Yes, milk contains minute amounts of chlorophyll.
Why Does Milk Contain Chlorophyll?
Although it may seem surprising, the presence of chlorophyll in milk is a natural occurrence. According to research from the Norwegian food research institute Nofima, and specifically scientist Jens Petter Wold, milk contains minute amounts of chlorophyll and its breakdown products. These compounds enter the milk because cows eat green grass, which is rich in chlorophyll.
How Does Chlorophyll Get Into Milk?
Here's a simplified breakdown of the process:
- Cows consume green grass or other green plants during grazing.
- These plants contain chlorophyll, the pigment responsible for their green color.
- During digestion, some chlorophyll and its breakdown products are absorbed into the cow's bloodstream.
- From the bloodstream, these compounds can then be transferred into the milk.
While the amount of chlorophyll in milk is very small, it's still present and can be detected. This explains why even milk, which is usually white, can sometimes exhibit trace amounts of green hues or chlorophyll-related compounds.
Key Takeaway
In summary, while milk is not known for its green color, it does contain small amounts of chlorophyll that originate from the cow's diet.
