Why Our Milk Looks Different: A Simple Guide to Non-Homogenised Milk
If you’ve ever opened a bottle of our milk and noticed a layer of cream on the top, you might wonder why it looks different from supermarket milk.
That difference is completely natural.
Our milk is non-homogenised, meaning it’s closer to how milk comes straight from the cow — Mawley Milk is gently pasteurised but not over-processed.
What Is Non-Homogenised Milk?
Most supermarket milk is homogenised, a process that breaks the cream into tiny particles and forces it to stay evenly mixed through the milk. This creates a uniform appearance, but it changes the natural structure of the milk.
Our milk is not homogenised.
We gently pasteurise it on the farm to make it safe to drink, but we leave the milk otherwise untouched. As a result, the cream rises naturally to the top of the bottle — exactly as it would if you were pouring milk straight from the churn.
A quick shake mixes it back in, or you can enjoy the cream separately.
Why Does the Cream Rise to the Top?
Cream is naturally lighter than milk, so when milk hasn’t been homogenised, it slowly rises and settles at the top of the bottle.
This is a clear sign that the milk hasn’t been artificially altered or standardised. It’s one of the most common (and reassuring) characteristics of non-homogenised milk.
Is Non-Homogenised Milk Safe to Drink?
Yes — absolutely.
All our milk is pasteurised on the farm, which removes harmful bacteria and makes it safe to drink. Pasteurisation and homogenisation are two completely different processes:
Pasteurisation = food safety
Homogenisation = appearance and texture
Our milk is pasteurised for safety, but left non-homogenised to preserve its natural character.
Why We Choose Non-Homogenised Milk
We believe milk should taste like milk — not like a factory-made product designed to look the same every single day of the year.
By keeping our milk non-homogenised, we’re keeping it closer to nature, allowing slight seasonal changes, and offering something natural, fresh and local.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to shake non-homogenised milk?
Yes. A gentle shake will mix the cream back through the milk. If you prefer, you can also spoon the cream off the top.
Does the cream mean the milk is off?
No. Cream rising to the top is completely natural in non-homogenised milk and is not a sign that the milk has gone bad.
Why doesn’t supermarket milk do this?
Most supermarket milk is homogenised, which prevents the cream from separating. Our milk is intentionally left non-homogenised.
Does non-homogenised milk taste different?
Many people say it tastes creamier and fuller. The flavour can also change slightly with the seasons, depending on what the cows are eating.
Is non-homogenised milk better for you?
Nutritionally, it contains the same natural components as milk straight from the cow. Many customers choose it because it’s less processed and closer to its natural state.
Can children drink non-homogenised milk?
Yes. As long as the milk is pasteurised — as ours is — it’s safe for children over 12 months old and adults alike.
