Milk used to come in one size and flavour. But Fonterra and Goodman Fielder now "diversify" their product range to build shelf presence. So-called enriched milks (with added calcium, protein or ingredients such as omega-3) are all part of the diversification strategy.
Nutrition-wise, the only really meaningful choice when buying milk is between regular (blue top) and reduced or low-fat (green top). Our comparison of supermarket "home" brands with more expensive brands found little difference in nutritional content (see our "Milk comparison" table below).
That's not surprising. By far the majority of milk in supermarkets comes from the same supplier – Fonterra. Home brands contain much the same levels of protein and fat as branded bottles. All milk also qualifies for the description "good source of calcium". Our advice: shop on price.
Guide to the table
- A = 2L bottle purchased.
- Price is the price we paid in Wellington supermarkets in March and April 2011 and is not necessarily indicative of average retail price.
- Nutrition per 100ml is taken from the products’ nutrition information panels.
Read what our members have to say close
To save money on essentials and make buying decisions easy, you can't go past Consumer. We're proud to have over 65,000 members all enjoying our independent information online or in Consumer magazine.
Here's what some of them say...
"Just wanted to let you know that I find your site excellent! Easy to find my way around, everything at my fingertips - just a click away.
I only took out a 3 month membership as I wasn't sure but it is actually really easy to use and if I want it on paper I can print the
reports. Thanks again".
Denise Watkinson - Waitakere
"My mother (74) got a renewal letter from her insurance company for her car insurance, wanting $570. After reading
your article on car insurance, I contacted one of the companies you recommended, who quoted her $318 for the same
level of cover. I just wanted to stay thank you very much for your article, as it has saved my mother a substantial amount of money".
Adrian Lane - Kapiti Coast
"I've been a member to the magazine since 1997 and enjoy reading it a lot. I've found lots of helpful information on different issues...
Thank you for being so helpful".
Peter Kovalenko - Porirua
"I have been a member of the Consumer NZ for 20 or more years and have enjoyed much reliable advice.
I turn to their tests before making significant purchases".
Lyndal Print – Auckland
Join Consumer now and make your decisions easy on a huge range of products and services
- Over 500 reports, plus interactive tools and calculators
- Independent advice from NZ's trusted source of information
- Join over 65,000 members who help us get all NZers a fairer deal
from just $28
Previous: Overseas prices
