The Benefits of Raw Dairy in a Traditional Foods Diet
The Benefits of Raw Dairy in a Traditional Foods Diet

Raw dairy has long been a staple in traditional diets, valued for its rich nutrient profile and natural flavors. As we return to embracing whole, unprocessed foods, raw dairy takes center stage, offering a host of health benefits and culinary possibilities. Whether it’s creamy raw milk or cultured dairy products like kefir, incorporating raw dairy into your diet can support both wellness and creativity in the kitchen.

Why Raw Dairy?

Raw dairy is minimally processed, preserving its natural enzymes, beneficial bacteria, and nutrients—elements often lost during pasteurization. This makes it a cornerstone of traditional diets, as described in Sally Fallon’s Nourishing Traditionsand the research of the Weston A. Price Foundation. Here are its primary benefits:
  1. Nutrient Density:
    Raw milk contains essential vitamins (A, D, and K2), minerals like calcium and magnesium, and healthy fats critical for bone health, immune function, and cellular repair. (Source: Weston A. Price Foundation)
  2. Supports Gut Health:
    Loaded with probiotics, raw dairy fosters a balanced gut microbiome, which aids digestion and boosts immunity. The live bacteria in raw dairy products like kefir and yogurt naturally replenish gut flora. (Source: Nourished Kitchen)
  3. Improved Digestibility:
    Raw dairy contains lactase and other enzymes that make it easier for many individuals to digest compared to pasteurized milk. This can benefit those with mild lactose intolerance.
  4. Community Support:
    Sourcing raw dairy often involves partnering with local farmers, strengthening the connection between consumers and sustainable, ethical agriculture.

How to Access Raw Dairy

Finding raw dairy has never been easier with local Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) programs. For example, Real Food Bay Area offers raw milk, cream, butter, and more delivered to your doorstep from trusted local farms. To find a CSA near you, explore resources such as LocalHarvest.org or Weston A. Price Foundation's farm directory.

Four Recipes Using Raw Dairy

Raw dairy opens up endless possibilities for homemade creations. Here are four easy recipes to try:

1. Homemade Butter

Ingredients:
  • 2 cups raw cream
Instructions:
  1. Pour cream into a stand mixer or jar with a lid.
  2. Mix or shake vigorously until the cream separates into butter and buttermilk.
  3. Strain the buttermilk and rinse the butter with cold water.
  4. Knead the butter to remove excess liquid; salt if desired.
(Inspired by Nourished Kitchen’s butter-making techniques.)

2. Homemade Buttermilk

Ingredients:
  • 1 cup raw milk
  • 2 tablespoons cultured buttermilk or kefir
Instructions:
  1. Mix raw milk with cultured buttermilk in a jar.
  2. Cover loosely with a cloth and let sit at room temperature for 12–24 hours.
  3. Once thickened, refrigerate for up to two weeks.
(Source: Cultures for Health’s guides on fermented dairy.)

3. Homemade Dairy Kefir

Ingredients:
Instructions:
  1. Add kefir grains to raw milk in a clean jar.
  2. Cover with a breathable cloth and secure with a rubber band.
  3. Let sit at room temperature for 24–48 hours, stirring occasionally.
  4. Strain out the grains and store kefir in the fridge.
(Source: Weston A. Price Foundation’s guide to kefir.)

4. Homemade Yogurt (Without a Yogurt Maker)

Ingredients:
Instructions:
  1. Heat raw milk gently to 110°F to retain enzymes.
  2. Stir in yogurt starter and pour into a clean jar.
  3. Keep the jar in a warm place (an oven with the light on works well) for 8–12 hours.
  4. Refrigerate once the yogurt has thickened.
(Inspired by Nourished Kitchen’s yogurt recipes.)

Raw Dairy and the Traditional Foods Lifestyle

Incorporating raw dairy into your diet is not just about nourishment—it’s about connecting to the traditions of our ancestors and supporting sustainable food systems. For more recipes, resources, and community support, visit WylderSpace, explore Nourishing Traditions by Sally Fallon, and learn from our step-by-step course on how to transform your health with small daily wins.
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By embracing the vitality of raw dairy and making these simple recipes, you’re rediscovering the joy of nourishing yourself and your loved ones the way nature intended.

PS, we're now going live every day on IG and TikTok, if you're interested in watching a step by step tutorial on transforming your health, your kitchen and your life.  Come follow along and join in the REAL FOOD movement with Wylder.




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