Scottish organic dairy farm launches ‘brown cow milk’  

The product is made from waste cocoa husks sourced from artisanal chocolatier Bare Bones. The chocolate was described by TV chef Rick Stein as the best he’s ever tasted, ensuring that each bottle is not only delicious but eco-friendly. 

Bryce Cunningham, owner of Mossgiel Organic Farm, explained that their unique brewing technique, where cocoa husks are infused into their creamy, organic milk along with raw organic sugar, is set to make it the most natural chocolate milk on the market.  

He said: “We’ve been eager to develop a Mossgiel chocolate milk for some time now, but it was important that we created a drink that is not only natural, but also sustainable. 

“Like there’s a problem with the dairy industry we’re trying to solve, there’s also a problem with chocolate milk. It’s full of rubbish. We wanted to create something that was quality, using real chocolate not just nonsense and E numbers. 

“We are taking what would otherwise be waste and turning it into a fresh drink, and with not an E number in sight, natural cream on top and completing a zero-waste cycle. 

“Our chocolate milk will separate into a cream top, just like our regular milk, and as far as I know, it’s the only chocolate milk using waste products in its creation.” 

Does chocolate milk come from brown cows? 

Mr Cunningham added that he grew up hearing tales of people thinking chocolate milk comes from brown cows, rather than cocoa and sugar.  

“It’s always stuck with me – why not make it a reality? 

“Ayrshire cows are of course brown, so there is some truth to it now: this chocolate milk certainly does come from brown cows, and it doesn’t cost the planet to drink it.” 

After brewing, the cocoa husks are repurposed into compost, combined with waste coffee from Matthew Algie, cow dung, and bedding, to create a rich organic fertiliser.  

This compost is then used to nourish the farm’s fields, completing the farm’s zero-waste cycle. 

Mossgiel is also making waves in the dairy industry by launching a crowdfunding campaign to raise £300,000 for a state-of-the-art dairy facility, which has already reached £100,000.  

With planning permission already secured, this investment will allow the farm to double its production capacity, making its organic and sustainable milk more accessible to consumers.  

Glass bottles back into fashion

The company said that animal welfare and environmental sustainability are at the heart of the firm’s operations.  

Whereas typical calves are separated from their dam (mother) shortly after birth, Mossgiel allows cows to raise their calves naturally on their own farm.  

The farm has also eliminated single-use plastics across the supply chain, bringing glass bottles back into fashion. It is currently available in more than 200 cafes and in schools across Ayrshire.  

The farm is currently crowdfunding for a new state-of-the-art dairy. Mr Cunningham is inviting visitors to come and see the farm where poet Robert Burns ploughed the fields and penned his famous verses for themselves. Guests will be offered free samples of the chocolate milk to wet their whistle. 

Mossgiel Brown Cow Milk will be available from Tuesday, 12th November for £2.75. 

To find out more about Mossgiel Farm and the crowdfunding campaign, visit their website. 

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