Milk's sweetness comes from lactose, a naturally occurring sugar. One cup of milk contains approximately 12 grams of lactose, which contributes to its subtly sweet taste. The body breaks down lactose into simpler sugars, glucose and galactose, for energy. While milk is naturally sweet due to lactose, the perceived level of sweetness can vary. For example, lactose-free milk can taste sweeter because the lactose breakdown process is completed through enzymes which can alter the sweetness level https://www.arla.com/articles/why-is-lactose-free-milk-sweeter-than-regular-milk-and-what-do-enzymes-have-to-do-with-it/. Lactose is less sweet than regular table sugar (sucrose). https://www.quora.com/Why-does-milk-turn-to-sweet-right-before-it-turns-sour
Lactose: The Source of Milk's Sweetness
- Natural Sugar: Lactose is a naturally occurring carbohydrate found in milk. This is the primary reason why milk has a slightly sweet taste. https://albertamilk.com/ask-dairy-farmer/why-does-milk-contain-sugar/ https://gonnaneedmilk.com/articles/the-sugar-in-dairy-milk-is-nothing-to-fear-heres-why/
- Breakdown Process: The body digests lactose, breaking it down into glucose and galactose. This process is what allows the body to utilize lactose for energy. https://www.reddit.com/r/Cooking/comments/9e12ti/what_can_cause_milk_to_suddenly_taste_sweet/
- Variations in Sweetness: The sweetness of milk can be affected by factors like the type of milk (e.g., skim milk may appear sweeter due to the removal of fat), processing, and the individual's perception of taste. https://www.reddit.com/r/fargo/comments/oe8ixz/why_is_milk_so_sweet_here/ https://www.quora.com/Why-is-evaporated-milk-so-sweet
