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Can You Use a Cream Separator for Raw Milk?

  • alon1727
  • Jul 16
  • 2 min read

Yes — you can safely and effectively use a cream separator for raw milk, as long as the equipment is designed for hygienic, food-grade dairy processing. In fact, many small dairies and farmstead producers rely on cream separators to process raw milk into high-quality cream, butter, or cheese.



Why Separate Cream from Raw Milk?

Raw milk contains cream naturally suspended in it. Letting it settle takes hours, and the yield is inconsistent. A cream separator uses centrifugal force to separate the cream instantly and precisely without damaging the milk’s natural structure.

For raw milk dairies, this means:

  • Higher cream yield

  • More control over fat content

  • Faster processing

  • Better sanitation when using a certified machine


Cream Separator
Cream Separator

Is It Safe to Use a Cream Separator for Raw Milk?

Yes — as long as the equipment is built to food-grade standards. Look for machines that are:

  • All stainless steel (not plastic or aluminum)

  • 3A Sanitary certified or PMO-compliant

  • Easy to clean manually, especially for daily use on small farms

Tessa’s Cream Separator is fully stainless, tool-free to clean, and built to meet U.S. dairy regulations — ideal for raw milk processing.


Tri Clamp Cream Separator
Tri Clamp Cream Separator

Best Practices When Separating Raw Milk

  • Separate soon after milking: Fresh milk flows better and separates more efficiently.

  • Use warm milk: Around 95–100°F (35–38°C) is ideal for flow and separation.

  • Clean thoroughly after each use to avoid residue and bacterial growth.

  • Store separated cream in a sanitized container, and chill immediately if not used fresh.


Common Uses for Raw Milk Cream

  • Butter production (with a butter churn)

  • Cheese and yogurt

  • Coffee creamers or raw dairy sales (where permitted)

  • Homemade ice cream or dairy desserts


Butter Production
Butter Production

Conclusion

Raw milk producers can benefit from using a cream separator — but only if the machine is professional-grade and built for hygiene. Tessa’s 3A-approved Cream Separator is trusted by goat farms, farmstead creameries, and raw milk operations across North America.









 
 
 

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