Explore Sainsbury’s comprehensive dairy department, from everyday milk and butter to artisan cheeses and dairy-free alternatives. Discover buying guides, recipe inspiration and top brands to fill your fridge with quality favourites.
Overview
Sainsbury’s dairy section offers everything you need for breakfast, baking and dinner—plus treats and specialist options to suit every taste and dietary requirement. You’ll find classic brands like Cravendale, Anchor and Müller alongside our own Taste the Difference and So Organic ranges. From full-fat milks and creamy butters to plant-based alternatives such as Alpro soya and Oatly oat drink, this guide will help you navigate the aisle, make informed choices and store your purchases for maximum freshness.
Fresh Milk & Cream
Whole, Semi-Skimmed & Skimmed Milk
Whole milk (around 3.5 % fat) provides a rich, creamy taste ideal for porridge, custard and hot chocolate. Semi-skimmed milk (1.7 % fat) offers a lighter option that works perfectly in tea, coffee and cereal. Skimmed milk (0.1 % fat) delivers all the calcium and protein of milk with minimal fat—great if you’re watching calories.
Specialist Milks
Barista-style milks are formulated to froth smoothly for lattes and cappuccinos. Lactose-free milks (from brands such as Lactofree and Sainsbury’s own label) suit those with intolerance, and plant-based alternatives including Oatly Barista Edition, Alpro Soya and Sainsbury’s So Organic Oat Drink cater to vegans and anyone seeking dairy-free choices.
Yoghurts & Fromage Frais
Natural & Greek-Style Yoghurts
Natural yoghurt makes a tangy base for dressings, dips or simply served with honey and berries. Greek-style yoghurt is thicker and higher in protein, perfect for breakfast bowls or as a substitute for cream in savoury dishes. Popular picks include Fage Total, Müller Corner and Sainsbury’s Taste the Difference Greek-Style.
Skyr, Kefir & Dairy Drinks
Icelandic skyr offers a high-protein snack with a smooth texture, while kefir delivers probiotic benefits in a drinkable form. Try Sainsbury’s Taste the Difference Skyr and Liberte Kefir for a gut-friendly boost, or reach for creamy dairy drinks such as Danone Actimel.
Butter, Spreads & Margarine
Salted and unsalted butters (from Anchor, Lurpak or Taste the Difference) enrich baking and cooking with their full flavour. For a cholesterol-free alternative, choose Stork baking block or Flora light spread. Vegan spreads from Pure or Vitalite provide a buttery taste without any dairy.
Cheeses
British Classics
Cheddar remains Britain’s favourite cheese, ranging from mild to mature varieties. Cathedral City and Sainsbury’s Basics Cheddar are reliable staples. Explore Red Leicester for a slightly sweet, crumbly bite, or enjoy a wedge of Stilton (Taste the Difference) at Christmas. Double Gloucester offers a creamy, nutty flavour ideal for cheese boards.
Continental & Artisan Varieties
Add mozzarella (Galbani or own-brand) to pizzas and salads, or opt for soft cheeses like Brie and Camembert—Président and Sainsbury’s Taste the Difference both deliver velvety textures. Goat’s cheese from Belazu or Sainsbury’s So Organic makes a tangy addition to salads, while Parmesan and Grana Padano give pasta dishes an authentic finishing touch.
Eggs & Specialist Dairy
Free-range, barn-laid and organic eggs (look for the Red Lion stamp) come in medium, large and extra-large sizes. Custards and puddings—such as Ambrosia Devon Custard and Sainsbury’s rice pudding—offer quick desserts, while single and double cream (So Organic whipped or Sainsbury’s Basics) elevate sauces and fruit compotes.
Buying Guide & Storage Tips
- Check use-by dates and plan meals accordingly—milk and yoghurt are best when used within three to five days of opening.
- Store at 0–5 °C on a middle shelf rather than the door for consistent temperature.
- Freeze surplus butter and hard cheeses: wrap in foil and freeze for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge.
- Seal properly: use airtight tubs or wrap cheese in greaseproof paper then loosely in foil to preserve moisture and prevent odour transfer.
Recipe Inspiration
- Classic Macaroni Cheese: melt mature Cheddar into a béchamel sauce, mix with pasta and bake with a crispy breadcrumb topping.
- Yoghurt Parfait: layer Greek-style yoghurt with granola, mixed berries and a drizzle of honey for a protein-packed breakfast.
- Buttermilk Pancakes: swap regular milk for soured milk or buttermilk for extra-fluffy results.
- Goat’s Cheese & Beetroot Salad: toss roasted beetroot with peppery rocket, walnuts and crumbled goat’s cheese, dressed in balsamic vinaigrette.
Brands & Ranges Spotlight
- Taste the Difference Dairy: artisan butters, speciality cheeses and extra-thick Greek yoghurts.
- So Organic Dairy: certified organic milks, creams and yoghurts grown without synthetic pesticides.
- Sainsbury’s Basics: budget-friendly essentials including semi-skimmed milk, block Cheddar and tubs of yoghurt.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does milk keep after opening?
Once opened, fresh milk should be consumed within 3–5 days—always check the use-by date and give it a sniff test before use.
Can I freeze yoghurt?
Yes, yoghurt freezes well in small portions. Thawed yoghurt may change texture but remains perfect for cooking, smoothies or baking.
What’s the difference between clotted cream and double cream?
Clotted cream (55–64 % fat) is thick and spreadable—traditionally served with scones. Double cream (48 % fat) is pourable and ideal for whipping or adding richness to sauces.