As of Nov. 12 - we have room for a few gallons on the weekends. Cherry Rock is full right now.

Why Guernsey Milk Stands Out: Nature's Creamy Superfood

posted on

July 19, 2025

If you’ve ever noticed that some milk has a richer taste and a golden hue, you might just be looking at Guernsey milk—a lesser-known gem in the dairy world. Produced by the gentle and efficient Guernsey breed, this milk isn’t just delicious; it also offers unique nutritional benefits that set it apart from the rest.

Let’s break down what makes Guernsey milk so special:

🌿 1. Golden Color from Beta-Carotene

One of the first things people notice about Guernsey milk is its natural golden color. That comes from beta-carotene, a powerful antioxidant.

Why It Matters:

  • Guernsey cows don’t break down beta-carotene in the digestive process like other cows do, so it passes into the milk.
  • Beta-carotene is the same compound that gives carrots and leafy greens their nutritional punch.
  • It’s been linked to immune support and may help protect against certain cancers.

So when you drink Guernsey milk, you’re not just enjoying a creamy texture—you're also tapping into some of the same health benefits found in vegetables.

🐟 2. Naturally Rich in Omega-3s

Guernsey milk contains up to 3x more omega-3 fatty acids than regular milk.

Why It Matters:

  • Omega-3s support heart health, brain function, and may reduce inflammation.
  • Guernsey milk also has a better omega-3 to omega-6 ratio (1:2), compared to typical milk (1:6).
  • Some commercial milks add fish oil to improve their profile—but Guernsey milk provides this balance naturally.

🧬 3. A2 Beta-Casein – A Protein Your Body May Prefer

Not all milk proteins are created equal. Most cows in commercial dairy herds produce a mix of A1 and A2 beta-casein, but Guernsey cows are different.

Here’s the Science:

  • Over 95% of the beta-casein in Guernsey milk is the A2 variety.
  • In contrast, Jersey milk contains ~40% A2, and typical Holstein milk (in most grocery stores) contains only ~15% A2.

Why This Matters:

When A1 beta-casein is digested, it can release a peptide called BCM-7 (beta-casomorphin-7).
BCM-7 is an opioid-like compound that may impact:

  • Digestion and gut function
  • Immune response
  • Neurological activity

Some research suggests BCM-7 may contribute to:

  • Lactose intolerance–like symptoms (even when lactose isn’t the issue)
  • Type 1 diabetes
  • Heart disease
  • Even behavioral concerns in sensitive individuals

Since Guernsey milk contains mostly A2 protein, it’s far less likely to release BCM-7, making it easier on the digestive system for many people.

🚜 Availability and the Bigger Picture

In the UK and U.S., most milk sold comes from Holstein cows, which are high in A1 beta-casein. That means Guernsey milk is still rare and often only available direct from farmers or small dairies.

While scientific research into A1 vs. A2 milk is still ongoing, some health experts already advocate making the switch—especially for people with sensitivities. As Professor Swinburn (NZFSA review) put it:

“If I were in one of the vulnerable groups, I’d switch to A2 milk. If it doesn’t help, it certainly won’t harm.”

🥛 Final Thoughts

Guernsey milk isn’t just a tasty, creamy alternative—it’s a nutrient-dense, naturally balanced food that offers real benefits. From its golden color to its A2 protein content, it’s easy to see why more people are making the switch.

If you’ve never tried it, Guernsey milk just might be the better milk your body’s been missing.

More from the blog

What To Do When You Have Too Much Raw Milk

I was visiting with a friend the other day about milk — how some weeks it seems to disappear faster than we can blink, and other times it ends up sitting in the fridge longer than we’d like. 🥛 When it comes to raw milk, every drop feels precious. It’s the good stuff — straight from the farm, and in my perspective, a lot of work— and the last thing I ever want to do is let it go to waste.  So here are some things I do when I need to use up some extra milk. Hot Chocolate or Latte’s Something about the colder months just calls for a warm drink in hand — a cozy cup of hot chocolate, or a creamy coffee or tea latte made with fresh milk. ☕️ And when summer rolls around, an iced tea latte hits the spot just right — cool, refreshing, and a whole lot better than most of those sugary summer drinks.  Easy Hot Chocolate Recipe 1 cup raw milk 1 TBSP raw cacao 1 TBSP honey or maple syrup 1. Heat milk with a coffee frother or on the stove.2. 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Let’s Talk About Freshness: Why Raw Milk Isn’t Meant to Last Forever

Raw milk is a living, fresh food, not meant to sit in the fridge for months like processed dairy. Just like fresh raspberries, it’s natural for raw milk to change over time. When it starts to sour after a week or two, that doesn’t mean it’s “bad”—it’s simply evolving as nature intended. Unlike pasteurized milk, which spoils and molds, raw milk ferments safely thanks to its natural enzymes and beneficial bacteria. This souring process can even create delicious new products like clabbered milk, sour cream, or homemade cheese. To enjoy it at its best, drink raw milk within 7–10 days of purchase and store it properly: Keep it in the coldest part of the fridge (not the door). Always seal the lid tightly to slow souring. Avoid transferring it into new containers to prevent contamination. Raw milk doesn’t “expire”—it transforms. Embrace its freshness, flavor, and life-giving qualities by enjoying it close to the source—straight from the farm, the way nature intended.

What To Do With Raw Milk Cream?

Raw milk cream is one of the richest, most versatile parts of farm-fresh milk — perfect for everything from sweet treats to nourishing everyday meals. Its natural flavor and nutrients make it a staple in any traditional kitchen. You can turn raw cream into indulgent desserts like homemade ice cream, whipped cream, or butter, or use it in everyday ways such as coffee creamer, oatmeal, or smoothies. In the kitchen, raw cream adds richness to sauces, soups, baked goods, and cultured creations like sour cream, clotted cream, or European-style cultured butter. For convenience, raw cream freezes well, though fresh cream makes the best butter. ✨ Whether whipped, churned, or cultured, raw milk cream is a wholesome, flavorful ingredient that brings old-fashioned goodness to modern kitchens.