The code on your milk carton means something udderly unexpected.
How to Crack the Secret Code on Your Gallon of Milk
Updated on Jan. 21, 2023
Ever wonder how the 2% at your supermarket made its way to you? It’s likely from cows grazing hundreds of miles over yonder. That’s a long way to moo-ove!
The reason milk has to travel is because most dairy farmers don’t usually bottle and sell directly to grocery stores. They work with regional dairy plants who act as middlemen. For example, Billy Bishoff, a dairy farmer in Garrett County, Maryland, says he sells to a bottler nearby in Pennsylvania.
You can actually see what dairy your milk was bottled at. Just grab a gallon (hopefully not from the refrigerator door) and look at the code!
How It Works
The code on your milk is way more impressive than the “crummy commercial” that Ralphie decodes in A Christmas Story. Here’s what to do:
- Find the secret code—usually located near the expiration date. It looks like: 01-12345 or 01-02
- Pull up Where is My Milk From and type in the code
- See where your milk was bottled
We tested this ourselves with some milk from our Prep Kitchen fridge. (Did you know some Europeans don’t refrigerate milk? Here’s why.) Dean’s Whole Milk had the code 55-08, and was bottled at Morning Glory Dairy in De Pere, Wisconsin, roughly 120 miles away. We also had a gallon of Roundy’s 2% with the code 55-1500, which means it’s from Kemp’s Dairy in Cedarburg, only 20 miles from us. (Twenty miles from moo to market? We’re very lucky to be in America’s Dairyland!)
You can also look for the code on other dairy products, like whipping cream, ice cream and cottage cheese. We’d say that’s a legendairy discovery.
Psst…while you have the milk out, here’s how to whip up a milkshake.
Our Best Milkshakes? Holy Cow!
Thick Strawberry ShakesGrab your spoon: this strawberry milkshake is thick, bright with strawberry flavor and infinitely customizable.
You'll love this thick and rich treat that will remind you of a malt shoppe! After all, nothing says summertime more than a strawberry milkshake.
Thin Mint MilkshakeSave a sleeve of Girl Scout cookies for this creamy milkshake that's fun for kids and adults, too. —Shauna Sever, San Francisco, California
If you've ever tried the Girl Scout cookie, you are bound to love this summer treat too! This fun colored shake is minty, refreshing and oh-so-sweet.
Peanut Butter MilkshakesSpecial treats are sometimes the simplest ones, as is the case with a peanut butter milkshake. This tasty treat requires just four ingredients, and you probably have them on hand already. Enjoy!
If you're in a pinch, this easy milkshake can be put together with just a few ingredients you most likely already have in your cupboard. If you love peanut butter cups, we know you will love this just as much (if not more!)
Creamy Lemon MilkshakesTangy and sweet and unexpectedly delightful, this lemon shake recipe is one you'll return to again and again.
With simple ingredients like lemon sorbet and vanilla ice cream, this shake is simply delicious. You will love the rich lemon flavor coming from the lemon zest, and the creamy vanilla flavor coming from the vanilla extract.
Date ShakeThe shake has the rich taste of dates. We recommend using Medjool dates for the most flavor. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
With the richness and sweetness coming from the dates, this shake is equally as sweet as it is refreshing. If you are looking for a unique and easy-to-make shake, this is it. It only has four ingredients so you can sip away in no time.
Strawberry Cream FloatsStrawberry floats are fruity, fizzy and fun! This summery twist on a frosty float features homemade soda made with fresh strawberries, lime juice, sugar and carbonated water poured over scoops of vanilla ice cream.
When summertime is approaching, you simply can't go wrong with fresh strawberries. This creamy float full of sliced strawberries offers everyone a treat to cool down with when it gets too hot.
Banana-Almond MilkshakesA few sips of this flavorful shake will curb the hungriest sweet tooth. For a lighter version, substitute a tablespoon of unsweetened cocoa powder for the chocolate chips.—Athena M. Russell, Florence, South Carolina.
For a lighter version of this creamy milkshake, substitute a tablespoon of unsweetened cocoa powder for the chocolate chips. Kids and adults will love this summertime favorite that will drive you bananas!
Pineapple Colada ShakeThis frothy, refreshing coconut and pineapple shake is sinfully delicious! Cool and creamy, it just begs to be your poolside companion. —Melissa Jelinek, Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin
This frothy, refreshing coconut and pineapple shake is sinfully delicious! If you aren't going on a vacation this summer, this drink should do the trick. Take a sip of this tropical shake and you will feel like you're in paradise.
Makeover Nutty Monkey MaltsGet all the flavor of a classic diner milkshake with only a fraction of the calories and fat. Flavored with peanut butter and bananas, this is one drink the kids will go crazy for! —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Get all the flavor of a classic diner milkshake with only a fraction of the calories and fat. Flavored with peanut butter and bananas, this is one drink the kids will go crazy for!
Spiced Pumpkin Coffee ShakesThe winter holidays are my favorite time of year, and this spiced pumpkin drink is one reason I love the season so much. If you don't have a coffee maker, it's OK to use instant coffee—just make it stronger. —Kathie Perez, East Peoria, Illinois
If you're a fan of the cult favorite Pumpkin Spiced Latte, then you're going to love this one too (if not more). With the sweetness from the canned pumpkin and slight spice from the pumpkin spice, this sweet treat is bound to be a fall favorite.
Eggnog Shakes
Although this shake is made with fat-free ingredients, it retains the thick creamy consistency of the classic Christmas beverage. Bottoms up!
Makeover Chocolate-Covered Strawberry Milkshake
Chocolate covered strawberries are indulgent, romantic and perfectly satisfying. This shake is decadent and refreshing, perfect for a summertime date night with your partner.
Copycat McDonald’s Shamrock Shake
The Shamrock Shake is usually available at McDonald's in February and March, but with this recipe you can make it any time of the year. With the peppermint extract, this sippable shake is fresh and minty.
