Why Milk Comes in Bags in Some Parts of Canada
October 13, 2023
source: iStock
In some parts of Canada, you’ll find a peculiar sight in the dairy aisle: milk in bags. Drinking milk from bags may not be a new concept; in fact, it’s been around since the late 1960s. However, the journey of how this unconventional packaging became popular in parts of Canada is a fascinating story.
Before Canadian food and packaging company DuPont introduced their thin, plastic milk bags in 1967, the preferred vessel for milk was the classic glass bottle. These glass bottles were the go-to choice for containing milk, but they weren’t without their drawbacks. For one, they weren’t exactly cost-efficient. Glass bottles were heavier, and thus costlier to produce and transport, which had both economic and environmental implications.
The turning point in this dairy saga came with Canada’s conversion to the metric system in 1970. This transition posed a unique challenge to the dairy industry. It was far easier to conform to metric units using flexible bags than to redesign and manufacture new glass bottles or jugs. So, in light of this change, the plastic milk bag was born.
Today, the practice of drinking milk from a bag is most popular in provinces like Quebec, Ontario, and the Maritimes. The quirky preference has found a special place in the hearts of many Canadians. However, you might be surprised to learn that there are a few places in the United States where this unfamiliar packaging is also available.
In some regions of the United States, you can discover milk in bags alongside the more traditional milk cartons and jugs. While it may not be as widespread or deeply ingrained in American culture as it is in Canada, there are select areas where consumers have the option to choose milk in bags.
Now, you might be wondering, “Why choose milk in a bag over a more conventional container?” Well, there are some unique advantages to this seemingly odd choice. One of the key benefits is the reduced environmental footprint. Plastic bags use fewer resources and produce less waste compared to their glass or plastic counterparts. They take up less space in landfills and are easier to recycle, making them a more eco-friendly option.
The convenience factor also plays a role in the popularity of milk bags. These bags are lighter and easier to handle than glass bottles. They can be easily stored, stacked, and carried, making them a practical choice for both consumers and retailers.
Additionally, milk bags are known for their freshness. The individual bags are sealed airtight, helping to keep the milk inside as fresh as possible. The risk of spoilage is minimized, and consumers can enjoy their milk for a longer period.
While the preference for milk in bags is largely a regional phenomenon, it’s a testament to the diverse and unique ways in which people around the world consume everyday products. So, the next time you find yourself in parts of Canada or the United States where milk in bags is the norm, don’t be afraid to give it a try. You might just find that this unconventional choice has its own set of perks, from environmental friendliness to practicality, that could make you reconsider your milk container preferences.
The story of milk in bags in Canada is an interesting one, rooted in history, practicality, and environmental considerations. Whether you’re a fan of this unconventional choice or not, there’s no denying that it adds a quirky and endearing element to the Canadian dairy experience.