Milking the Competition: What's Best?

"Drink your milk." We all heard that tall order growing up -- and with good reason. Milk does a body good. But these days the bigger question is -- which brand is best?

Cow's milk, goat's milk, soy milk, rice milk, oat milk, and even almond milk are all on grocery store shelves. Which one is best? That depends upon what you need, or expect, from milk.

Cow's milk is the one we all know best. High in calcium, protein, vitamins A and D, it comes in varieties from high fat to no fat or skim, chocolate, strawberry, and condensed. It is also usually the least expensive selection. For people who are lactose intolerant, those who want different things nutritionally, or folks simply looking for more variety, there are now other options.

Goat's milk can be harder to find, and is more expensive, but it is often a good alternative for babies, children and people with digestive troubles as the proteins are easier on the system. It is only slightly lower in lactose than cow's milk, but goat's milk is higher in calcium, vitamins A and B6, and potassium. Goat's milk contains very little folic acid, however, so that could be a concern for some.