National Milk Day

National Milk Day History

National Milk Day is a day to highlight and acknowledge the significance of milk as a global food staple. Its purpose is to recognize the contributions of the dairy sector to sustainability, economic development, livelihoods, and nutrition.

The origin of National Milk Day traces back to January 11, 1878, when milk was first delivered in sterilized glass bottles. This marked a pivotal moment in the history of milk production, significantly impacting health and hygiene standards. The day has since been dedicated to educating people about the benefits of milk and dairy products and the crucial role the dairy industry plays in our society.

National Milk Day invites everyone to appreciate the health benefits of milk, and acknowledge the hard work and dedication of dairy farmers. From its vital nutrients to its often underrated role in many sweet and savory dishes, milk’s importance is stressed on this day. It also features various related events, including milk-tasting sessions and cooking classes. This celebratory day occurs annually on January 11th.

Facts about National Milk Day

• According to the Merlo Farming Group, the first time milk was delivered in the U.S was in 1878. Sterilized glass bottles were delivered to whomever wanted to purchase milk.
• According to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, in 2023, India was the world's largest milk producer. They accounted for 22% of the global production, followed by the U.S, China, Pakistan, and Brazil.
• According to the FDA, in 2023, India was the largest consumer of milk.
• Interesting facts about milk are:
  1) The man who initiated this sterilized milk bottle delivery was a British food safety advocate and physician named Dr. Henry Thatcher. After seeing a local dairyman using an unsanitary milk container, he designed the first glass milk bottle, called 'Thatcher's Common Sense Milk Jar'.
  2) Milk contains a sugar called lactose, which some people cannot digest. This is known as lactose intolerance and can cause symptoms like bloating, gas, and diarrhea.
  3) A cow can produce an average of 6.3 gallons of milk per day.
  4) It takes about 345 squirts to fill a milk jug from a cow.
  5) The global consumption of milk is around 730 million tons per year.

In the News and Trending for National Milk Day

Top things to do for National Milk Day

• Enjoy some milk. Based on 2020 search trends, the most popular milk in order was:
  1) Almond milk
  2) Coconut milk
  3) Chocolate milk
  4)Condensed milk
  5) Oat milk
• Watch the 2007 comical documentary Got the Facts on Milk?. The film focuses on the health benefits of milk and dairy products.
• Visit a dairy farm to get better insight into how milk is produced and collected.