Milk is a staple in Indian households and is considered a rich source of calcium and other nutrients. However, when inflation hits the white liquid, it significantly impacts the pockets of the middle class. According to latest reports, Amul and Mother Dairy have increased milk prices across several variants, with effect from May 14. The revised rates apply to full cream milk, toned milk, cow milk, buffalo milk, and other premium variants. Read on for details.
How Much Is the Price Hike?
Amul, marketed by the Gujarat Cooperative Milk Marketing Federation (GCMMF), has increased prices by Rs 1-2 per litre across most variants. Amul Gold milk in the 1-litre pack now costs Rs 70, up from Rs 68, while Amul Taaza 1-litre milk has been revised to Rs 57 from Rs 55. Amul Buffalo Milk in the 500 ml pack now retails at Rs 39 from Rs 38, and Cow Milk has been revised to Rs 30 from Rs 29 for the same pack size.
Mother Dairy has also revised its prices for multiple stock-keeping units (SKUs), according to a circular dated May 13 addressed to distributors and transporters. Mother Dairy Buffalo Milk in the 1-litre pack has increased to Rs 80 from Rs 75, and the 500 ml pack has been revised to Rs 80 from Rs 76. Mother Dairy’s Full Cream Milk (FCM) 1-litre pack now costs Rs 72 compared with Rs 69 earlier, while the 500 ml pack has increased to Rs 72 from Rs 70. The circular stated that the revised prices would apply to milk supplied from the night of May 13 and sold from the morning of May 14.
Healthy Milk Alternatives Rich in Calcium
With rising milk prices, here are some calcium-rich alternatives to add to your daily diet:
Ragi
Calcium: 350-400 mg per 100 g. Consume it as porridge for breakfast, or make roti, dosa, cheela, or pancakes.
Sesame Seeds
Calcium: 975 mg per 100 g. These make a crunchy topping and can be added to curries as a paste. Sprinkle roasted seeds over salads and sabzis, make til chutney, or add to smoothies or curd. They also contain phosphorus, magnesium, and zinc, which aid calcium absorption and bone density.
Chia Seeds
Calcium: 631 mg per 100 g. Just 2 tablespoons provide 177 mg of calcium, roughly 18% of the daily requirement for adults. They boost bone and tooth strength, aid muscle function and nerve signaling, and contain magnesium and phosphorus for better calcium absorption.
Amaranth Leaves
Calcium: 200-300 mg per 100 g. Use them to make saag or sabzi, add to dal or soup, or mix into paratha dough.
Almonds
Calcium: 260 mg per 100 g. Best consumed soaked overnight and peeled in the morning. Add to desserts, oats, smoothies, or shakes, or make chutney.
Dried Figs
Calcium: 162 mg per 100 g. They support bone and teeth health, help muscle contraction and nerve function, and are rich in fiber, potassium, and antioxidants for digestion and heart health.
