Whole milk drinkers feel like an obsolete species, while pledging your allegiance to almond, oat or soy pours feels pretentious. So which milk should you be really drinking?
World Milk Day 2026: Whole, Almond or Soy? Let Your Wellness Goals Decide the Milk You Drink
This World Milk Day, take the time to educate yourself on what kind of milk your body really needs – beyond what you grew up drinking, as well as what Instagram throws up as subtle suggestions. (Credit: AI)
Full Fat Milk
As the name suggests, full fat milk is rich in fats and hence helps with satiety. This is perfect for growing children, underweight individuals and active adults who want to hit their calorie intake, healthily. (Credit: Unsplash)
Toned Milk
Toned milk carries a fair mix of protein, calcium and fats while keeping the calories controlled. This is the best everyday option for healthy adults looking to strike a balance on nutrition with their choice of milk – a safe bet. (Credit: Unsplash)
Double Toned Milk
This is as good a milk option as it gets when you want the benefits of milk sans the fat and calories. Double toned milk is a great bet for those wanting to lose weight, intentionally reduce fat intake as well as manage cholesterol levels. (Credit: iStock)
A2 Milk
If you aren’t medically categorised as lactose-intolerant but still feel that regular milk just doesn’t sit well in your stomach, give A2 milk a shot. A2 milk comprises of only the A2 type of beta-casein protein which is reportedly gentler on the stomach. (Credit: Unsplash)
Lactose-Free Milk
The target audience here is pretty obvious – the lactose-intolerant lot. If drinking regular milk gives you bloating, gas or digestive issues, switching to lactose-free milk delivers the same nutrients, simply sans the digestive issues. (Credit: Unsplash)
Almond Milk
Almond milk is naturally low in calories and fat and is a popular pick among those specific about maintaining their weight. This is also an obvious pick for vegans. (Credit: Unsplash)
Oat Milk
Another popular plant-based milk alternative, oat milk provides an added hit of fibre and is significantly creamier and smoother in texture and taste. (Credit: iStock)
Soy Milk
Of plant-based milk options, soy milk comes the closes to regular milk in its nutritional profile. Not just this, soy milk is also considered a high-protein dairy alternative, helping you meet your protein goals. (Credit: iStock)