Why Raw Milk in Your Protein Shake Can Be Dangerous

When it comes to making a protein shake, you have countless options for liquid bases. Water, nut milk, oat milk, or pasteurized dairy milk all provide a safe, effective, and tasty way to fuel up after a workout. But despite a recent trend promoting it as a “more natural” and “unprocessed” option, raw, unpasteurized milk isn’t one of those safe choices. And the truth is, it’s a choice that could be harmful to your health.

Pasteurization exists for a very important reason and understanding the science behind it will help clarify the difference between “good” and “bad” bacteria, the risks of raw milk, and why there are far better alternatives for your health. So let’s get into it.

Advocates of raw milk claim that because it’s unprocessed, it’s closer to what our ancestors drank, loaded with “natural” bacteria, and better for digestion and overall health. There’s also a misconception that the probiotics in raw milk make it beneficial for gut health. But here’s where the problem lies: just because something feels closer to nature doesn’t mean it’s safer or healthier.

When we talk about beneficial probiotics, these bacteria need to be of human origin to truly benefit the human gut. Raw milk contains bacteria, yes, but not necessarily the kind that works in harmony with our systems. Unlike yogurt or kombucha, which often have strains of probiotics specifically beneficial to human digestion, raw milk’s bacteria come from less appealing sources.

Raw milk can contain a wide range of bacteria, and here’s where things get concerning. These bacteria are not just from the cow itself but can also be introduced through.

Cows, like any animals, are susceptible to infections. If an infection is present in the udder, it can introduce harmful bacteria directly into the milk.

This can happen easily during milking. Despite sanitary measures, there is still the possibility of manure making its way into raw milk, bringing bacteria that can make us sick.

Milking equipment needs to be sanitized properly. If it isn’t, bacteria can multiply and contaminate the milk.

The bacteria from these sources isn’t there to help us; it’s there simply because of the nature of raw milk production. And unlike probiotics that are safe for human consumption, these bacteria can potentially be harmful.

Because raw milk bypasses the pasteurization process - a process specifically designed to kill harmful bacteria - consuming it carries a significant risk. One of the most dangerous bacteria sometimes present in raw milk is E. coli O157:H7, a strain that can cause severe illness in humans.

Here’s what that risk looks like:

This bacterium is particularly harmful because it releases a toxin that can lead to hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), a condition where red blood cells are destroyed and can block the kidneys. For some people, especially children, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems, HUS can lead to kidney failure or even death.

Both of these bacteria can also be present in raw milk, leading to symptoms like diarrhea, vomiting, fever, and abdominal cramps. These symptoms may seem mild at first but can escalate quickly, particularly in vulnerable individuals.

Listeria is another potential contaminant that’s dangerous, especially for pregnant women, as it can lead to miscarriage, stillbirth, or severe infection in newborns.

Pasteurization was developed specifically to make milk safer by heating it to a temperature that kills harmful bacteria without impacting the taste or nutritional value. It’s a tried-and-true process that has been protecting consumers for over a century, vastly reducing the risks associated with milk consumption.

When milk is pasteurized, you still get the protein, calcium, and vitamins that make milk a great base for your protein shake - but without the harmful bacteria that can cause serious illness. So, you’re getting all the benefits of milk with none of the risks of raw milk contamination.

If you’re looking for a healthy, nutritious base for your protein shake, there are plenty of options far safer than raw milk. Here are a few ideas:

You get all the protein, calcium, and vitamin D benefits with none of the risks.

A popular dairy-free choice that’s low in calories and often fortified with vitamins and minerals.

Creamy, naturally sweet, and loaded with fiber and nutrients, oat milk is great for digestive health.

High in protein and often enriched with vitamins, soy milk is an excellent alternative to dairy.

The idea of consuming something as close to nature as possible can be appealing, but when it comes to raw milk, the risks far outweigh any perceived benefits.

So, if you want to make your protein shake as healthy and safe as possible, stick with pasteurized milk or try a dairy-free alternative. These options allow you to enjoy all the nutritional benefits of milk, worry- free, and avoid the bacteria that can cause dangerous illnesses. At the end of the day, there are much safer ways to stay natural and fuel your body - without compromising your health.