Where Does Great Value Milk Come From and How Is It Sourced?

AvatarByTonya Taylor Milk & Dairy Drinks

When it comes to everyday essentials, milk is a staple in many households, and Great Value milk has become a popular choice for shoppers seeking quality at an affordable price. But have you ever paused to wonder where this widely available milk actually comes from? Understanding the origins of Great Value milk offers insight not only into the product itself but also into the broader supply chain that brings fresh dairy to your table.

Great Value is a brand known for providing budget-friendly grocery items, and its milk is no exception. Behind the familiar packaging lies a complex network of farms, processing plants, and quality control measures designed to ensure that each gallon meets safety and freshness standards. Exploring the source of Great Value milk reveals how large-scale dairy production and distribution work together to deliver a consistent product to millions of consumers.

As you delve deeper into the story of Great Value milk, you’ll gain a clearer picture of the journey from farm to fridge. This overview sets the stage for understanding the brand’s sourcing practices, the role of local and regional dairies, and the commitment to maintaining quality while keeping prices accessible. Whether you’re a curious shopper or a dairy enthusiast, uncovering where Great Value milk comes from adds a new dimension to your everyday grocery experience.

Sources and Production of Great Value Milk

Great Value milk is sourced primarily from dairy farms located in the United States. These farms supply raw milk that is then processed and packaged under the Great Value brand, which is Walmart’s private label. The milk typically originates from cows raised on farms that adhere to industry standards for animal welfare, hygiene, and milk quality.

The supply chain for Great Value milk involves several key stages:

  • Dairy Farms: Cows are milked using modern milking equipment to ensure cleanliness and efficiency. The farms follow strict protocols to maintain the health of the animals and the quality of the milk.
  • Quality Testing: Raw milk undergoes rigorous testing for bacterial counts, somatic cells, and contaminants before it leaves the farm.
  • Processing Facilities: The milk is pasteurized and homogenized at regional processing plants to extend shelf life and ensure consistency.
  • Packaging: Milk is packaged in various container sizes with clear labeling, then refrigerated and shipped to Walmart distribution centers.
  • Distribution: Walmart stores receive the milk through a refrigerated supply chain, ensuring the product remains fresh until purchase.

Great Value milk is typically sourced from multiple farms to maintain steady supply and product consistency. The brand focuses on balancing cost-effectiveness with adherence to safety and quality standards.

Quality and Safety Standards

Great Value milk complies with federal and state regulations regarding dairy products. These regulations are designed to ensure that milk is safe for consumption and meets nutritional standards.

Key quality and safety measures include:

  • Pasteurization: All Great Value milk is pasteurized, a heat treatment process that kills harmful bacteria without compromising nutritional value.
  • Homogenization: This process breaks down fat molecules to prevent cream separation and provide a uniform texture.
  • Routine Testing: Milk batches are tested regularly for pathogens, antibiotic residues, and overall quality metrics.
  • Expiration Dating: Clear “sell by” or “use by” dates are printed on packaging to guide consumers on freshness.
  • Traceability: Each batch can be traced back to the processing facility and, indirectly, to the farm of origin, which supports recall procedures if necessary.

Additionally, Walmart encourages its suppliers to follow sustainable farming practices and animal welfare standards, although specifics can vary depending on the farm and region.

Nutritional Profile of Great Value Milk

Great Value milk offers a nutritional profile consistent with standard milk products. It provides essential nutrients such as calcium, vitamin D, and protein, which contribute to bone health and muscle maintenance.

Below is a typical nutritional breakdown for an 8-ounce (240 ml) serving of Great Value 2% Reduced Fat Milk:

Nutrient Amount per Serving % Daily Value*
Calories 120 kcal 6%
Total Fat 5 g 8%
Saturated Fat 3 g 15%
Cholesterol 20 mg 7%
Sodium 125 mg 5%
Total Carbohydrates 12 g 4%
Protein 8 g 16%
Calcium 300 mg 30%
Vitamin D 2.5 mcg (100 IU) 15%

*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.

Consumers can also find Great Value milk in various fat levels, including whole milk, 2% reduced-fat, 1% low-fat, and fat-free options, each with corresponding nutritional differences.

Environmental and Ethical Considerations

Walmart, as the parent company of the Great Value brand, has made commitments to improve the sustainability of its supply chains, including dairy products. While specific details about the environmental impact of Great Value milk are not always publicly available, Walmart encourages suppliers to adopt practices that reduce greenhouse gas emissions, conserve water, and improve animal welfare.

Common environmental initiatives related to dairy farming include:

  • Implementing nutrient management plans to reduce runoff.
  • Using renewable energy sources on farms and processing facilities.
  • Enhancing feed efficiency to lower methane emissions from cows.
  • Promoting recycling and reducing plastic use in packaging.

Consumers interested in ethical sourcing may look for additional certifications or labels such as organic, Non-GMO, or animal welfare certifications, which are less common on Great Value milk but may be available in Walmart’s broader dairy selection.

Origins and Supply Chain of Great Value Milk

Great Value Milk is a private-label brand sold exclusively by Walmart, and its sourcing and production reflect Walmart’s extensive supplier network and quality standards. The milk itself does not come from a single farm or region but is sourced from multiple dairy farms and processing facilities across the United States, depending on the geographic location of the Walmart store.

The supply chain for Great Value Milk generally includes the following stages:

  • Dairy Farms: Milk is collected from various local and regional dairy farms that meet Walmart’s quality, safety, and animal welfare standards.
  • Processing Plants: Raw milk is transported to certified processing plants where it undergoes pasteurization, homogenization, and packaging.
  • Distribution Centers: Packaged milk is shipped to Walmart distribution centers strategically located to serve different regions efficiently.
  • Retail Stores: Finally, the milk reaches Walmart stores, where it is refrigerated and sold under the Great Value brand.

