What is the Composition of Milk?

A Look Inside Nature's Original Superfood

At Snowville Creamery, we believe in honoring milk for what it is: a nourishing, naturally balanced whole food. But have you ever wondered what milk actually is? What gives it its creamy texture, its natural sweetness, and its incredible ability to nourish everything from newborn calves to professional chefs?

Let’s take a closer look at the composition of milk—what’s in it, why it matters, and how our milk stands apart.

Milk: A Natural Emulsion

Milk is an emulsion—meaning it’s a mixture of water and fat that normally wouldn’t stay together, but in milk, they do, thanks to tiny structures that stabilize the mix. It’s also a suspension, containing proteins and other solids floating within the liquid. Altogether, milk is a wonderfully complex food made up of five main components:

Water (About 87%)

Yes, most of milk is water! This might surprise some people, but water is the medium that carries all the other nutrients. It helps with hydration and gives milk its fluid form. Think of it as the base that supports everything else.

Milk Fat (Around 3-5%)

This is the rich, creamy part of milk. Milk fat gives whole milk its body and flavor. At Snowville Creamery, our milk retains its natural creamline because we use lower-temp pasteurization and don’t homogenize, preserving the structure and taste of real milk fat. Depending on the type of milk (whole, reduced-fat, or skim), the fat content varies—but even reduced-fat Snowville milk maintains a fuller texture and richer taste, thanks to our grass-fed cows and minimally processed approach.

Milk Sugars (About 4.8%)

Lactose is the natural sugar found in milk. It’s what gives milk its slight sweetness. Lactose is a unique carbohydrate that breaks down into glucose and galactose—important energy sources. People with lactose intolerance lack enough of the enzyme lactase to digest this sugar easily, which is why we also offer lactose-free options like our No Lac Jack cheese. (Read more about it here!)

Protein (Roughly 3.3%)

Milk is a powerhouse of high-quality protein—especially two types called casein and whey. These proteins are complete, meaning they contain all nine essential amino acids our bodies can’t make on their own. They support muscle growth, repair, and immune function. (Learn more about the power of protein!)

At Snowville, we produce A2/A2 milk, which contains a specific type of casein protein that many people find easier to digest. It’s still real milk—just from cows naturally producing this gentler form of protein. (Read more about A1 and A2 here!)

Vitamins and Minerals (Around 0.7%)

Milk is loaded with essential micronutrients, including:

• Calcium – vital for strong bones and teeth

• Phosphorus – supports cell function and bone strength

• Potassium – helps regulate blood pressure

• Vitamin B12 – crucial for red blood cell production

• Riboflavin (B2) – supports energy metabolism

These are naturally present in varying amounts and are part of what makes milk a staple in balanced diets.

Why Milk Composition Matters

Milk isn’t just a white liquid—it’s a finely tuned package of nutrients created by nature. The way milk is handled and processed can change its composition, texture, and even digestibility. That’s why at Snowville Creamery, we’re committed to preserving milk’s integrity with:

• Non-homogenized milk (for a real creamline)

• Lower-temp pasteurization to keep natural enzymes intact

• Milk from grass-fed, A2/A2 cows for the best nutrition and taste

Whether you’re drinking it by the glass, steaming it in your latte, or baking with it at home, our milk delivers more than just flavor—it’s real nourishment, from farm to fridge.

Milk’s composition might seem simple on the surface—but it’s a biological marvel. And when it’s fresh, minimally processed, and made with care like ours, you can taste and feel the difference.