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HEALTH & NUTRITION

Do Rockview® Dairy products contain rBST?

No. And, as a matter of fact, none of our products ever have or ever will! Our cows have been rBST-free for over 50 years.


Does your yogurt contain rBST?

No. And, as a matter of fact, none of our products ever have or ever will! Our cows have been rBST-free for over 50 years.


Do you give your cows artificial growth hormones (rBST)?

No. And, as a matter of fact, we never have! Our cows have been rBST-free for over 50 years.


How do I find nutritional information?

Each Rockview product has a nutritional information box printed on its packaging. You can also access this information on our Products Page Just select the product you’d like to know more about.


Can drinking milk give me kidney stones?

No. Milk does not cause kidney stones. Actually, in 2013, a study in The Journal of Urology, found that higher calcium intake from dairy and nondairy sources is associated with a lower risk of kidney stones.


Is organic milk healthier?

Both types of milk are healthy, wholesome, and highly nutritious. Studies have shown that, while organic milk has higher concentrations of some vitamins, minerals, and certain fatty acids, it has lower concentrations of others, such as iodine and selenium. Also, the differences in nutrient composition between the two types of milk are not significant enough to affect the overall nutrition a person gains from drinking one or the other.


Is it true that chocolate milk might as well be soda?

Definitely not true! Cup for cup, Rockview Chocolate Milk has about 10%–20% less sugar than soda. While there is some added sugar, chocolate milk also has all the same essential nutrients as white milk. Also, offering chocolate milk can be a great way to increase kids’ calcium intake. In fact, researchers who reported their findings in the Journal of the American Dietetic Association found a positive association between drinking plain and flavored milk and nutrient intake in kids. They also reported no association between either type of milk and childhood obesity.


Is raw milk better for me than pasteurized milk?

Not only is there no evidence to support this claim, there is ample evidence showing that raw milk can pose serious health risks. A recent health notice published by the FDA warns consumers that pasteurization of milk is a safe and effective way to prevent serious foodborne illness, including outbreaks of foodborne illness, tuberculosis, brucellosis, salmonellosis, scarlet fever, and listeriosis, and that drinking raw milk puts people at risk—a risk that’s especially high among pregnant women and young children.


What is rBST?

The acronym rBST stands for recombinant bovine somatotropin, which is an artificial form of a hormone cows produce naturally. Artificially increasing the levels of this hormone causes cows to produce more milk. We’ve always felt like our happy cows produced quite enough! The FDA has determined that there’s no significant difference between milk from rBST-treated and untreated cows, but most of our customers agree with our opposition to it.


Does UHT and ESL processing strip dairy of its nutrients?

No. UHT and ESL milk are packed full of the nutrients a body needs to grow and thrive, including calcium, Vitamins A, D, and B12, potassium, phosphorus, magnesium, riboflavin, niacin, and zinc. Whereas some vitamins are heat sensitive, minerals are completely immune to heat. And any sensitive vitamins are added back into our milk following pasteurization. In addition to being carefully monitored to avoid damaging proteins, our UHT/ESL pasteurization process lasts about 3 seconds (flash pasteurization) and is immediately cooled to minimize any nutrient loss.


Does Rockview® Eggnog contain raw eggs?

No.  Rockview Eggnog does contain eggs however all of our products undergo pasteurization or ultra-pasteurization prior to being bottled and arriving at your local store.


How do you make lactose-free milk?

The complex sugar in milk is called lactose. To make our delicious milk safe for those with lactose intolerance this complex sugar is broken into two simpler sugars, galactose and glucose (which are much easier for these folks to digest), using the same natural enzyme our bodies use to break down lactose.


I’ve heard a lot of talk about cottage cheese and body building. What’s the connection?

Cottage cheese is very high in long-lasting casein protein, which makes it a great food for those wanting to build lean muscle. Casein protein doesn’t break down as quickly in the stomach, so it releases amino acids into the bloodstream at a slow, steady pace. This feature also makes it an excellent bedtime snack!


