There is something special about starting your morning with a glass of milk that was produced just down the road. Here in Barrie, we are incredibly lucky to be surrounded by some of the finest independent dairy farms in Ontario.
As a local realtor, I’m often asked about the best hidden gems in our community. While we have great grocery stores, there’s nothing like the taste and quality of "small-batch" dairy. Whether you’re a long-time resident or looking to move into our beautiful area, here is how you can support local and enjoy the freshest dairy Simcoe County has to offer.
The Local Legends: Dairies You Should Know
1. Miller’s Dairy (Creemore, ON)
If you see the iconic glass bottles at the store, grab one! Miller’s uses Jersey cows, which produce milk that is naturally higher in protein and calcium. Plus, their returnable bottle system is a win for the environment.
2. Sheldon Creek Dairy (Loretto, ON)
Located just south of us, Sheldon Creek is a leader in A2 milk and non-homogenized "cream-top" varieties. Their farm-to-table approach is as transparent as it gets, and their flavored milks (like coffee or strawberry) are a local cult favorite.
Carrying over 1800 Ontario Made products!
From Milk, Butter, Eggs, Fresh Baked Bread,
Chicken, Beef, Pork, Preserves and so much more!
Meet the Cows and Learn about the new type of Milk for people with digestive problems. See their website for more details.
3. Kawartha Dairy (Barrie Retail Store)
A staple for any Ontario family. While you can find them in many stores, visiting their dedicated shop on Anne Street ensures you get the full range of their fresh milk, cream, and—of course—their famous ice cream.
Where to Shop in Barrie
You don’t have to drive to the farm to get these products! These local retailers keep our community stocked:
- Goodness Me! Natural Food Market: A go-to for Miller’s Dairy glass bottles.
- Homestead Artisan Bakery: Perfect for grabbing a fresh loaf of bread and a bottle of Sheldon Creek milk in one stop.
- North Barrie Market: A fantastic local butcher and grocer that prioritizes Simcoe County producers.
- Farm Boy: A great supporter of Ontario-wide independent dairies.
Fresh Milk Delivered to Your Door
Want the "old-fashioned" milkman experience with a modern twist? Barrie has two incredible delivery services that bring the farmers market to your porch:
- Simcoe Harvest: A subscription service that delivers Miller’s Dairy and other local essentials every Wednesday.
- Graze & Gather: An online food hub that sources from high-quality family farms like Sargent Family Dairy.
Why I Support Local
Supporting our local farmers isn't just about the food—it's about the community. When we shop local, we keep our local economy strong and ensure that the beautiful farmland surrounding Barrie remains vibrant for generations to come.
Thinking of making a move to a community that values local living? I’d love to help you find your perfect home in Barrie or Simcoe County. Reach out anytime!
- "Do you prefer the classic glass bottle or the convenience of delivery? Let me know in the comments!"
Local Dairy – where to buy. 
Living in Barrie, you are actually in a prime spot for local dairy. Simcoe County is home to several high-quality, independent producers that avoid the "big brand" industrial feel, often using returnable glass bottles and focusing on specific cattle breeds like Jerseys.
Here are the best local dairies and where you can find them in and around Barrie:
1. Miller’s Dairy (Creemore, ON)
Miller’s is perhaps the most popular local choice. They produce fresh Jersey milk (which is higher in protein and calcium) and package it in returnable glass bottles.
- Barrie Retailers:
- Goodness Me! Natural Food Market: 79 Park Place Blvd. (Usually well-stocked with their 2%, whole, and chocolate milk).
- Bayfield Butcher @ North Barrie Market: 600 Bayfield St.
- Barrie Hill Farms: 2935 Barrie Hill Rd, Springwater (Just minutes outside the city).
- Homestead Artisan Bakery: 80 Dunlop St E.
2. Sheldon Creek Dairy (Loretto, ON)
Located in South Simcoe, Sheldon Creek is famous for its A2 milk and non-homogenized "cream-top" milk. They also sell incredible yogurts and kefirs.
- Where to find them:
- Homestead Artisan Bakery: Often carries a selection of their products.
- Farm Boy (Barrie Mapleview): 436 Bryne Dr. They prioritize Ontario dairy and frequently stock Sheldon Creek.
- On-Farm Store: If you fancy a scenic 30-minute drive south, their farm store in Loretto (4300 Concession Rd 5) is open daily and offers the widest selection.
3. Kawartha Dairy (Barrie Retail Store)
While larger than a single farmstead, Kawartha Dairy is still an Ontario-owned, family-run business based in Bobcaygeon. Unlike seeing it in a big grocery store, their dedicated retail outlet carries the full line of their fresh milk and cream.
Location: 10 Anne St S, Barrie.
- Why go: You can buy their milk in traditional cartons or jugs, but it's often fresher here than at a third-party supermarket.
4. Local Delivery Services
If you want local dairy brought to your door, there are two excellent "virtual farmers markets" that serve the Barrie area:
- Simcoe Harvest: They partner with Miller’s Dairy and other local producers to deliver milk, eggs, and produce directly to Barrie residents.
- Graze & Gather: An online local food hub that often carries milk and butter from independent Ontario farms like Sargent Family Dairy.
Summary Table for Quick Reference
|
Retailer Name |
Address |
Featured Local Brand |
|---|---|---|
|
Goodness Me! |
79 Park Place Blvd |
Miller's Dairy (Glass Bottles) |
|
Kawartha Dairy |
10 Anne St S |
Kawartha Dairy (Full line) |
|
Barrie Hill Farms |
2935 Barrie Hill Rd |
Miller's Dairy |
|
Homestead Bakery |
80 Dunlop St E |
Miller's / Sheldon Creek |
|
Bayfield Butcher |
600 Bayfield St |
Miller's Dairy |
Pro Tip: If you buy the Miller’s Dairy or Sheldon Creek glass bottles, remember there is a bottle deposit (usually around $2.00). You can bring the rinsed bottles back to any of the retailers listed above to get your money back or a discount on your next bottle!
Did you know, most big Brands in Grocery store are not even Canadian owned. Make inferior milk, check youtube for Canadian Dairy, that are not Canadian.