Moo for Milk

Posted by Lori on May. 27th, 2009 in Food Purveyors | 35 comments

This is where I buy my milk and dairy.

I’ve always been in love with the milk they use for the Cocoa Steamer at McCafÃ©, and I so adore the milk at Starbucks that I desire to wrap myself in the steamed milk foam that crown its lattÃ©s. But it isn’t until I regularly start drinking coffee however, that I begin to dislike the milk I have at home.

I’ve gone through almost all the ultra heat pasteurized (UHT) and homogenized milk brands in the supermarket looking for a milk that will give me a coffee shop lattÃ© (or something close to it) – but at home. After much tasting, I settle on NestlÃ© Premium, both Full Cream and Premium Low-Fat Milk but it doesn’t come close. With every homemade lattÃ© I make, I resent the distinct “cardboard-like” taste that penetrates through the liquid. Ick.

So I ditch the tetra packs and set my sights on the chillers where the more expensive and hopefully better-tasting brands lie: Country Fresh and Darigold. The latter also tastes like cardboard (albeit imported cardboard) but Country Fresh is promising, a local brand of a dairy cooperative, Katipunan ng mga Kooperatiba ng Manggagatas Inc. (KKMI) from the Calabarzon region. I can’t help but smile back at the cheery cow on its blue label; Country Fresh also has a fresher taste than all the other milk I try, but like everything else bought in an enclosed, air-conditioned area, it possesses that “supermarket taste” — if you know what I mean.

I’m beginning to believe that I’ll have to take my milk search out of the supermarket. And so I do. An afternoon spent researching local dairies has me convinced that I’ll need to make a weekly trip to Batangas milk farms to stock up on my dairy supply. Yikes! Daunting but doable … I think. Anything for good milk!

Then I stumble upon the website of Rizal Dairy Farms and a bell peals in my brain. I’ve come across these products before but never gave them more than a cursory once-over. Seeing that they have a branch at Market! Market! I hie over there…

… and find my holy grail of milk.

Upon opening the (plastic – though I wish it were glass!) bottle, I smell the rich scent of cream – full yet delicate. There’s even a “creamline,” something not seen these days – the top cream layer that people back in the day used to judge milk’s richness by. And its taste! Devoid of unpronounceable ingredients and spared being processed to a fare-thee-well, the milk dazzles in its constellation of flavors: sweet,Â subtle, luscious … MILK.

Admittedly, drinking milk so pure requires a mental readjustment. After years of nonfat and skim milk in addition to being bombarded with information that “dairy is death!”, drinking whole milk once again is not only more natural, it feels more natural, akin to eating only when I’m hungry (whatever time it may be), and stopping when I’m full (even if my plate hasn’t been licked clean). And Rizal Dairy’s Low-Fat Milk is great too.

Rizal Dairy Farms
See website for store locations and more information.

35 Comments

chrisb / May 27, 2009
A friend told me that starbuck’s sells milk from a local dairy…
Chris, really? Please find out more and let me know.
–lori
[Reply]
chrisb Reply:
May 29th, 2009 at 11:14 am
Called up the Starbucks near your neighborhood Lori =) They do sell the milk they use at 395 per gallon. You can call it in and they’ll add it to the branch’s milk order. Don’t know if this is an “open secret” service for their regulars- I don’t think they’re promoting it openly…
Chris -
Thanks for taking the time to call.
– lori

