Dairy and dairy-free buying guides

Clear, practical guides to milk, cheese, yoghurt and the alternatives. What the words on the pack mean, which product suits which use, and how to keep it fresh.

Milk

Guide · Milk

Whole, semi-skimmed or skimmed: how to choose milk

The main difference between whole, semi-skimmed and skimmed milk is fat. Here is what each label means, which milk suits which use, and how to keep it fresh.

6 min read

Cheese

Guide · Cheese

Mild to vintage: how to choose cheddar

Cheddar ranges from soft and mild to crumbly and sharp, and age is the main reason. Here is how to read the pack and choose the right cheddar for sandwiches, cooking or a cheese board.

6 min read

Guide · Cheese

Brie, camembert, goats' cheese and feta: a guide to soft cheese

Soft and fresh cheeses vary from rich, ripe brie to salty feta and squeaky halloumi. Here is how to choose them, serve them and keep them, plus what the NHS says about pregnancy.

7 min read

Yoghurt

Guide · Yoghurt

Natural, Greek style, skyr or kefir: how to choose yoghurt

Yoghurts differ in thickness, protein, fat and sugar far more than the pots suggest. Here is what each name means and how to pick one for breakfast, cooking or snacks.

6 min read

Dairy-free

Guide · Dairy-free

Oat, soya, almond or coconut: choosing a plant-based milk

Plant-based drinks differ a lot in protein, taste and how well they work in coffee. Here is how to read the label and pick the right one for each job.

6 min read

Lactose-free

Guide · Lactose-free

Lactose-free dairy explained: milk, cheese and yoghurt

Lactose-free milk is real cows' milk with the lactose already broken down. Here is how it differs from dairy-free, which foods are naturally low in lactose, and what to check on the label.

6 min read