In the 90s there were commercials for Got Milk? which promoted the consumption of dairy milk to a young audience. They even included celebrities sporting milk mustaches in print ads. Now, although the era of Got Milk? is over, it’s not been forgotten. In fact, there’s still a day devoted to milk which is January 11.

And don’t feel left out if you’re lactose intolerant or vegan! There are so many plant-based milk on the market like almond, cashew, and soy so you, too, can join in on celebrating National Milk Day. After all, they’re called plant-based milk for a reason!

Visit your local dairy farm or pasteurizer

You’ll need to do a bit of research and locate where your local dairy farm is to see where your milk is sourced. Most milk bottlers are based locally and usually offer tours to the public but be sure to check with them before driving over since we are still in a pandemic.

Learn something new

Look up some new information about milk like why we celebrate National Milk Day (to honor the late great chemist Louis Pasteur). Or find out how milk is beneficial to a standard diet.

Try something new with milk. Make a Taiwanese boba/bubble milk tea according to the instructions below:

Take 8 ounces of brewed Assam, Darjeeling, or Ceylon tea and mix with your choice of milk (whole, 2%, or even plant-based milk). Be sure to also sweeten the tea to taste!

Cook tapioca pearls (which can be found in your local Asian or International market or online) according to the instructions on the package and sweeten with honey or brown sugar. 

Take a scoop of cooled tapioca pearls and add to the bottom of a glass or cup. Pour your milk tea into the glass, stir, and enjoy with a wide straw. 

But if you don’t feel like doing any of that, just sit back and enjoy some milk in your cereal or in your tea or pick up a fresh jug of milk at the grocery store. You’ll still be supporting your local dairy farms.

-CD