Dairy suppliers are vital in a city that’s as much of a restaurant hub as Chicago. But are there Chicago dairy suppliers in the area? Well, yes there are! Many people might think that wholesale dairy distribution and actual farms go hand in hand. And while many farms sell dairy on its premises, others work with brick and mortar vendors and eCommerce sites.
So, if you’re operating a food service establishment in the Greater Chicago area, where can you get fresh wholesale dairy? Read on to learn about several options right in Chicago, IL!
6 Best Chicago Dairy Suppliers
When you have a city with as many food service establishments as Chicago, easy access to dairy suppliers is essential. Continue reading to learn all about several Chicago dairy suppliers.
1. Dutch Farms
Farm fresh dairy products are what Dutch Farms can bring to your business. The company’s catalog includes a ton of different products in various categories. To name a few, Dutch Farms sells a selection of milk, eggs, cheese, sour cream, and butter.
But get this–the Dutch Farms catalog doesn't stop at dairy products. Instead, they sell a variety of meat products. These items are fresh from the farm, too! The company’s meat products include chicken tenders, boneless chicken, and other chicken-based dishes that are ready to pop in the oven. They also sell a variety of breakfast meats. Oh, and speaking of breakfast, Dutch Farms also carries English muffins and bagels. Whether you want to offer these bakery items on the side or use them to make breakfast sandwiches, Dutch Farms sells every part of the meal.
2. Instantwhip Foods
Chicago, IL is one of many cities that Instantwhip Foods distributes dairy products to. As a company that only specialized in whipped cream back in the 1930s, Instantwhip now distributes a wide selection of specialty dairy products.
In addition to the basics like half and half, sour cream, and regular cream, they also carry frozen desserts. Well, the mixes you’d need to prepare frozen desserts that is. And of course, Instantwhip Foods wouldn’t be what it is today without whipped cream. With this said, they sell a selection of whipped toppings. So whether you operate a coffee shop or an ice cream business, Instantwhip Foods can provide you with the basic ingredients you likely need to have on hand.
3. Danish Maid Butter Co.
You have companies that specialize in an entire product category, like dairy. But then you have companies that make a name for themselves by specializing in a particular product. The latter is exactly what Danish Maid Butter is all about.
Danish Maid Butter’s product catalog couldn’t be any simpler. After several decades, they still sell their famous butter cups. Customers can also purchase whipped butter in 8-ounce balls or 5-pound tubs. Danish Maid Butter also sells lamb-shaped butter for Easter and turkey-shaped butter for Thanksgiving. Think of these slabs of butter as being similar to the candy animals that chocolatiers sell.
4. Dairy Farmers of America
Whether you need to stock up on dairy products for food manufacturing purposes, a restaurant business, or a retail store, Dairy Farmers of America can assist you. As a cooperative specializing in the dairy sector, sourcing such ingredients from Dairy Farmers of America is like finding a one-stop-shop for milk, eggs, cream, butter, and more.
With over 35 brands being part of Dairy Farmers of America’s lineup, they’re a distributor that can supply you with anything and everything. For instance, Friendly’s, Swiss Premium Dairy, Meadow Gold Dairy, and Lehigh Valley Dairy Farms are just a handful of several dozen brands you might already be familiar with. With the help of Dairy Farmers of America, they all can be more accessible than ever.
5. Stamper Cheese Company
With over forty types of cheese in their product catalog, the Stamper Cheese Company can supply you with anything you need. Well, that’s if you need to stock up on cheese, of course!
Specialty cheese is what the Stamper Cheese Company does best. They create flavors that you’ve probably never heard of before. For example, some notable items in their catalog include chipotle espresso cheddar, morel leek jack, and triple creme brie with apricots and toasted almonds. Browsing their product offerings sounds like a dream for any executive chef!
6. McMahon Food Corporation
If you’d like to support a women-owned dairy distribution business, consider shopping from McMahon Food Corporation. Between offering stellar customer service and holding numerous certifications from the city of Chicago, the McMahon Food Corporation can meet various needs and initiatives.
Maybe you’re in the market for hormone-free milk. Or, perhaps you’re in need of other dairy products. Either way, the McMahon Food Corporation has what you need. As a dairy distributor, they obtain all their items from nearby farms. Then, they deliver it right to your door.
Frequently Asked Questions About Chicago Dairy
Dairy might not be the first thing you think of when you envision Chicago. However, you can’t lose sight of the amount of land that sits on the outskirts of the city. There is an overabundance of farmland which is suitable for dairy farming practices. And that’s exactly what takes place across the area. Now, if you’d like to learn more about the dairy industry and the best dairy vendors in Chicago, check out the following FAQ section.
Which Are the Best Chicago Dairy Suppliers?
Several of the best Chicago dairy suppliers include the following brands:
- Dutch Farms
- Instantwhip Inc.
- Danish Maid Butter Co.
- Dairy Farmers of America
- Stamper Cheese Company
- McMahon Food Corporation
Is There a Chicago Dairy Farm In the Area?
Yes, local residents have access to the GlennArt Farm, which is on Chicago’s west side. It’s situated on the outskirts of the metropolitan area, a ways away from the hustle and bustle of the city. In fact, it might even be hard to believe that you’re still in Chicago when you step foot on this dairy farm. Up until recently, GlennArt farm sold milk to local consumers. Whether they’ll bring back the option to place orders is something that only time will tell.
Are There Any Milk Delivery Services That Ship to Chicago?
Yes, there are a handful of milk delivery services that ship to Chicago, such as Sassy Cow Creamery. Consumers in the area can also use sites like Market Wagon to find local farms that can ship to their address.
What Kind of Cheese Is Chicago Cheese?
Chicago cheese is described as a white unripened cheese. The flavor profile of Chicago cheese is light and delicate, which makes it very versatile. It also has a slightly stringy texture, which is ideal for various types of cheese pies.
Is Raw Milk Legal In Chicago?
Yes, on-farm raw milk is legal in Chicago and all throughout the state of Illinois. Many dairy farms in the Chicago area and beyond provide customers with the option to purchase raw or pasteurized milk.
Find a Chicago Dairy Supplier Near You
Almost every recipe includes some amount of dairy. And even if you don’t think it does, there’s likely a food item or condiment that goes into the final product that contains something like milk or eggs. The point is that having a reliable and trustworthy wholesale dairy supplier at your fingertips is ideal. Not only will you always have easy access to the best dairy products, but you’ll get to shop locally as well.
Consider using BlueCart to locate a Chicago dairy supplier near you. In just a few taps of a screen, you can be on your way to order not just dairy, but all your inventory in one place. Fill out our form to get started, or schedule a demo to learn more about becoming a seller on the app!