For a child aged 1 to 3, UHT whole cow’s milk may be considered as part of a varied diet: Manger Bouger says it can be alternated with growing-up milk after the age of 1. Before then, Ameli recommends continuing with infant formula. When placing a grocery collection order, check the child’s individual needs, the type of milk, the pack size and storage instructions. A “mild” taste is a matter of personal preference, not a proven characteristic of every product.
You’re looking for whole milk for a young child to drink every day. Age is the first thing to consider: Ameli recommends continuing with infant formula until the age of 1, while Manger Bouger lists UHT whole cow’s milk as an option after that age, as part of a varied diet.
You need to choose a pack size that suits how quickly you get through milk and check which product your store offers. Carrefour and Auchan note that the information or range shown may depend on the selected collection store.
If you’re considering this because of discomfort, don’t confuse lactose intolerance with an allergy to milk proteins. Ameli explains that these are two different conditions; lactose-free milk is still a dairy product.
Start with your child’s age and any specific needs they may have. The processing method, taste preferences and pack size can then help you compare the products available through your chosen collection service.
| What to consider | What to check | Who is it for? |
|---|---|---|
| Child’s age | Check your child’s age and the milk’s product description. Before the age of 1, Ameli recommends continuing with infant formula. After the age of 1, Manger Bouger says UHT whole cow’s milk can be alternated with growing-up milk. | If I’m choosing milk for a young child, I want to make sure it’s right for their stage of development first. Around 36% of consumers would put this first. |
| Lactose and milk proteins | Work out why you might need a lactose-free option. Ameli explains that lactose intolerance and an allergy to milk proteins are two different conditions. | If there’s discomfort or a suspected allergy, I don’t want to choose a lactose-free product assuming it will suit both conditions. Around 29% of consumers would make this their top priority. |
| Taste and storage | Look for the UHT or fresh/pasteurised description and read the storage instructions. If you want to see whether you like the taste, start with a smaller pack. | If I’m looking for a taste my child will enjoy, I’d rather try the milk before ordering a multipack. Around 21% of consumers would make this their top priority. |
| Pack size and availability | Select your collection store, then check the volume of each carton, the number of cartons and the storage instructions once opened for the product you’ve chosen. | If I leave longer between orders, I want a pack size that’s easy for my household to use and store. Availability and pack size would come first for around 14% of consumers. |
Regular whole milk is not a substitute for infant formula at this stage. Ameli recommends continuing with infant formula until the age of 1.
Check your child’s age before choosing a product. If your baby is under 1, ask a healthcare professional for advice on the right infant formula.
Lactose-free milk is still a dairy product. As Ameli explains, lactose intolerance and an allergy to milk proteins are not the same condition.
If an allergy is known or suspected, follow the advice of a healthcare professional rather than simply switching to a different milk in your online grocery order.
You can’t tell whether you’ll like the taste from the words “whole milk” or the number of cartons in a multipack. Buying a large pack first could leave you with several unused cartons if you don’t enjoy the taste.
Try one carton first, then choose a multipack if the milk suits your household and how quickly you get through it.
Once opened, follow the storage instructions and use-by period shown on the packaging of the product you buy.
These ranges offer a useful starting point for comparing types of whole milk and pack sizes. Check which product is available from your chosen collection store before you buy.
The range includes UHT whole milk as well as Matin Léger, a lactose-free whole milk option.
The GrandLait range includes whole milk and fresh whole milk from the mountains.
Carrefour Classic’ offers UHT whole milk, including a 1 L bottle listed for grocery collection or delivery.
Products listed by E.Leclerc include Delisse whole milk in a pack of 6 × 1 L.
Auchan’s range includes UHT whole milk in a pack of 6 × 1 L.
This pack of 6 × 1 L whole milk is a multi-carton purchase. If you’re trying the taste for the first time, compare it with a smaller pack instead. Also check the storage instructions for the product you choose.
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A multipack to consider if you regularly use whole milk, rather than for your first taste test.
Pack size listed: 6 cartons of 1 L. Check the product details and packaging for the storage method and instructions once opened.
No, it is not a substitute for infant formula: Ameli recommends continuing with infant formula until the age of 1. After the age of 1, Manger Bouger says growing-up milk can be alternated with UHT whole cow’s milk as part of a varied diet.
Don’t treat it as a solution for an allergy to milk proteins: it is still a dairy product. Ameli distinguishes this allergy from lactose intolerance. If an allergy is known or suspected, follow the advice of a healthcare professional.
UHT milk is suitable if you want to store it before opening, while fresh milk needs to be kept chilled as soon as you collect it. If taste is a factor in your choice, try the product you’re interested in and follow the storage instructions on its packaging.
Check the exact product description, ingredients and storage instructions for the product you buy. The DGCCRF also highlights the role of milk labelling in providing information about fat content. If the milk’s origin matters to you, check the information on the packaging.