Looking for whole milk in Nigeria?
Then you're in the right place.
Because in the post, you will discover the complete list of the best whole milk sources in Nigeria.
Let get straight to the content...
Top-Notch Whole Milk Product in Nigeria
Nigeria has no shortage of rich and creamy whole milk options. Here are some fan favorites you can find on store shelves nationwide:
1. Peak Full Cream Instant Milk Powder
Peak full cream instant milk powder is a Nigerian household staple. Each serving contains a wholesome 26g of milk fat plus essential vitamins A through E.
Per 100g: 508 calories, 24g protein, 40g carbs, 26g fat, 953mg calcium
2. Luna Full Cream Milk
Luna's powdered milk boasts 28g of fat per serving for luxuriously thick texture. Their evaporated milk brings velvety goodness to drinks and recipes.
Powder Per 100g: 500 calories, 24g protein, 38g carbs, 28g fat, 950mg calcium
Evaporated Per 100g: 137 calories, 6.5g protein, 10.6g carbs, 8.1g fat, 220mg calcium
3. Hollandia Evaporated Milk
Hollandia evaporated milk nourishes bodies and enriches recipes with 8.1g fat and 220mg calcium per serving. A Nigerian kitchen staple.
Per 100g: 137 calories, 8.5g protein, 11g carbs, 8.1g fat, 350mg calcium
4. Loya Instant Milk Full Cream
With 28g fat and 24g protein per serving, Loya's full cream powder satisfies cravings fast. Simply mix with water for an instant creamy treat.
Per 100g (4 tbsp): 507 calories, 24g protein, 39g carbs, 28g fat
5. Candia Full Cream Milk
Candia's whole milk offers a delicate creaminess with 3.1g fat and 120mg calcium per 100ml serving. Perfect for those who like their milk on the lighter side.
Per 100ml: 249 kJ/59 calories, 3.1g fat, 4.7g carbs, 3.1g protein, 120mg calcium
With this stellar selection, Nigeria makes enjoying nutritious and great-tasting whole milk easy and delicious!
What Is Whole Milk?
Whole milk is milk in its purest form, straight from the cow with all the natural fat left in. According to the USDA, whole milk must contain at least 3.25% milk fat. This gives it a velvety texture and full, rich taste that Nigerians can't resist!
The term "whole milk" simply means none of the fat has been removed. Compare this to low-fat (2% milk fat) or skim milk (less than 0.5% milk fat), which have had some or all of the fat content stripped away.
When you choose whole milk, you get the full package - the fatty creaminess that makes milk so tasty and satisfying. As they say, the cream always rises to the top!
Benefits of Whole Milk
Whole milk isn't just delicious - it offers some great health benefits too. Here are some of the top reasons to drink whole milk in Nigeria:
1. Excellent Source of Calcium
Calcium is essential for building strong, healthy bones and teeth. It also supports proper muscle and nerve function. Just one 8 oz glass of whole milk contains 276 mg of calcium, meeting 28% of your daily needs.
2. Packed with Vitamin D
Also known as the "sunshine vitamin", vitamin D aids in calcium absorption. Many Nigerians are deficient in this key nutrient, putting them at risk for weak bones. Whole milk is fortified with vitamin D, making it easier to meet your daily requirements.
3. High Quality Protein
With 8 grams of protein per serving, whole milk provides all 9 essential amino acids your body needs. Protein supports growth and development and helps repair body tissues.
4. Healthy Fats
The natural milk fat in whole milk contains beneficial unsaturated fats that promote heart health. These fats help your body properly absorb fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E and K.
Clearly, whole milk packs some powerful nutritional benefits. Drinking it can be an easy and delicious way to maintain your overall health.
Whole Milk Vs. Other Types Of Milk
With so many milk options out there, you may wonder how whole milk compares:
- Whole milk - 3.25% milk fat, creamy rich flavor
- 2% reduced fat milk - 2% milk fat, compromise of flavor and fat
- Skim milk - 0% fat, thinner consistency, less creamy flavor
- Non-dairy milks (soy, almond, oat) - tend to be lower in calories but may not have as much protein
Whole milk really stands out for cooking and baking. The higher fat content makes it ideal for:
- Enriching sauces and gravies
- Making ice cream and custards extra creamy
- Adding flavor and moisture to baked goods
- Providing a creamy base for soups
So when recipes call for milk, whole milk is often the best choice to provide great taste and texture. But when watching calories or fat, low-fat or skim milk may be preferred.
