Sebastopol, CA – When it comes to milk products, the glass is no longer half empty. For the one in 10 Americans who suffer from lactose intolerance, there are many tasty options that solve their “dairy dilemma” and allow them to celebrate National Dairy Month in June – and all yearlong — including goat milk products from Redwood Hill Farm and lactose free real cow dairy from Green Valley Organics.
“Quality goat dairy offers nutritional benefits and great taste that can be enjoyed by all, including those who don't tolerate traditional cow dairy products,” said celebrity dietitian Ashley Koff, R.D. “You can also find national brands of lactose-free cow dairy, including fluid milk as well as more recently introduced yogurt and kefir. Both are excellent alternatives and easy-to-digest options."
The Dairy Dilemma
The National Institutes of Health says dairy is "the most significant source of calcium, which helps to form and maintain healthy bones and teeth." But, for millions of people who are lactose intolerant, dairy can lead to tummy trouble. Fortunately, several options are available from both goat milk and cow milk that allow consumers to enjoy their favorite dairy products – fluid milk, artisan cheeses yogurt, kefirs and sour cream – without suffering the unpleasant bloating and cramping often associated with lactose intolerance.
Get Your Goat
Goat milk is more easily digestible than cow milk, so it can be enjoyed by many people who are lactose intolerant, including infants and children. It allows them to benefit from the good nutrition of dairy without experiencing the unpleasant side effects.
Goat milk also is naturally homogenized and, therefore, less processed,” said Jennifer Bice, last year’s American Dairy Goat Association Premier Goat Breeder. What’s more, goat milk is higher in calcium and vitamin A than cow milk and the natural buffering qualities of goat milk make it beneficial for people with ulcers and other stomach problems."
For the freshest flavor and best taste, look for goat milk products made with Grade A goat milk such as those from Redwood Hill Farm®. This family-owned farm has been making award-winning yogurts, kefirs and artisan cheeses for more than 40 years.
Have a Cow
Cow milk has moo-ved mountains to welcome back dairy lovers who had digestive troubles around milk and other dairy products. Grocery stores around the country are selling lactose-free, real cow dairy yogurt, kefir and sour cream. Green Valley Organics® makes its line of lactose-free dairy products by adding the enzyme lactase during the production process.
In addition to being delicious In addition to being delicious, Redwood Hill Farm and Green Valley Organics products contain all natural ingredients, including Flourish®—a custom blend of 10 live active probiotic cultures found in both companies’ kefirs and Green Valley Organics yogurts. Both dairies’ products are gluten free, kosher certified and free of artificial sugar, coloring, preservatives, stabilizers or powdered milk. Only the highest-quality, 100 percent fresh goat and cow milk is used, and Green Valley Organics’ milk comes from farms that are Certified Humane Raised and Handled.
Simple Swaps
All of the yogurts, milk, kefirs and cheeses can be consumed as they are, but to add some variety, here are a few serving ideas:
- Double Dip “Ice Cream”: Combine one pint of yogurt and one half a pint of kefir in a home ice cream machine and follow instructions for a creamy treat.
- Kefir-licious drinks: Mix equal parts plain kefir with orange or tomato juice or stir in chocolate or maple syrup.
- Creamy soups: Combine equal parts of plain yogurt or kefir, tomato juice and a mixture of finely chopped cucumber and dill.
- Perk up a baked potato: Use lactose free sour cream or plain yogurt instead of butter. Sprinkle with chopped chives.
- Heavenly Baking: Use goat milk or lactose free kefir in place of ordinary milk or buttermilk for light, fluffy results in muffins, pancakes and breads.
- Love Me Tender: To tenderize meat, lamb, chicken or fish, use plain yogurt or stir in Dijon or blend with soy sauce, oil and vinegar.
- The Old Switcher-moo: Create a great change-up for your coleslaw: Use yogurt in place of mayonnaise with garlic, oil, rice vinegar, lemon juice and a sprinkling of celery seeds.
- Picture Perfect Parfait: Substitute vanilla yogurt for ice cream, add honey and crumbled ginger snaps.
Where to Buy and For More Information
Redwood Hill Farm and Green Valley Organics yogurts and kefirs are available nationwide at grocery, specialty and natural food retail chains and stores, including Whole Foods Markets. Green Valley Organics Lactose Free sour cream is currently available in select markets, and will be available nationwide by late summer. Redwood Hill Farm’s artisan cheeses are available throughout the Western United States and available for online purchase directly from Redwood Hill Farm, visit http://www.redwoodhillfarm.com for information and pricing. For information about Green Valley Organics, visit http://www.greenvalleylactosefree.com.
More Information
To learn more about these wholesome products, award-winning goat herd and earth-friendly business practices, visit http://www.RedwoodHill.com. At http://www.GreenValleyLactoseFree.com you’ll find tips on living with lactose intolerance plus great recipes.
About Redwood Hill Farm & Creamery, Inc. – Sustainably Farmed & Family Owned Since 1968
Located among the picturesque redwoods of western Sonoma County, Calif., 60 miles north of San Francisco, Redwood Hill Farm & Creamery, Inc. is a different kind of dairy. A small, family farm, we have been producing delicious, award-winning goat milk dairy products since 1968. Excellence is our top priority and we are proud to produce the best tasting, least processed natural goat milk yogurt, kefir, and artisan cheeses. Our products are free of sugar, coloring, preservatives, stabilizers or powdered milk. Dedicated to protecting the environment and green open spaces, Redwood Hill Farm & Creamery, Inc. is a proud supporter of the Climate Protection Campaign, Sonoma Land Trust, and Sonoma Land Paths. Visit http://www.RedwoodHill.com for more recipes and to learn more about the company’s wholesome products, award-winning goat herd and earth-friendly business practices, including the recent installation of a new solar energy system at the creamery where Redwood Hill Farm and Green Valley Organics products are made.
About Green Valley Organics Lactose Free
Green Valley Organics® Lactose Free yogurts, kefirs, and new sour cream were created to help folks who are lactose intolerant enjoy all the health benefits and great taste of real dairy without the tummy troubles, bringing peace, love and dairy back into their lives. From the makers of Redwood Hill Farm, a family-owned company committed to digestive health for more than 40 years, Green Valley Organics is a brand consumers can trust, made with organic milk that carries the Certified Humane Raised and Handled® label. Green Valley Organics is also the only dairy brand with Flourish®, the company’s custom blend of 10 live and active cultures that deliver millions of “good-for-you probiotics” in every spoonful of yogurt or sip of kefir. Visit http://www.GreenValleyLactoseFree.com for tips on living with lactose intolerance, including the difference between milk allergies and lactose intolerance, and more great recipes.
Source: Redwood Hill Farm & Creamery, Inc.