Yes. Texas raw milk laws allow sales for human consumption directly from dairies holding a Grade A Raw for Retail Permit. You can buy at the farm or arrange delivery by the permitted dairy or its employee to an agreed location, subject to local ordinances. Third-party grocery store sales are not permitted.
Where Can You Buy Raw Milk in Texas?
Buy Directly at a Permitted Dairy Farm
Texas raw milk laws allow you to buy Grade A raw milk directly from a permitted dairy farm. The producer must hold a Grade A Raw for Retail Permit and meet the requirements in Texas Administrative Code §217.31.
Before visiting, confirm pickup hours, availability, and whether you need to preorder. Check the dairy’s permit status using the Texas DSHS registered raw dairy list.
Arrange Home Delivery or a Pickup Point
A permitted dairy or its employee may deliver raw milk to a location agreed upon with the customer, provided the arrangement does not violate local ordinances.
Delivery can include your home or an agreed pickup point. The dairy must use sanitary refrigerated equipment and maintain the milk at 45°F or below during transportation and delivery.
A farmers’ market may serve as an arranged delivery location, but this does not authorize ordinary raw milk sales or sampling at a market booth. Contact the dairy beforehand to arrange your order and pickup.
Texas Raw Milk Laws: Dairy Farm Requirements
Dairies selling raw milk for human consumption must hold a Grade A Raw for Retail Permit and comply with Texas requirements for production, sanitation, testing, and distribution.
Texas DSHS requires licensed raw dairies to have milk sampled at least quarterly for specified pathogens and antibiotics. Milk that tests positive for these cannot be offered for public sale.
For delivery, permitted dairies must use sanitary refrigerated equipment and maintain the milk at 45°F or below during processing, transportation, and delivery.
“Grade A raw milk and raw milk products must be cooled to 45°F or less within two hours after milking and maintained at that temperature during transportation and delivery.” (25 TAC §217.27)
What to Check Before Buying
Before buying raw milk from a Texas dairy farm:
- Confirm its permit: Check that the farm holds a current Grade A Raw for Retail Permit.
- Ask about testing: Request recent milk testing results and ask how often the farm tests between state sampling visits.
- Confirm pickup or delivery: Ask about ordering deadlines, pickup hours, and available delivery arrangements.
- Check your preferences: Ask which milk types are available, whether the herd is tested for A2/A2 genetics, and how the animals are fed and managed.
Tips for Farm Pickup and Delivery
- Bring a cooler: Pack ice packs to keep your milk cold during the trip home.
- Arrange market pickup beforehand: A farmers’ market can serve as an agreed delivery point. It does not permit ordinary raw milk sales or sampling at a booth.
- Ask about containers: Confirm whether the farm supplies bottles, requires a deposit, or accepts returns.
- Plan for delivery: Be available to receive your order and refrigerate it promptly.
For refrigeration and handling tips after pickup, read our guide on how to store raw milk.
Official Texas Raw Milk Laws and Sources
- Texas DSHS Milk and Dairy Laws and Rules: Links to state statutes and the current Texas Administrative Code.
- Texas DSHS Raw Milk for Retail Sale: Testing requirements and dairy license information.
- Texas DSHS Registered Raw Dairy Farms: Check a dairy’s listed permit status before ordering or visiting.
Texas Raw Milk FAQ
Can You Buy Raw Milk in Texas Grocery Stores?
No. Texas raw milk laws allow direct purchases at permitted dairy farms and delivery by the permitted dairy or its employee. They do not authorize third-party grocery stores to sell raw drinking milk.
Can You Buy Raw Cream, Yogurt, or Kefir in Texas?
Yes. Texas rules include raw cream, yogurt, kefir, and buttermilk among the Grade A raw milk products that permitted dairies may sell when they meet the applicable requirements.
The same farm-sales and delivery rules apply. Ask the dairy which products it is permitted to offer and what is currently available.
Do You Need a Permit to Buy Raw Milk in Texas?
No. You do not need a permit to buy raw milk for your own use. The dairy selling it must hold a Grade A Raw for Retail Permit and follow Texas raw milk laws.
For further reading on dairy farming, traditional dairy, and food freedom, explore our Raw Milk Library.
Find Raw Milk in Texas
Browse our Texas raw milk listings to find dairy farms and pickup locations near you.
Contact the farm before ordering to confirm its current permit, available products, and pickup or delivery arrangements.
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