Zeal FAQ

+ What is grass milk?

Grass milk comes from dairy cows that eat grass and dried forages, just like nature intended. And as it turns out, there is new research that shows that what nature intended is more nutritious.

+ Why is grass milk better for you?

Dairy cows that are fed mainly a diet of grass will produce milk that is naturally higher in Omega 3s and CLAs, which some studies say provide more of the beneficial fats that your body needs. This research was performed by Missouri University in 2019. To learn more about this study, contact Dr. Stacey Hamilton at hamiltonsa@missouri.edu

+ What is A2 protein?

A2 is a type of protein that exists in cow’s milk that is sourced from specific cow breeds. At Zeal Creamery, our herds are primarily Jersey which are known to be high in A2 protein. Human breast, goat, sheep, and water buffalo milks all contain only A2-like proteins, and thousands of years ago, cow’s milk also had only A2. Historians believe that the A1 mutation originated in Europe somewhere around 8,000 years ago, but why it occurred is open to speculation. Some cows produce only A1, some only A2 and some both proteins. In regular milk production, all the cow’s milks are typically blended together so you get a mix of proteins in the carton. To get A2 milk, a complete genetic testing is done to determine which cows make only the A2 protein variation.

+ What does ‘free range’ mean?

Unlike conventional dairy practices, our dairy cows are never in barns. Never ever. Our land to cow ratio averages one Zeal dairy cow per acre to graze over, giving them space to roam freely, 365 days a year. Our cows walk on average 10,000 steps a day in their dream home - open, expansive green pastures.

+ Are you non-GMO (genetically modified organism)?

Zeal Grass-Fed milks are Non GMO. All the green grass that our cows graze on and eat are Non GMO.

+ Is Zeal milk certified organic?

Zeal is not certified organic currently. However, like organic, we are Non-GMO and our fields don’t use pesticides. Our standards are actually more stringent in most ways. While organic milk requires a minimum of 120 days spent grazing per year, our Zeal cows get to enjoy the outdoors 365 days a year. Organic guidelines don’t require cows to be 100% grass fed but we believe that’s the best natural diet for our cows and our delicious milk is proof!

+ Is Zeal milk certified Kosher?

Yes Zeal Grass-Fed Milks are certified Kosher Dairy by the Orthodox Union.

+ Can I drink Zeal milk if I am lactose intolerant?

No but coming soon we will have lactose free option for you, Zeal Lactose Free Grass Milk.

+ Why is the color of the milk not as white as other milks?

The cow’s natural diet of pasture grass is what causes our milk to have a slightly golden hue. This occurs naturally with pasture grazed milk.

+ Once opened, how long will the milk stay fresh?

Freshest tasting within 7 days after opening, and it must be kept refrigerated.

+ Is Zeal milk fortified with vitamins/do we add additional vitamins?

Our milk is not fortified with vitamins. However, since our dairy cows are outside 365 days a year and graze on green grass, this has a great effect on our milk. Each bottle has been filled to the brim with naturally sourced vitamins, minerals and proteins.

+ Are Zeal products gluten free?

Yes, we are gluten free.

+ What are CLAs?

Conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) is a naturally occurring trans fatty acid made from omega-6 essential fatty acids found in cows, goats, and sheep. Unlike industrial trans fatty acids, CLA may have a great potential benefit to human health.

+ What is Zeal Lactose Free Whole Milk?

We remove the lactose from the milk during our manufacturing process to create a lactose free milk.

+ Is there caffeine in your Chocolate Milk?

No.

+ What is Stevia?

Stevia is a member of the Chrysanthemum family. Stevia leaf extract is a naturally sourced sweetener without calories and carbohydrates. The stevia leaf has been used as a sweetener for hundreds of years in South America.

+ What is Manuka Honey?

Manuka honey is made in New Zealand by bees that pollinate the native Manuka bush.

+ Can Chocolate Whole Milk be consumed by everyone?

Because our chocolate milk contains Manuka honey, we do not recommend you give to infants under age one.

+ Why does Zeal milk come in a plastic bottle?

Plastic is lighter to transport than glass, which helps to reduce our carbon footprint. Retailers (and consumers) generally prefer plastic as it’s easier to handle and won’t break like glass. Our bottles are 100% recyclable and BPA free.

+ Is Zeal Grass-Fed Milk compliant with California Prop 65?

Yes.

+ Where can I buy Zeal milk?

Check out our store locator. We are rapidly adding new locations, so check back soon if it’s not in your area.

+ What does single farm mean?

Most milk comes from cooperatives that collect milk from multiple farms and comingle them in large tanks for production, preventing any traceability back to the single farm. All of our milks are sourced from a single farm, and we can trace each bottle back to the pastures from which they came.

+ What breeds/kinds of cows live on your farms?

Our herd is mainly Jersey bred cows.

+ Are your cows given artificial hormones?

No, we never use any added hormones.

+ What does grass fed mean?

Grass fed means that our cows are not fed any special diet, and they get to roam the pastures and eat as much natural grass as they want.

+ What do Zeal cows eat in the winter when the pastures are dormant?

Our farms, located off Historic Route 66 in Missouri, where average temperatures rarely go below 40F, allow our cows graze on green grass 365 days a year. If we have a cold winter, the dairy cows we will eat grass that has been harvested during the summer supplemented with grains.

+ What are your animal welfare practices?

Zeal milk is certified by AGW (A Greener World) as Animal Welfare Approved. This third-party certification guarantees animals are raised outdoors for their entire lives using sustainable farming practices. Regular audits ensure that we maintain our high standards for animal welfare.

+ Are there any allergens in your manufacturing facility?

No

+ What systems do you use to ensure traceability?

We use proprietary track & trace systems that link the finished milk bottles, right the way back to the herd. Zeal Creamery Milks are produced at a single dairy farm off Historic Route 66 in Missouri. We know our farms, farmers and our milk.