Why Clover milk is not just milk

Of all the natural foods, milk is probably the closest there is to the ideal. If anybody understands milk, it’s dairy giant, Clover. Clover also understands the importance of women giving their families the best nutritional care, which is why Clover recently embarked on a campaign to promote milk to mothers with babies and toddlers. And we’re not talking just any milk. In Clover chatted to Clover’s Brand Group Manager for Milk, Engela Serfontein, to fi nd out why Clover Milk is not just milk. “We source our milk from only the healthiest cows. Our cold supply chain competes with the best in the world and our world-class food scientists, technologists, microbiologists, biotechnologists and chemists produce milk that is better than any other milk,” says Engela.

 
 
Hormone-free milk

“Clover Milk does not contain any hormones or traces of antibiotics. Our farmers have signed a declaration agreeing not to use the Recombinant Bovine Growth Hormone (rBGH) in any of their farming practices. Although this hormone is used to increase milk production at less cost, it’s been linked to cancer and has a negative impact on the animals,” says Engela.

With the best technology and systems in place, Clover can create a cold supply chain that competes with the best. From the minute the cow is milked, there are quality controls in place to inhibit the growth of bad bacteria. Clover uses deep cooling technology at temperatures ranging from 0 – 2°C during raw milk storage and transfer to combat this.

Once the milk arrives at Clover’s production plants, it is analysed by an independent laboratory, accredited by the South African National Accreditation System (SANAS). Clover is the only dairy company is SA that uses the bactofucation pasteurisation method.

Why milk?

There’s been much debate among health fanatics about the nutritional value and potential high fat qualities of fresh milk. Says Engela: “A litre of fresh Clover Milk provides all the daily needs of a growing child. One glass of Clover’s Fresh Milk offers as much calcium as the equivalent of at least six litres of tap water or three litres of fruit juice.

Strong muscles for strong kids

So, why should you give your children Clover Milk? “The protein in milk is about 80% whey and 20% casein, both of which are high-quality proteins, although whey is known as a “fast protein”, as it’s quickly broken down into amino acids and absorbed into the bloodstream. It’s a very good protein for children to consume after high activity. Casein is digested more slowly, making it ideal for a steady supply of smaller amounts of protein for a longer period of time. Since Clover Milk provides both, one big glass will give your child the ideal combination of muscle-building proteins,” says Engela.

While most people opt for reducedfat milk in order to maintain a healthier lifestyle, the majority of scientifi c studies show that drinking full-cream milk actually improves cholesterol levels – more so than skim milk. Pediatricians noted that children who had lowfat diets failed to grow properly. Children need substantial levels of fat throughout their growth and development period for energy and muscle and bone strength.

Milk is undeniably the number one source of calcium. It’s also fortifi ed with vitamin D, another important player in bone health, plus protein, phosphorous, and vitamins A and B.

“Be sure that the milk you choose for your family is Clover Fresh Milk. You will not only get the best- tasting milk in the country, but also the healthiest by far,” concludes Engela.

Back to the Milk Pages