Have You Tried the 6% Fat Milk Option Yet?
Shoppers in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) may have noticed something new in the milk aisle: Sealtest’s yellow pouch containing 6% fat milk.
There has been much discussion about milk, its fat content, and the pros and cons of including high amounts of animal fat in our diets. However, it’s clear that there is a dedicated group of consumers who believe in the health benefits of consuming milk “in its full form, with nothing taken away and nothing added.”
Guillaume Bérubé, the public relations director for Agropur, which owns the Sealtest brand, mentioned that interest in higher-fat options is growing. The 6% milk is Agropur’s way of testing this market. He highlighted the South Asian community as particularly inclined toward this type of milk, citing the Indian dairy brand “Amul,” which offers a 6% option and is available in some Canadian stores.
When discussing its nutritional values, Bérubé explained that the 6% milk is essentially regular milk with a higher cream content. It contains 220 calories per one-cup serving, delivering 15 grams of fat (9 grams of which are saturated) and 8 grams of protein. In contrast, one cup of whole milk has 160 calories, 8 grams of fat (5 grams of which are saturated), and 9 grams of protein.
The South Asian Perspective:
“Being an Indian person, we are the milk people. We love milk,” said Anika Dhalla, a registered dietitian based in Hamilton. “I work with many South Asian patients, and they all love milk; it’s a staple in their diet.”
Dhalla noted that richer milk products result in tastier yogurt and ricotta, which are also dietary staples. These products can be used to make paneer (cottage cheese) and korma (a type of curry).
She mentioned that the MAHA (Make America Healthy Again) movement and its popularity on social media have sparked increased interest in higher-fat products. When asked if she would consider the 6% option a better choice, Dhalla said, “It depends on preference. If someone chooses higher fat, I typically ask why.” If the response is health-related—common among South Asians—she advises against consuming large amounts of saturated fat, which is not ideal for patients with high blood pressure.
However, she added that for children, there is no argument against the 6% option, as they need the nutritional benefits of high-fat milk for their growth.
Victoria-based registered dietitian Danielle Van Schaick concurs. “I wouldn’t recommend higher-fat dairy products for most adults due to their fat, calorie, and saturated fat content,” she explained.
That said, if someone needs to gain weight or has a highly active child with increased energy needs, 6% milk might be beneficial. It could also be a smart addition to morning coffee.
“When used in the same portion size, 6% milk can be a healthier alternative to 10% cream,” she stated.
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