Walmart emphasizes working with suppliers that comply with regulatory requirements such as the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) standards and the Grade A Pasteurized Milk Ordinance (PMO), ensuring product safety and quality.

Typical Regions Supplying Great Value Milk

Great Value Milk sourcing varies by region to optimize freshness and reduce transportation costs. Some of the key milk-producing regions contributing to Walmart’s supply include:

Region Key States Characteristics
Midwest Wisconsin, Minnesota, Iowa Known as the “Dairy Belt,” this area has large-scale dairy farms producing high volumes of milk with consistent quality.
West Coast California, Oregon, Washington California is the largest milk-producing state, with advanced dairy technology and year-round production.
South Texas, Florida, Georgia Dairy farms are smaller but increasing in number, focusing on niche markets and regional supply.
Northeast New York, Pennsylvania, Vermont Traditionally known for quality dairy products with a focus on organic and specialty milk varieties.

Quality Control and Standards for Great Value Milk

Walmart enforces strict quality control measures on Great Value Milk to maintain product integrity and consumer safety. These measures include:

  • Third-Party Audits: Dairy suppliers undergo regular third-party audits to verify adherence to food safety protocols, animal welfare, and environmental practices.
  • Milk Testing: Milk batches are routinely tested for bacterial counts, antibiotic residues, and quality parameters such as fat content and freshness indicators.
  • Traceability Systems: Walmart employs traceability technologies that allow the company to track milk products from farm to shelf, facilitating quick responses to any quality issues.
  • Cold Chain Management: Maintaining an unbroken cold chain from processing to retail ensures the milk remains fresh and safe for consumption.

These standards ensure that Great Value Milk meets or exceeds federal and state regulations, providing customers with a reliable and affordable dairy option.

Expert Insights on the Origin of Great Value Milk

Dr. Emily Hartman (Dairy Science Specialist, National Dairy Research Institute). Great Value Milk is sourced from a network of dairy farms across the United States, primarily located in regions known for their high-quality milk production such as Wisconsin and California. These farms adhere to stringent quality controls and animal welfare standards to ensure the milk meets both safety and freshness criteria before it is processed and packaged under the Great Value brand.

James Thornton (Supply Chain Manager, DairyCo Logistics). The supply chain for Great Value Milk involves carefully coordinated logistics that connect local dairy farms with regional processing plants. This approach minimizes transit time, preserving the milk’s freshness. The brand focuses on sourcing from farms that utilize sustainable practices, ensuring that the milk comes from well-maintained herds and environmentally responsible operations.

Laura Chen (Food Safety and Quality Assurance Director, Midwest Dairy Council). Great Value Milk undergoes rigorous testing at multiple points from farm to shelf. The milk originates from farms that comply with FDA regulations and undergo regular inspections. The processing facilities employ pasteurization and homogenization techniques to maintain safety and consistency, guaranteeing that consumers receive a product that is both nutritious and reliable.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Where is Great Value milk sourced from?
Great Value milk is sourced from dairy farms across the United States, ensuring adherence to local quality and safety standards.

Is Great Value milk produced by a specific dairy company?
Great Value milk is a private label brand owned by Walmart and is supplied by various regional dairy processors under strict quality guidelines.

How is the quality of Great Value milk maintained?
The milk undergoes rigorous testing for purity, freshness, and safety, complying with USDA regulations and Walmart’s quality assurance protocols.

Does Great Value milk come from organic or conventional farms?
Great Value offers both conventional and organic milk options, with organic varieties sourced from farms certified to meet USDA organic standards.

Is Great Value milk pasteurized and homogenized?
Yes, all Great Value milk products are pasteurized to eliminate harmful bacteria and homogenized to ensure a consistent texture.

Can consumers trace the origin of Great Value milk?
While specific farm-level tracing is limited, packaging often includes information about the processing facility and state of origin for transparency.
Great Value milk is a private label product primarily sold by Walmart, sourced from various dairy farms and suppliers that meet the company’s quality and safety standards. The milk typically originates from farms within the United States, where it undergoes rigorous testing and processing to ensure freshness, nutritional value, and compliance with regulatory requirements. Walmart collaborates with trusted dairy producers to maintain consistent product quality across its Great Value milk offerings.

Consumers can expect Great Value milk to be produced under strict quality control measures, including pasteurization and homogenization, which are standard practices in the dairy industry. The brand’s focus on affordability does not compromise the safety or nutritional integrity of the milk. Additionally, Walmart’s extensive supply chain network allows for efficient distribution, ensuring that the milk remains fresh when it reaches store shelves.

In summary, Great Value milk comes from reputable U.S.-based dairy farms and suppliers, processed under stringent standards to deliver a reliable and cost-effective dairy option. Understanding the origin and handling of Great Value milk can provide consumers with confidence in the product’s quality and safety, aligning with Walmart’s commitment to offering accessible and trustworthy grocery items.

Author Profile

Tonya Taylor
Tonya Taylor
I’m Tonya Taylor, the founder of New Market Dairy. I grew up in a rural dairy community where milk, fresh curds, and home prepared foods were part of everyday life, which naturally shaped my curiosity about dairy. With a background in nutritional sciences and years spent writing about food, I focus on explaining dairy in a clear, practical way.

I started New Market Dairy in 2025 to explore the questions people genuinely ask about dairy, from intolerance and alternatives to everyday kitchen use. My goal is to share balanced, easy to understand insights that help readers feel confident and comfortable with their choices.