California Raw Milk: 144 Ways to Find Liquid Gold in the Golden State

California is the national leader in raw dairy access, with 144 verified listings across 107 cities now in our directory. You can buy California raw milk in retail stores or directly from heritage farms. This guide spotlights unique producers like the state’s only raw sheep dairy and high-altitude mountain goat shares.

California offers a level of food transparency you won’t find in most other states. Because state law allows for the retail sale of unpasteurized products, finding California Raw Milk is easier than anywhere else in the country. You can find high-quality dairy in over 400 grocery stores and at dozens of on-farm stands. Whether you are looking for A2/A2 Jersey milk, creamy goat milk, or rare species like camel and sheep, the Golden State has a local source for you.

Where to Buy California Raw Milk

You have three main ways to source dairy in the state. Each offers a different level of connection to the land and the farmer.

• Retail Stores: High-end grocers like Erewhon, Lassen’s, and many local co-ops stock licensed brands.
• On-Farm Stores: Visiting a farm like Schoch Family Farmstead in Salinas allows you to buy directly where the milk is produced.
• Private Herd Shares: Smaller, boutique farms often operate through private memberships, offering a more personalized experience and specialized heritage breeds.

Top Brands for California Raw Milk

While large dairies provide the bulk of the retail supply, California is home to several unique, small-scale operations that focus on specific species or extreme quality standards.

• DesiMilk (Stockton/Modesto): This is currently the only source for raw sheep milk in California. They are also working toward becoming the state’s first raw water buffalo dairy.
• Duivenvoorden Farms (Cottonwood): A truly 100% grass-fed operation that feeds zero grain. They offer a unique farm-stay experience and hold regular “Milk & Cookies” community days.
• California Camel Milk (Lebec): The primary producer for raw camel milk in the state. Their milk is natively A2/A2 and is highly sought after for its unique immunoglobulins.
• Yerba Santa Goat Dairy (Lakeport): A heritage breed specialist focusing on Nubian and Alpine goats. They provide raw milk through a private herd share for local Lake County members.

Sourcing Rare Species: Sheep and Camel Milk

If you are looking for something beyond cow milk, the variety of California Raw Milk is unmatched. Camel milk is almost always sold frozen in retail stores to preserve its delicate bioactive properties. It is a “low-turnover” item, meaning stores stock smaller quantities, so always call ahead to verify they have it in the freezer.

Sheep milk is even rarer but offers a much higher fat and protein content than cow or goat milk. Producers like DesiMilk focus on soy-free and corn-free diets, making their raw sheep and A2/A2 cow milk a top choice for those with sensitive digestions.

Understanding the Safety Standards

California has some of the strictest bacteriological standards in the country for unpasteurized dairy. To be sold in a retail store, the California Raw Milk must be produced by a state-licensed dairy and undergo regular testing by the CDFA.

• Bacterial Limits: Raw milk for consumer sale cannot exceed 15,000 bacteria per ml.
• Temperature Controls: Milk must be cooled to 45°F or below immediately after milking and maintained at that temperature until it reaches your fridge.

For more details on the specific regulations governing these farms, you can read our full breakdown of California raw milk laws.

How to Use the Directory

With 144 listings, finding the right farm is easy. When searching for California Raw Milk, use our A2/A2 tag to find specific protein profiles. You can also use our California location map to filter by your specific city or preferred animal.

1. Check for A2/A2: Many California farms, like San Martin Milk Co, use 100% Jersey or Guernsey herds to ensure A2/A2 protein profiles.
2. Look for RAWMI: Dairies that are RAWMI listed (Raw Milk Institute) follow additional voluntary safety and transparency protocols.
3. Verify Hours: Small family farms often have limited pickup windows. Check the “Business Hours” on their listing before you make the trip.

Supporting the 144 local producers in our directory ensures the continued availability of California Raw Milk for future generations. By choosing these farms, you are supporting regenerative agriculture and securing the future of clean, unprocessed food in the Golden State.

Author: Silas Miller

I’ve spent years traveling backroads and shaking hands with local farmers to find the real deal. As the lead scout for FindingRawMilk.com, my mission is to cut through the noise so your family can skip the grocery store aisle and head straight to the farm gate for high-quality, local dairy.