Raw milk is the internet’s latest wellness craze.
Content creators, like Lauryn Bosstick of The Skinny Confidential, have taken to social media to share their love for raw milk touting its benefits. Now, the #RawMilk hashtag on TikTok has more than 195 million views, but what is it exactly?
“Raw milk is unprocessed dairy that skips pasteurization, a heat treatment used to eliminate bacteria, yeasts and molds,” said Valerie Agyeman, a registered dietitian and host of women’s health podcast “Flourish Heights.” “This process ensures milk safety for human consumption by reducing potentially harmful bacteria and enhancing milk’s shelf life.”
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Raw milk isn’t stocked at a typical grocery store but must be purchased directly from a farmer or market, which is how Bosstick gets it. She first learned about raw milk from Dr. Paul Saladino, who shares diet tips to his 1.8 million Instagram followers, when he spoke about its benefits on her podcast “Him and Her.” Bosstickhe pays $14 a gallon at a farmer’s market in Austin and consumes it daily — in coffee before a workout or with peaches as a sweet treat.
“It’s truly the ideal mix of protein and fat that gives me instant energy, makes me feel satisfied but not full,” she said. “I’m just addicted to it. My kids love it too.”
Many raw milk enthusiasts argue that it provides more nutrients than the pasteurized version. Both Bosstick and Saladino recommend it for those who may be lactose intolerant, as some say raw milk is easier on the stomach.
However, some experts are wary and selling it is illegal in many states.
“Raw milk may contain harmful bacteria like E. coli, Listeria and Salmonella, leading to food-borne illness,” Agyeman said. “Pregnant individuals, children, older adults and those with weakened immune systems do face a higher risk of severe illness when consuming raw milk.”
