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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 ShakesYou'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 MilkshakeIf 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 MilkshakesIf 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 MilkshakesWith 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 ShakeWith 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 FloatsWhen 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 MilkshakesFor 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! 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!
Spiced Pumpkin Coffee ShakesIf 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 ShakesAlthough 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 MilkshakeChocolate covered strawberries are indulgent, romantic and perfectly satisfying. This shake is decadent and refreshing, perfect for a summertime date night with your partner.
Susan Bronson for Taste of Home
It’s not quite a fast-food milkshake or soft serve, but a Frosty is the perfect partner for fast food fries. You can make a Wendy’s Frosty recipe at home—and I’m happy to report it’s a spot-on copycat!
Go to Recipe
Peachy Buttermilk ShakesThe tang of buttermilk blended with sweet fresh peaches makes this shake refreshing just in time for summer. Feel free to add fresh sliced peaches and whipped cream on top for a fun touch!
S’mores MilkshakeIf you're in the mood to sit by a campfire and toast some marshmallows, all you need to do is whip up this tasty s'mores shake. With marshmallows, chocolate and crushed graham crackers, this sweet treat is perfectly indulgent.
Strawberry-Peach MilkshakesWhen you think of summertime, peaches and strawberries are popular fruit options during the hotter months. This shake is not only refreshing, but the fresh fruit adds a wonderful light flavor without being too sweet.
Copycat McDonald’s Shamrock ShakeThe 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.
Up Next: The
best fast-food milkshakes you can order at the drive-thru.