Does Rockview® Yogurt have added sugars?

Yes, but just enough naturally milled cane sugar to make it wonderfully sweet and delicious! Plus, our yogurt does not contain corn syrup of any kind, and has no artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives.


I’ve heard that butter can increase your cholesterol levels. Is that true?

While eating too much of any saturated fat can increase cholesterol levels, studies have shown that the healthy fats in dairy products like butter and cream are really good for you! In a study published in the journal Food and Nutrition Sciences, the researchers concluded, “The macro and micro nutrients found in meat, fish, eggs and dairy products, are vital for human health and consumption of these nutritious foods should be encouraged.” The key is moderation.


Is juice good for my kids?

Yes, as long as it contains 100% fruit juice and doesn’t have added sugar. In moderation, 100% fruit juice can be a great way to sneak in an extra serving of fruit!


PRODUCT QUALITY

Do you give your cows artificial growth hormones (rBST)?

No. And, as a matter of fact, we never have! Our cows have been rBST-free for over 50 years.


What does the “best-by” date mean?

Products should be consumed by the printed date to ensure freshness.  As a side note, for best results, keep your refrigerator as cold as possible without freezing, around 36oF.


How long do Rockview products last?

All Rockview products are guaranteed fresh up to the best-by printed on the packaging. For our regularly pasteurized products, this date is typically 19 days after production. Our UHT/ESL (ultra-high temperature/extended shelf life) products last much longer—from 75 to 90 days following production.

During traditional pasteurization, our milk is heated to a minimum of 161° F for 15 seconds. This process removes 99.9% of bacteria and gives milk a shelf life of about 16 to 21 days from the date of packaging. The extended shelf life of some of our products is the result of ultra-high temperature pasteurization for a much shorter time, a minimum of 280°F for 2 seconds, and immediately cooled.


How can I tell if my product is still safe to drink or eat?

If your product smells bad, do not consume it. Even if it smells fine but is several days past the sell-by date, we believe it’s always best to err on the side of caution.


Where do Rockview Farms dairy products come from?

All Rockview Farms dairy products are from cows raised on our family-owned farms or on other family-owned farms with whom we have longstanding, close relationships. This way, we’re able to ensure that the welfare of our animals and the quality of our milk meet the most exceptional standards.


Is Rockview Milk organic?

At Rockview, we produce delicious conventional and organic milk. Nutritionally, they are very similar. However, while hormone therapy and antibiotics are only used in our regular cows when needed for their health, our organic cows are never exposed to hormone therapy or antibiotics.


When is Rockview® Eggnog available?

You’ll find our delicious eggnog on your grocer’s shelf between October and January each year. And if you don’t, download our Product Request Form and let the store manager know.


How can I learn more about gluten-free processing at Rockview® Family Farms?

Milk is naturally gluten free.  Gluten is a protein found in grains such as wheat, barley, and rye.  Always check the ingredient statement if you have a question or contact us


Where does Rockview® Farms Yogurt come from?

The vast majority of Rockview® Farms dairy products are made from milk from our family-owned farms. That means we’re there through the entire process, making sure you get the highest quality, best tasting products imaginable!


What if nut milks (such as almond milk) separate?

One common misconception is that if it separates, it’s bad. But in fact any almond milk will separate naturally over time. Stabilizers and emulsifiers help them to separate more slowly. But regardless, it is natural, normal, and not a sign of it going bad. Just shake the milk before using.


CUSTOMER SERVICE

What should I do if I’m unhappy with Rockview products or service?

Please contact us and let us know about it!  Your satisfaction with Rockview Family Farms is our highest priority.


I can’t find Rockview products. Do you have a locator?

We sure do. Click here to access our product locator. Also, if your favorite store doesn’t carry Rockview products, you can download our Product Request PDF. Please feel free to contact us if you’d like assistance.


OUR ETHICS

Do you give your cows artificial growth hormones (rBST)?