Storing and Handling Whole Milk
To get the most out of your whole milk, proper storage is key. Follow these tips to keep it fresh and prevent spoilage:
- Refrigerate immediately - don't leave milk sitting out or it can quickly spoil
- Store on a lower shelf towards the back - this is the coldest part of the fridge
- Use within 7 days of opening - milk can sour quickly once opened
- Keep lid sealed tight - prevents fridge odors from seeping in
- Freeze extra milk - pour a little out first as milk expands when frozen
By storing whole milk properly and using within a week of opening, you can enjoy its creamy richness before it goes bad.
Where to Buy Whole Milk in Nigeria
Craving that whole milk goodness? Here are some of the best places to buy it across Nigeria:
1. Local Grocery Stores and Supermarkets
Chains like Shoprite and SPAR have wide whole milk selections from various brands. You can find fresh pasteurized milk or shelf-stable milk.
"I always pick up a carton of fresh whole milk when I shop at my local Shoprite."
2. Farmers Markets and Dairies
Stop by a farmers market or dairy farm shop to get milk straight from the source. It's the freshest you can get!
3. Online Shopping Sites
Order online from big retailers like Jumia and Konga and have it delivered to your door. Both sites feature different whole milk brands to choose from.
4. Convenience Stores
Local corner stores are great for grabbing milk in a pinch. Their selection may be smaller, but works when you need milk fast.
No matter where you are in cities like Lagos or Abuja, finding whole milk in Nigeria is simple. Supermarkets, shops, and markets across the country stock this nutritious must-have.
Substituting Whole Milk in Recipes
Life happens, and sometimes you realize too late that you're out of whole milk. But don't despair - with a few simple ingredient swaps, you can still pull off your favorite recipes.
For Fat Content
If it's the rich fat content you're trying to mimic, stir together equal parts water and melted butter or oil. For each 1 cup of whole milk, use 1 cup water and 2-3 tablespoons of your chosen fat. The liquid keeps things pourable while the fat provides creaminess.
For Texture
Recreating the texture of whole milk is also key. Half-and-half blended with water comes close to the thickness. For 1 cup whole milk, try 2/3 cup half-and-half plus 1/3 cup water. The half-and-half provides richness without overdoing the fat.
For Flavor
Coconut milk infuses a lovely sweetness while keeping the consistency silky. Canned milk works well here - shake the can first. Substitute equal amounts of coconut milk for the whole milk in a recipe.
For Convenience
Dairy-free milks like soy, almond and rice milk are handy shelf-stable substitutes. Opt for unsweetened varieties and stick to a 1:1 substitution. This works for drinking and cooking.
When All Else Fails
Don't forget good ol' powdered milk! Reconstituting it with water as the package directs copies the protein, nutrients and body of whole milk fairly closely. Keep some on the pantry shelf for just such occasions.
Experiment and see what substitute you like best. The options let you replicate the important qualities of whole milk or take recipes in creative new directions. Either way, you'll keep cooking and baking even when that carton runs dry!
Conclusion on Whole Milk In Nigeria
The bottom line? Seek out quality. Look for fresh, local milk from reputable brands like Peak, Luna, Hollandia, Loya, and Candia. Check labels and choose milk with the highest fat percentages and nutrient contents.
Store with care. Keep whole milk refrigerated immediately and use within a week of opening. Freeze extras - just leave room for expansion. Proper handling preserves that fresh-from-the-farm flavor.
Use creatively. Whole milk makes food and drinks luxuriously rich. Bake it into desserts, stir it into sauces, or simply enjoy a cold glass. When you don't have it on hand, don't shy away from substitutes. With some tinkering, you can mimic the thickness, nutrition, and creaminess.
Drink up for health. Whole milk nourishes bodies young and old. The protein supports growth and maintenance, vitamins strengthen bones and immunity, and healthy fats fuel organ function. It's a wholesome beverage that packs a nutritional punch.
Nigeria makes it easy to incorporate this luscious legacy into your lifestyle. Seek out fresh, local milk or opt for shelf-stable varieties from trusted brands. Store with care to maintain quality and use quickly. Drink, cook, and bake with it daily - your body and palate will thank you!
