The 10 Largest Milk Brands In The United States

Milk has long been a staple in American households, with its importance evident throughout history. In the early 20th century, the U.S. boasted approximately 1.5-2 million dairy cows, producing an average of 4,200 pounds of milk per cow annually. By 2007, this number had surged to 9.1 million dairy cows, each yielding over 20,000 pounds of milk per year.

As of 1995, there were about 40,200 dairy farms across the nation, with the leading states in dairy production being California, Wisconsin, New York, Idaho, and Texas.

In recent years, milk consumption has not kept pace with population growth, primarily due to the rise of alternative dairy products. Nevertheless, milk continues to be a fundamental product in American diets. Below, we explore the ten largest milk brands currently dominating the U.S. market.

DETAILED LIST OF THE 10 LARGEST MILK BRANDS IN THE UNITED STATES

1. Private Label

   Annual Revenue (2021): $199 billion

   Private label milk is marketed under a retailer’s brand and typically produced by third-party manufacturers. This allows retailers to provide on-brand products without the need to develop proprietary recipes or production methods. The recipes for private-label milk are developed and owned by the manufacturer.

   In the evolution of private-label products, milk has historically presented significant opportunities for retail chains. Many retailers have established private label dairy programs that consumers associate with quality and affordability. Private-label milk enjoys close to 100% household penetration, with three-quarters of sales consisting of private-label products, predominantly fluid milk. In 2000, 70% of all fluid milk sales in the U.S. were private-label, allowing retailers to offer competitive pricing without compromising quality.

2. The Dannon Company Denver, Colorado

   Annual Revenue (2022): $29.144 billion

   Founded in 1942 by Daniel Carasso, who brought his family’s business to the U.S., Dannon became the nation’s first yogurt company. It has since evolved into the largest public benefit corporation in the world, achieving B Corp Certification in 2018, ahead of its 2020 goal.

   Companies with B Corp Certification must consider the impact of their decisions on stakeholders, including workers, customers, suppliers, communities, and the environment. Dannon is part of a network of nearly 4,000 certified companies across various industries.

   The company offers a diverse range of products, including Activia, DanACtive, Danimals, Horizon Organic, Silk, and more.

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3. Dean Foods. Dallas, Texas

   Annual Revenue (2021): $19.3 billion

   Dean Foods was a leading food and beverage company and the largest dairy subsidiary in the U.S., operating 66 manufacturing facilities across 32 states. It distributed products nationwide, with popular brands including DairyPure, Land O’Lakes, and TruMoo. Founded in the 1920s by Samuel E. Dean Sr., the company grew rapidly.

   Alongside its milk offerings, Dean Foods produced ice cream, cheese, juices, and teas. The company filed for bankruptcy in 2019, which was attributed to declining cow’s milk consumption amid rising demand for plant-based alternatives. In 2020, it was acquired by Dairy Farmers of America.

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4. Prairie Farms Dairy. Edwardsville, Illinois

   Annual Revenue (2022): $3.4 billion

   Founded in 1938, Prairie Farms Dairy is a cooperative that sources milk from over 900 producers and processes it into a variety of dairy products including cheese, butter, ice cream, and yogurt. The cooperative operates 44 manufacturing plants and 100 distribution facilities, serving grocery chains and food service outlets across 16 states.

   Prairie Farms is recognized as an industry leader and has pioneered several milk flavor innovations.

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5. Hood Lactaid. Lynnfield, Massachusetts

   Annual Revenue (2022): $2.7 billion

   HP Hood LLC, founded in 1846, has expanded from New England to a national presence. The company is privately owned and has made several acquisitions, including well-known brands like Lactaid and Hershey’s milk. HP Hood offers a broad range of dairy products, including milk, cream, and ice cream.

6. Borden Dairy Company. Dallas, Texas

   Annual Revenue (2022): $1.4 billion

   Established in 1857, Borden Dairy Company is a privately-owned processor and distributor, producing a wide array of dairy products. The company is known for its iconic branding, particularly the character Elsie the Cow, which has been an advertising icon since 1936.

   Borden Dairy has undergone numerous changes, including acquisitions and spin-offs, and its products are available in multiple states, including Alabama, Florida, and Texas.

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7. Organic Valley. La Farge, Wisconsin

   Annual Revenue (2022): $1.2 billion

   Organic Valley, founded in 1988, is the largest farmer-owned organic cooperative in the U.S. It produces a wide range of organic products, including milk, cheese, and yogurt. The cooperative emphasizes sustainable agricultural practices and distributes products across all 50 states and 25 countries.

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8. Fairlife. Chicago, Illinois

   Annual Revenue (2022): $1 billion

   Fairlife, a brand owned by The Coca-Cola Company, specializes in ultrafiltered milk. Launched in 2014, Fairlife offers various milk products with a unique filtration process that enhances protein and calcium content while reducing sugar. Despite being priced higher than conventional milk, Fairlife has gained a loyal customer base.

9. Hiland Dairy. Springfield, Missouri

   Annual Revenue (2022): $632.8 million

   Hiland Dairy Foods, owned by local dairy farmers, has operated for over 30 years. It provides a comprehensive range of dairy products, including milk, cream, and ice cream, as well as various non-dairy beverages. Hiland has received multiple awards for quality and sustainability.

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10. Cream-O-Land Dairy. Florence, New Jersey

    Annual Revenue (2022): $290.6 million

    Founded in 1943, Cream-O-Land Dairy began as a local delivery service for fresh dairy products. Now family-owned, it supplies a variety of dairy products to grocery stores and schools across several states, including New Jersey and Florida.

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Milk Industry Statistics FAQ

1. How much milk do Americans drink?

   The average American consumes 18 gallons of milk per year. This equates to just under 1 cup of milk daily, reflecting a significant decline from the peak consumption of 45 gallons per person in 1945.

2. Why is the dairy industry declining?

   Several factors contribute to the decline in the dairy industry, including shifting consumer preferences and market disruptions. Milk consumption has decreased by 42% compared to a half-century ago. Key reasons include:

   • Market disruptions and price volatility

   • Younger consumers opting for non-dairy alternatives for environmental and ethical reasons

   • Growing environmental concerns regarding cattle farming

3. What is the most expensive state to buy milk?

   Hawaii has the highest average milk prices at $4.69, exceeding the national average by over 50 cents. Other states with high prices include Alaska ($3.78), Alabama ($3.75), Louisiana ($3.65), and Mississippi ($3.59).

4. What is the least expensive state to buy milk?

   Illinois has the lowest average milk price at $0.93, making it the only state where milk is priced under a dollar. Other states with low prices include Connecticut ($1.35), Ohio ($1.48), Indiana ($1.49), and Idaho ($1.69).

Author

Caitlin Mazur

Caitlin Mazur is a freelance writer at Zippia. Caitlin is passionate about helping Zippia’s readers land the jobs of their dreams by offering content that discusses job-seeking advice based on experience and extensive research. Caitlin holds a degree in English from Saint Joseph’s University in Philadelphia, PA.