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National Milk Day

Celebrate National Milk Day with a glass of your favorite kind - it's the perfect way to start (or end) the day!

Monday

January 2027

Last updated February 7, 2026 · by the Holiday Calendar Team

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YEARLY DATEJanuary 11

OBSERVED INUnited States

CATEGORYFood

SUBCATEGORYDairy

INTRO

Introduction

PHOTO

Celebrate National Milk Day on January 11th by enjoying a delicious glass of milk! This day has been around since the mid-1980s to recognize and honor the importance of dairy products in our everyday lives, especially one particular product – milk. Not only is it an important source of nutrition, but it can also be used in cooking and baking. Whether you choose cow's milk or plant-based alternatives like almond and soy beverages, there are plenty of ways to enjoy this nutritious beverage year round.

TIMELINE

National Milk Day Timeline

Creation of Condensed Milk

American inventor Gail Borden creates condensed milk, which becomes a popular substitute for fresh milk in areas without refrigeration.

Milk Sterilization

German scientist Franz von Soxhlet proposes sterilizing milk to make it safer to drink, paving the way for today's pasteurization processes.

First Milk Bottles

The first milk bottles are introduced, replacing milk cans, to provide better storage and delivery of milk.

Automatic Milking Machine

The automatic milking machine is invented, significantly increasing milk production efficiency on dairy farms.

Got Milk? Campaign

The iconic "Got Milk?" ad campaign is launched in the US, significantly boosting milk consumption nationally.

First National Milk Day

In 2017, the first National Milk Day is celebrated on January 11, honoring the first delivery of milk in glass bottles in 1878.

GET INVOLVED

How to Celebrate National Milk Day

Bake a cake

What better way to celebrate National Milk Day than with a delicious cake? Make sure to use plenty of milk in the recipe for a moist and flavorful treat.

DRINK

Drink a glass of cold milk

Grab a tall glass of cold milk and enjoy the creamy refreshing taste. Add some chocolate syrup for extra indulgence.

EAT

Eat cereal with milk

Breakfast is the most important meal of the day, so why not celebrate National Milk Day with your favorite cereal? Grab your favorite bowl and pour in some cold, fresh milk and enjoy!

MAKE

Make homemade ice cream

Making homemade ice cream is fun and easy! All you need is a can of evaporated milk, some sugar, and your favorite flavorings. Mix all the ingredients together, pour into an ice cream maker, and voila - delicious homemade ice cream.

CREATE

Create a smoothie

Smoothies are a great way to start the day off right or enjoy as an afternoon snack. Blend together your favorite fruits with some milk for a nutrient packed treat.

WHY THIS DAY MATTERS

Why We Love National Milk Day

It’s easy to incorporate into any diet

No matter what type of diet you follow, there's always a way to fit milk in. From lactose free milks for those with dietary restrictions, to high protein varieties for athletes who need extra fuel - there's something for everyone! On National Milk Day why not try switching out your morning coffee for a cup of cold creamy milk?

Milk is a great source of calcium

Milk is an excellent source of calcium, which helps to strengthen our bones and teeth. It also contains numerous other essential nutrients such as proteins, phosphorus and vitamin D. Drinking milk regularly can help to keep your body healthy and strong!

Milk comes in many delicious flavors

Gone are the days when milk only came in regular flavored varieties. Nowadays we can enjoy all sorts of yummy flavors like caramel, chocolate, strawberry and even almond milk! No matter what your taste buds crave, you're sure to find a milk flavor that will satisfy your cravings!