For generations, dairy products have been an essential part of Indian cuisine. These meals are a part of our everyday routine, from thick paneer in a curry to a glass of milk before bed. It’s normal to have a concern about the food we eat as more individuals become health-conscious. What are dairy products exactly? How can we tell them apart from plant-based substitutes, and what are their advantages?
The purpose of this blog is to give you a clear and confident understanding of the dairy industry. We will define dairy products, examine their different varieties, and make it clear which things in your grocery store aren’t actually dairy. We at Nova Dairy are dedicated to giving you and your family the purest and most genuine products because knowing what you are eating is the first step to living a better lifestyle.
What are Products Made from Dairy?
To put it simply, dairy products are foods made from the milk of mammals. In India, this usually refers to milk from cows, goats, and buffalo. These goods are praised for their remarkable nutritional worth in addition to their delicious flavour. The milk is converted into a variety of products that are vital to our diets and culinary customs, ranging from drinks to solid dishes. These items must adhere to stringent regulations imposed by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) to guarantee the highest level of quality and safety before they are delivered to your kitchen.
What Dairy Milk Products Are?
The foundation of all dairy products is milk. As a natural source of protein, calcium, and other vitamins, milk is the most nutrient-dense food. A dairy milk product is any product that is manufactured directly from milk through churning, fermentation, or condensation. Because of its adaptability, milk may be made into a vast array of diverse forms, each with its own distinct flavour, texture, and nutritional value, while maintaining the essential qualities of the original ingredients.
Different Dairy Product Types
The dairy industry is so diverse that there is something for every recipe and palette. The variety of dairy products reflects our creative cooking technique and India’s rich culinary legacy.
Types of Milk and Dairy Milk Products
There are various types of milk, and each has a varied amount of fat. Rich and creamy, full-cream milk is ideal for a morning glass or traditional dessert. For people who are somewhat concerned about their health, toned milk is a fantastic option because of its lower fat level. With a variety of milk types produced with the same dedication to purity, Nova Dairy guarantees that you will obtain the greatest dairy product for your family’s needs, whether it be for cooking or drinking.
Products Made from Fermented Dairy: Kefir, Yogurt, and Many More
Dairy products that have undergone fermentation are a nutritional powerhouse. Lactose is changed into lactic acid when beneficial bacteria are added to milk. The perfect example is our favorite Indian yoghurt, dahi. It’s an excellent source of probiotics, which are essential for a robust immune system and healthy gut. Another fermented beverage that is becoming more and more well-liked for its probiotic qualities is kefir. These products are a delightful addition to your daily routine because of the fermentation process, which also improves digestion and produces a tangy, creamy texture.
Butter and Cheese: Common Dairy Products
Cheese and butter are two of the most widely consumed dairy milk products. Cream is churned to create butter, which gives bread and other baked items a lovely richness. Paneer, a type of fresh cheese valued for its high protein content and soft texture, is a staple of Indian vegetarian food. For vegetarians, it’s an excellent meat substitute that offers the nutrients needed for energy and muscle building. These well-liked options show how milk can be made into a range of flavours and textures while still offering vital nutrients.
A Variety of Dairy By-Products, including Creams and Ice-creams
Beyond the necessities, dairy provides us with delicious by-products like condensed milk, rich creams, and decadent ice creams. These demonstrate the adaptability of milk, even though they are frequently seen as treats. In addition to offering energy, these items are frequently sources of calcium and fat-soluble vitamins. The quality and flavour of these items depend heavily on the purity of the milk used to manufacture them.
Organic Dairy Products: What Are They?
You may have heard the term “Organic Dairy Product”. Products derived from cows reared using particular farming methods are referred to here.
The Distinction Between Regular and Organic Dairy
The farming methods are where the main distinction can be found. Artificial growth hormones and antibiotics are not administered to the cows that make organic dairy products, and the feed they are fed is made without the use of artificial fertilizers or pesticides. It’s an all-encompassing method of farming that prioritises animal care and natural methods. Both conventional and organic dairy products are rich in nutrients, and the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) advocates consuming healthy dairy products as a part of a balanced diet.
Advantages of Organic Dairy Products for Your Health
Although both conventional and organic dairy products are very nutrient-dense, some people think that because of the particular farming practices that are used, organic dairy products may offer additional health advantages. But the most important thing is to pick pure and reliable products. In order to provide you with a pure and safe dairy milk product, we at Nova Dairy make sure that all our products, regardless of the farming methods, are free from adulteration and are treated with the utmost care and sanitation.
Out of all the Products Listed, Which One is Not Dairy?
Given the popularity of plant-based substitutes, it can be challenging to determine what exactly qualifies as a dairy product. Many items are designed to look and taste like their dairy counterparts but are made from entirely different sources.
Plant-based Substitutes for Dairy Products
Dairy products do not include things like oat milk, soy milk, or almond milk. Because they are plant-based, they are meant to serve as substitutes for those who are lactose intolerant, vegan, or just prefer a plant-based diet. They may be vitamin and calcium-fortified, but their nutritional profile is not the same as that of dairy milk products. To learn the source and nutritional value of the products you’re purchasing, it’s critical to thoroughly read the labels.
An Explanation of Non-dairy Creamers and Margarine
Likewise, margarine and non-dairy creamers are frequently confused for dairy. Typically, corn syrup, vegetable oils, and thickeners are used to make non-dairy creamers. Moreover, vegetable oils are used to make margarine, a substitute for butter. They do not provide the same nutritional advantages and are not made from milk. These substitutes just cannot match the rich, genuine flavour and texture of real dairy products like the butter and cream from Nova Dairy.
The Nutritiousness of Dairy Products
Dairy milk products’ inherent nutritional richness is their main benefit. One of the few foods that offers a well-balanced mix of protein, fat, and carbs is milk. It’s also a good source of phosphorus and calcium, which are both necessary for healthy bones. This is especially crucial for anyone seeking dairy products for energy and muscle building because milk’s high-quality protein is readily absorbed by the body, making it a fantastic snack for fitness enthusiasts and working professionals.
Healthy Substitute for People Who Love Dairy
Plant-based substitutes are a good solution for people who cannot eat dairy because of an intolerance or personal preference. Dairy is still a great source of healthy nourishment, nevertheless, for anyone who can tolerate it. It all comes down to choosing a course of action that fits your lifestyle and health objectives.