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Milk has been a part of our diets for a long time – probably more than 10,000 years. Today, we enjoy an enormous variety of dairy products in meals, beverages and treats, from breakfast to our late-night snacks.
Ontario dairy farms produce 2.5 billion litres of milk every year. That’s enough to fill 1,000 Olympic-sized swimming pools.
There are more than 30 artisanal cheese producers in Ontario who practice many of the world’s most famous cheese styles; from cheddar and brie to gouda and halloumi.
Yogurt’s history likely stretches back about 7,000 years. It’s thought that it was discovered accidentally, when milk was fermented by bacteria in an animal skin used to carry it.
Fat content determines what kind of cream is in the carton, from light cream (6%) to whipping cream (33%–35%). Sour cream is named after the production of lactic acid by bacterial fermentation, which is called ‘souring’.
Butter has a great significance in many cultures – it’s a pillar of French cuisine, and ghee, a form of clarified butter, is a symbol of purity in India as well as a staple food.
Up until the 1800s, ice cream was considered a rare dessert, enjoyed only by high society. Nowadays, the average Canadian eats nearly 10 litres of ice cream each year.
Find out why dairy is an important part of a well-balanced diet.
You can support Canadian dairy by buying Canadian dairy products at the grocery store. The Canadian dairy system is designed to minimize waste and help support some of the highest milk quality standards in the world. When you buy Canadian dairy, you know you’re getting milk made by real farm families who are dedicated to producing milk of the highest quality.
The Canadian dairy industry is the backbone of Canada’s rural economy, employing more than 220,000 Canadians. Canadian dairy is safe and nutritious, and Canadian dairy farmers take pride in producing high-quality 100 per cent Canadian milk, providing top-notch animal care, and committing to environmental sustainability.
Look for one of two 100 per cent Canadian milk logos on the packaging of dairy products. Please note, not all 100 per cent Canadian dairy products have these logos on their packaging. If you’re unsure, you can contact processors directly to ask about their products. Packaging on Canadian dairy products usually includes the processor name and location.