No. And, as a matter of fact, we never have! Our cows have been rBST-free for over 50 years.


What is rBST?

The acronym rBST stands for recombinant bovine somatotropin, which is an artificial form of a hormone cows produce naturally. Artificially increasing the levels of this hormone causes cows to produce more milk. We’ve always felt like our happy cows produced quite enough! The FDA has determined that there’s no significant difference between milk from rBST-treated and untreated cows, but most of our customers agree with our opposition to it.


What do you feed your cows?

From the time they’re born until they become producing adults, all of our cows are fed a diet carefully formulated by a ruminant nutritionist to include only locally grown forages and grains. Our cows are never fed any animal by-products. This diet features an optimum balance of forages to maintain rumen health, as well as grains that supply protein, fats (including omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids), energy, vitamins, and minerals. This combination supports the optimum growth and development of young stock, helping them grow to become healthy, happy, productive cows. Our organic cows are fed organically certified feeds and are grazed on pasture in accordance with the organic regulations set forth by the USDA.


How do you treat your cows?

Because we own our cows and have intricate relationships with the other family farms we source milk from, we’re able to ensure our cows are treated humanely and with great respect. Animal welfare is a key component of who we are, and our insistence that our cows have plenty of sunshine, fresh air, and room to run translates into high quality dairy products!


What should I do if I’m unhappy with Rockview products or service?

Please contact us and let us know about it!  Your satisfaction with Rockview Family Farms is our highest priority.


UHT & ESL Products

Does UHT and ESL processing strip dairy of its nutrients?

No. UHT and ESL milk are packed full of the nutrients a body needs to grow and thrive, including calcium, Vitamins A, D, and B12, potassium, phosphorus, magnesium, riboflavin, niacin, and zinc. Whereas some vitamins are heat sensitive, minerals are completely immune to heat. And any sensitive vitamins are added back into our milk following pasteurization. In addition to being carefully monitored to avoid damaging proteins, our UHT/ESL pasteurization process lasts about 3 seconds (flash pasteurization) and is immediately cooled to minimize any nutrient loss.


Do UHT and ESL products last longer?

All Rockview products are guaranteed fresh up to the expiration date printed on the packaging. For our regularly pasteurized products, this date is typically 19 days after production. Our extended shelf life (ESL) products and products processed using UHT (ultra-high temperature) technology last much longer—from 75 to 90 days following production. However, once these products are opened, they last about the same amount of time as regularly pasteurized products.


Is it safe to drink milk that’s been pasteurized using these methods?

Absolutely! ESL/UHT pasteurization is mostly a matter of turning up the heat for a few seconds. These higher temperatures combined with Rockview Family Farms’ ultra-clean environment is our recipe for wholesome, delicious products that stay that way a whole lot longer.


Why does your lactose-free milk have such a long “best-by” date?

Rockview® Lactose-Free Milk is pasteurized using ultra-high temperature (UHT), or extended shelf life (ESL), technology. That just means it was heated to a higher temperature for a shorter time than conventionally pasteurized milk. All of our UHT/ESL products are just as wholesome and taste just as great. They just last longer!


Organic

What does “organic” mean?

Organic is a guarantee about how a product was handled and produced prior to reaching the consumer, in adherence with United States Department of Agriculture National Organic Program guidelines.  More information can be found at the USDA NOP website; National Organic Program | Agricultural Marketing Service (usda.gov)


Are Rockview Organic products also processed organically?

Yes, absolutely!  Organic ingredients and products are segregated from all non-organic items and processed on equipment used only after being washed


What does it mean when a farm is certified organic?

Our organic farms must comply with all the National Organic Program (NOP) standards. With an average of more than one acre per cow of organic grazing area and access to pasture in excess of NOP grazing requirements, our well-fed cows enjoy clean water, fresh air, shade, and sunshine year-round. Regular government, independent, and internal inspections help us make sure we’re in compliance.


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