Today is World Milk Day and it’s a good time to take stock of just how big a role dairy plays in virtually everyone’s life.
Think about it. When we’re young we drink milk because our parents remind us it will give us “strong teeth and bones” due to its high calcium content. And there’s no easier breakfast than milk and cereal – or even a morning smoothie if Cheerios aren’t your thing.
As we get older, who doesn’t love putting a fancy cheese board together to enjoy with your favourite wine and closest friends.
And at any age, who can deny that ice cream is good at breakfast, lunch and dinner – and especially as a midnight snack!
We also know that dairy products offer a plethora of nutritional benefits.
For example, did you know milk products are a key source of 6 of the 8 nutrients that Canadians need more of? These are calcium, magnesium, zinc, vitamin A, vitamin D and potassium.
Moreover, dairy products are high in protein and are an excellent option for optimal post-recovery after a hard workout.
We also know that dairy farmers, processors and countless other businesses involved in the sector are key drivers of local economies in every region of the country.
The dairy industry directly employs hundreds of thousands of workers, pumps billions of dollars into communities and helps us pay for everything from healthcare to roads and fighting climate change.
To recap: Milk and milk products are delicious, nutritious and are good for the economy and the environment.
What more can you ask for?!
Here at C3FC, we will remain committed to telling the stories of Canadian food and ensuring we share the key facts and information consumers want.
We also intend to have fun while doing so.
To that end, to help celebrate World Milk Day, we wanted to share a few of our favourite dairy products.
Favourite way to drink milk
Adam: with Life Cereal (and of course, chocolate milk)
Chris: Cold glass of chocolate milk with a grilled cheese sandwich (hasn’t changed since I was a kid)
Isabelle: a glass of milk any time of the day with any food, but what better than milk with desert!
Favourite cheese
Adam: Any blue cheese from Quebec
Chris: A good sharp, old cheddar
Isabelle: OMG what to choose? All the cheese are so good, for cooking I tend to use all sort of variety. For a great sauce with steak, I go with Blue, and to thicken a sauce old cheddar, for a great melting cheese Gouda is the way to go on pizza or grilled cheese.
Favourite ice cream
Adam: Mint Chocolate Chip (or Cookies and Cream)
Chris: Baskin-Robbin’s Rocky Road or Pralines ‘n’ Cream
Isabelle: vanilla always good always comforting and always available
Happy #WorldMilkDay, everyone!
-The C3FC Team