[Reply]
Ana / May 27, 2009
Hi!
I’ve been a constant reader of your website for quite some time now. I have never left a comment on any of your posts, however good they are. But after reading this post, I couldn’t resist recommending you my most favorite milk of all, the fresh milk that’s sold in UP Los BaÃ±os – Dairy Research & Training Institute. Check out this site: http://community.uplb.edu.ph/ca/dtri/Dairy_Products.htm
If you want really fresh milk, try this. =)
Anna -
I’ve heard about UPLB’s Dairy Institute. I hope to be able to go there one time. I’ll probably go delirious over the dairy!
–lori
[Reply]
anonymous paul / May 28, 2009
here’s another purveyor of fresh milk
http://heart-2-heart-online.com/2009/02/04/hollys-really-farm-fresh-dairy-products/
i know they do carabao milk and carabao mozzarella somewhere in laguna too.
and while i’m not exactly a big milk drinker, i absolutely love Meiji Milk. i hope somebody brings this in.
[Reply]
marj / May 28, 2009
I love Alpine canned milk and Sunny Boy powdered milk – I’m so cheap, hahaha! =)
[Reply]
joey / May 28, 2009
Love Rizal Dairy Farm! Have been a big fan of their Greek Yogurt for a while now…it’s the creamiest I’ve found and local to boot (so fresher too!)
I also get dairy from another supplier that sells here (in Manila) for a carabao dairy farm…they have all sorts of dairy products (and fantastic mangoes when in season). If you want the contact just email me!
Dairy rocks!
[Reply]
loribee Reply:
May 28th, 2009 at 5:58 pm
Joey,
Glad to know you’re a dairy lover too and that someone else loves RDF’s Greek yogurt as much as me.
[Reply]
Alden Ong Reply:
September 20th, 2009 at 1:24 pm
Hi! May I know the contact details for the carabao milk products and the mangoes also? Im exploring my options for potential suppliers kasi. you can contact me at [email protected]. thanks!
[Reply]
kathleen Reply:
August 31st, 2010 at 5:12 pm
haloo marj can you also email me the contact details of the carabao milk supplier my email add is [email protected]..:) thanks much! :p
[Reply]
Lennie Reply:
October 23rd, 2010 at 9:24 pm
I’m looking for a good reliable supplier of fresh carabao’s milk for my products. I am from Los Banos, but DTRI, which does indeed produce one of the best milks in the Philippines, unfortunately cannot assure me of a regular supply. Please do send me info on Rizal Dairy Farms thru e-mail: [email protected]. Thanks!
[Reply]
Midge / May 28, 2009
I remember there was a brand of very fresh milk called Giselle back in the early to mid-1980s. If I remember correctly, it was sold in huge plastic bags and not in either cartons or bottles, but it was gorgeously rich, creamy, and good.
It’s great to know that there are still people out there who sell high-quality milk and dairy products.
[Reply]
Katrina / May 28, 2009
Joey turned me on to Rizal Dairy Farms’
Greek Yogurt — it’s the thickest, creamiest I’ve had! Hey, remember when I gave you the contact for real buttermilk (Pia)? She sells lots of other carabao milk dairy products, which you can just pick up in Forbes. And there’s a dairy purveyor in Laguna or Tagaytay that’s supposedly good — Mr. Moo, I think? It’s got the cute pink logo with a cow. Also, when I was a kid and we were made to drink milk every day, my mom used to order from a supplier that used to deliver it every week. The milk was in bags, and it was so fresh that we had to keep it in the freezer and drink it in several days or it would go bad. Wonder if they’re still around? That would be the most convenient for you!
Katrina –
I don’t know why it is but every time I buy from Mr. Moo in Tagaytay, it’s spoiled by the time I get to Manila. And the bottle is just sitting in the iced cooler!
– lori

[Reply]
Mrs Lavendula / May 28, 2009
i love the dairy from UPLB! i remember going there and buying several liters of fresh milk. i finished one liter on the way home and felt so bloated! but it was gooood! =)
im interested in the milk from rizal dairy farm and will get myself a bottle this weekend. lori, i agree, the glass bottle would have been great! reminiscent of the magnolia fresh milk ;P
[Reply]
solraya / May 31, 2009
I was just talking to Jacqui today about my blogging her the day before. Haven’t seen this post, till today She will be thrilled!
Sandy -
I’m glad someone can tell Jacqui about my post. I tried getting in touch with her via her website but no response.
– lori

[Reply]
solraya Reply:
June 1st, 2009 at 9:28 pm
Lori, I know you have written about your favorite cocoa at McCafe. After reading this last night, I headed to McCafe at Katipunan early today. Had your Cocoa Steamer….a tad to sweet for me, but it was good. But then, I like the dark bitter taste of chocolates, even for my drinks
Texted Jacqui to read this blog, this article specifically…and down to comments
If you need her number, let me know so I can forward to you. Geezzz…you two may will have to do sign language, as you won’t hear one another from all the excited voices.
[Reply]
Judith / May 31, 2009
Hi Lori,
Am an avid lurker from LB. Yep, you should drop here one time to try DTRI’s milk and other products. You could also get some more (milk, cheese, yogurt, etc) from Philippine Carabao Center UPLB Office, you’ll find it several meters before you reach DTRI. I believe carabao’s milk is also supplied to Starbucks, a rich and creamy ingredient. Another milk source is Hacienda Macalauan (a dairy farm in Calauan,Laguna) which may have several kiosks in leading supermarkets. Actually there are several dairy farms here in Laguna. Now, these are real sources of fresh milk.
Hi Judith -
I emailed you directly.
– lori

