FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some commonly asked questions about milk. For further questions send an email to our consumer enquiry centre or phone 1800 677 852.
Can I drink milk if I have been told to watch my cholesterol?
Cholesterol is an essential part of many body processes but, unfortunately, some of us have too much.
The amount of cholesterol in our blood may be determined by:
- our genetic makeup
- the level of saturated fat in our diet
- our level of daily physical activity
A diet low in fat, particularly saturated fat can help people with high cholesterol levels. Reduce saturated fat in the diet by cutting down on fatty meats and regular dairy foods. Choose from the wide variety of low fat dairy foods, like Pura Tone which is a no fat, no cholesterol milk.
Try to consume foods containing poly and mono unsaturated fats like nuts, seeds, fish and vegetable oils.
For more help on how to reduce your saturated fat intake and cholesterol levels see an Accredited Practising Dietitian (www.daa.asn.au).
For more information on heart health visit the National Heart Foundation website (www.heartfoundation.org.au).
Is there a nutritional difference between fresh and UHT Pura milks?
The difference between fresh and Ultra High Temperature treated (UHT) Pura milks is the temperature at which they are pasteurised. By law all milk sold in Australia must be pasteurised or UHT treated. Pasteurisation involves heating the milk to destroy harmful bacteria that may be naturally present in the milk and that might cause it to go "off". UHT milk is heat treated at a slightly higher temperature than fresh milk, which enables the UHT milk to be stored unrefrigerated, until the milk is opened. Once opened, UHT milk must be refrigerated. There are very minimal changes, and no significant nutritional difference, between the same type of UHT Pura milk compared with fresh Pura milk.
What does 'homogenised' mean on my Pura milk carton?
The fat in milk is cream. Cream is lighter than milk and floats to the top as a layer. Milk that has not been homogenised has a top layer of cream with liquid skim milk below. When milk is homogenised, the fat is broken up into very small sized particles, which are evenly distributed throughout the milk. This produces milk with an even consistency, from the first glass to the last.
To make reduced, skim or non fat milk, the fat is separated (as cream) and removed from regular milk.
Do you have a lactose free Pura Milk?
No, at present National Foods does not have a lactose free Pura Milk. However, research suggests that people with lactose intolerance can consume some milk and dairy foods. Please consult your doctor or an Accredited Practicing Dietitian for personal dietary advice.
Is there sugar added to milk?
Regular unflavoured milk, like Pura, does not have sugar 'added' to it. Milk naturally contains some carbohydrate, largely in the form of the sugar lactose. The lactose in milk helps provide its natural sweet taste. In the body, lactose is broken down into two smaller sugars, glucose and galactose, to provide energy.