Where can I buy raw milk legally?

Raw milk is sold legally in the US through retail in licensed stores (about 14 states), on-farm pickup (about 17 more states), direct-to-consumer delivery in some states, herd shares in roughly 9 states, and as pet food in a handful. Use the farm-to-door directory and the raw milk laws by state page to find the legal channel for your state.

Can I buy raw milk online?

Generally no. Federal law prohibits interstate sale of raw milk for human consumption. A small number of in-state delivery arrangements exist (Vermont Tier II, Texas, Arkansas, North Dakota), so check whether the dairy ships within your state.

How much does raw milk cost?

Retail raw milk in stores typically runs $9 to $20 per gallon. On-farm pickup is often $6 to $12 per gallon, sometimes with a discount for bringing your own jar. Herd shares charge a one-time buy-in and a monthly boarding fee.

Where do I buy raw milk if my state bans it?

In most ban states the legal alternative is a herd share. The buyer purchases an ownership interest in the herd, then pays a monthly boarding fee. The milk they receive is not a "sale" and is legal under existing herd-share rulings.

Where to buy raw milk: every legal channel, by state

The five channels raw milk is legally sold through

Retail in grocery stores. Allowed in roughly 14 states. The dairy must hold a state license; the milk must be labeled unpasteurized; some states require warning text and bacteria limits.
On-farm pickup. Allowed in roughly 17 states with on-farm-only laws, plus every retail state. The buyer goes to the farm. Some states cap quantity (Vermont caps Tier I at 12.5 gallons per day; Iowa caps at 10 lactating animals).
Direct-to-consumer delivery. Allowed in some on-farm states (Vermont Tier II, Texas, Arkansas, North Dakota). The dairy delivers to a buyer or to a buying-club drop point.
Herd shares or cow shares. The buyer owns an interest in the herd, then receives milk from their share. Used in states that ban retail raw milk: Colorado, Michigan, North Carolina, Ohio, Tennessee, and as a supplement in retail states like California and Idaho.
Pet food. Several states (Florida, Indiana, New Jersey, Virginia, Louisiana) allow raw milk to be sold only as animal feed. Buyers in those states sometimes drink it anyway, which is legal for the buyer but not labeled for human consumption.

How to use farm-to-door to find your channel

The directory tags each dairy with its sales model: retail, on-farm pickup, delivery, herd share, or pet food. Open it with the raw milk filter, allow location, and inspect each farm card.

Live directory of working dairies

Map view, list view, and filters for delivery, herd share, A2/A2, organic, and pickup.

Open directory

What you cannot do, regardless of state

Buy raw milk in a state where it is banned. Crossing state lines to bring back raw milk for personal use is generally legal as long as you do not resell, but it is not how the directory or farms work.
Buy raw milk online with shipping in most cases. Federal law (21 CFR 1240.61) prohibits interstate sale of raw milk for human consumption. A handful of in-state shipping arrangements exist but they are rare.
Resell raw milk. Almost universally restricted, even where direct sales are legal.

What to ask before buying

Are the cows on pasture year-round, or confined in winter?
What breed are the cows? Is the herd A2/A2 tested?
How long has your family been farming this land?
Is the parlor open to visitors? Can I bring my kids?
Do you make raw cream, butter, kefir, or aged cheese on the side?

How much should raw milk cost

Retail raw milk in stores typically runs $9 to $20 per gallon depending on state and cow breed. On-farm raw milk is often cheaper at $6 to $12 per gallon, especially with your own jar. Herd shares typically charge a one-time herd buy-in ($25 to $200) and a monthly boarding fee ($30 to $80) covering one to two gallons per week.

Where to buy raw milk.