[Reply]
nashy Reply:
March 9th, 2012 at 9:21 am
hi,just wanna ask.how will you know if the carabao’s milk is already spoiled?how does it taste and look like?thanks.
[Reply]
Lori Reply:
March 9th, 2012 at 4:18 pm
The milk will be curdled and smell rancid.
[Reply]
CJ / June 1, 2009
Aside from Rizal Dairy, I order carabao milk from someone who sells it for a Nueva Ecija coop. Sooo rich, sweet, with a cream line to boot! I can email you contact details, if you want. I use the milk for my pastillas de leche ice cream.
[Reply]
Lennie Reply:
October 23rd, 2010 at 9:28 pm
Hi CJ,
Please send me contact details for the Nueva Ecija coop. I need several reliable suppliers for my products too. Thanks!
[Reply]
joan / June 1, 2009
hi,
try Hacienda Macalauan ( Calauan,Laguna). Its real good source of fresh milk. They also have different kinds of creams, cheeses, sour cream, yogurt flavored. You can contact their Makati Office for ordering at 818-1264/811-5673.
Joan -
Am ever grateful for the info. THANK YOU. I’ve also emailed you directly.
– lori

[Reply]
anima / June 2, 2009
I noticed that Starbucks has been using ALASKA Skim Milk for their lattes in some branches in the South. The one in recent memory is at the Starbucks branch in Shell along SLEX near Mamplasan=)
I have to ask if this is the milk you say is best at Starbucks or is there a different brand of milk they use?=)
[Reply]
Ria / June 2, 2009
Hi Lori, I ordered the steamed milk from Starb and when I commented on how good it is, they said they can sell it by the gallon. The brand is Milkjoy and it is local. (Hurray.) This was at Leviste branch, but I did see one do see more and more branches using Harvey Fresh.
Article here: http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleid=412016
[Reply]
Nancy Reyes / June 6, 2009
We use waterbuffalo milk…our cook used to buy it at the Palenke but now we have an old lady deliver it to the door.
High creme. Yum.
[Reply]
magy / July 3, 2009
hi, Lori, you can contact the supplier of Starbucks milk at 0927 833 5000.
Thanks, Magy!
–lori
[Reply]
Koko / September 18, 2009
Good Day!!!
I looking for a supplier of milk and cream for my recipe that I’m going sell in my future store. I’ve been searching for the contact info for milk supplier but most of them are no longer active. I saw hacienda macalauan, hapicows and milk joy here on net but cant find a way how can i contact them. Maybe you could help and share to me their contact details. Thank you so much in advance.
Regards,
Koko
[Reply]
tess Reply:
September 27th, 2009 at 3:20 pm
hi koko,
i can supply you pasteurized milk. whole, low fat, non fat, choco milk, yoghurt and kesong puti. i am a dealer of milk queen. it is a sister company of milk joy in lipa batangas. you can call me at 0920-9021301
[Reply]
Gabs / May 17, 2010
HI,
I was just curious if Hacienda Macalauan sells Double Cream? I’ve used Double Cream during my visit to Europe and It was really rich, thick, and SUBLIME. Yet I haven’t found a suitable substitute. Hope someone could help as my Caramel Croissant Pudding requires Double Cream.
THANKS!
[Reply]
Jon Christmas / July 15, 2010
Hi, I have been buying Hacienda Macalauan Fresh Milk from Shpwise in Makati, but they no longer stock it, Rustans also only had 3 bottles which I bought. Any other shops in Makati that sell fresh milk product? I buy approx 10 litres a week, being from Australia, fresh milk was the one thing I missed and finding your product was a relief to me and my wife.
[Reply]
Lori Reply:
July 19th, 2010 at 9:53 am
Jon-
I sent you a personal email.
–lori
[Reply]
Didi / February 23, 2011
Hi Lori!
I hope you can also email me where else I can buy FRESH Milk! I am currently pregnant and is CRAVING for more milk!!
THANKS IN ADVANCE!!
[Reply]
leah / April 10, 2011
hi ms. lori,
i would like to know where did you buy the cute cow saucer.
thanks.
[Reply]
Divina / April 20, 2011
I absolutely love Greek yogurt from Rizal Dairy Farm. It’s the best I’ve ever had. But also looking for local milk here aside from the same company, preferably raw. Where did you buy country Fresh? I’m also looking for other local brands of milk. Can you please help me find them? Thank you. Divina
[Reply]
Edward / January 26, 2012
RIZAL DAIRY FARMS PERMANTLY CLOSED.
WEBSITE ALSO CLOSED DOWN.
RIZAL DAIRY FARMS PERMANTLY CLOSED.
WEBSITE ALSO CLOSED DOWN.
RIZAL DAIRY FARMS PERMANTLY CLOSED.
WEBSITE ALSO CLOSED DOWN.
RIZAL DAIRY FARMS PERMANTLY CLOSED.
WEBSITE ALSO CLOSED DOWN.
RIZAL DAIRY FARMS PERMANTLY CLOSED.
WEBSITE ALSO CLOSED DOWN.
[Reply]
Ian Carandang Reply:
January 26th, 2012 at 3:00 pm
No it isn’t. I just checked the site.
[Reply]