents are present in the milk of all mammals, though their proportions differ from one species to another and within species. (See Table.)

Discover how milk from healthy cows is carefully milked, processed, and tested to reach your table fresh and safe every time at U.S. Dairy.

How Milk Is Made and Delivered Farm to Table I U.S. Dairy

Find out what nutrients are in milk and learn how it is still a great choice for everything from workout recovery to preventing osteoporosis.

Below we guide you through the different types and categorizations of milk you can find at the grocery store. They all provide the same 13 essential nutrients that make milk an excellent source of high-quality protein, calcium, potassium, Vitamin D, and more.