Milk Vending Machines in Cumbria

Vending machines are most commonly associated with sweet treats like chocolate bars, crisps and fizzy drinks, but there is a new type of vending machine cropping up in various locations across Cumbria. In this article, we’re going to take a look at the booming popularity of a certain type of vending machine – the milk vending machine.

Since COVID-19 hit, milk vending machines, also known as milk dispenser machines or milk stations, have become increasingly popular in the UK. The initiative provides customers with fresh, non-homogenised (and sometimes even flavoured) milk. They promote a greater focus on the need to support local dairy farmers to ensure they get a fair income for their produce, and they bring a wealth of other benefits including convenience, sustainability and freshness.

We’ll delve into the world of milk vending machines, exploring what they are, their benefits, how to use them and where to find these convenient machines in Cumbria. Whether for your daily milk supply or for a tasty treat, these innovative milk dispenser machines are certainly worth a visit if you’re in the area. So, let’s get into it.

What Are Milk Vending Machines?

Typically located at or near a farm, milk vending machines are convenient machines that dispense fresh milk directly to customers via contactless payment. Milk vending machines usually offer fresh milk and a variety of flavoured milkshake options, and they provide a modern approach to accessing local milk directly from farms in Cumbria.

The market for milk through on-farm vending machines has soared through the pandemic as more consumers shop locally. Visitors can bring their own bottle or buy one on site and pay for the volume of milk they want. Simply choose your milk, make a payment and witness the milk being dispensed into your container in a hygienic and efficient manner.

What Are the Benefits of Milk Vending Machines?

On-farm milk vending machines offer a range of benefits including increased sustainability. Dairy and milk dispensers are usually supplied by local farmers, which reduces the carbon footprint associated with transporting milk from a central processing facility. Additionally, many vending machines are designed to reduce waste by allowing customers to bring their own containers.

By purchasing milk directly from farms in Cumbria, you are supporting local Cumbrian farmers and small-scale producers, and these farm vending machines create an avenue to sell their produce without relying on traditional distribution channels such as supermarkets. Vending machines are often operated by small, independent farms, and purchasing their products directly can help these farmers to earn a fair price for their products and sustain their businesses. This can be especially important in rural areas where small farms may struggle to compete with larger, industrial farms.

Finally, milk dispenser machines provide a convenient way for people to access fresh, locally sourced milk and dairy products at any time of the day. With many people leading busy lifestyles, being able to buy milk and other dairy products quickly and easily is a big plus. What’s more, these vending machines often offer fresh milk that has been produced on the same day. This can be appealing to people who prefer the taste of fresh milk and may also provide health benefits.

How Do You Use a Milk Vending Machine?

Using a milk vending machine is actually quite simple. First off, you’ll need to buy a bottle from the bottle vending machine (if you don’t already have one). Then make your way to the milk vending machine. Simply make your selections by choosing the type and volume of milk you’d like to purchase. Next, it’s time to complete your payment using contactless payment methods.

Once your payment is processed, the milk station gets to work. Behind the scenes, a pump or valve is activated to draw the fresh milk from a refrigerated storage tank. The milk flows through a network of tubes and pipes, making its way to the dispensing nozzle. Watch as the milk flows from the nozzle into your chosen container. At this stage, the flavoured syrup is dispensed if one has been selected.

Once you’ve received your desired amount of milk, the machine stops the flow. Now, you can easily collect your filled container from the dispensing area and take your fresh milk home.

Where to Find Milk Vending Machines in Cumbria:

Midtown Milkhouse, Caldbeck

Located at Midtown Farm in the picturesque Caldbeck, Midtown Milkhouse is a popular self-serving milk vending machine. Midtown Milkhouse is committed to sustainability, offering customers milk directly from the farm, ensuring zero food miles and a more environmentally friendly product. As of March 2024, they expanded to a second location and are now partnered with Booths in Keswick.

The Milk Hut, Ulverston

Located near Ulverston, The Milk Hut is a 24-hour self-serving vending machine selling fresh milk and flavoursome milkshakes. Every week they change the milkshake flavour options, and they also stock an everchanging array of delicious home-bakes and fresh eggs for visitors to purchase.

Fabi’s Fabulous Milk, Penrith

Just outside of Tirril on the way to Pooley Bridge near Penrith, Fabi’s Fabulous Milk stock milk, milkshakes, traybakes, eggs, ice cream and fresh meat including Wagyu beef, when available. They introduce weekly milkshake specials including popular salted caramel and Kinder Bueno flavours.

Moos on the MOOr, Whitehaven

Located at family-run Cleator Moor Farm near Whitehaven, Moos on the MOOr is a self-serving milk vending machine open 7 days a week from 6am-10pm. Moos on the MOOr offer whole pasteurised milk and 6 different milkshake flavours, with specials introduced every week.

The Moody Cow, Maryport

The Moody Cow is a self-serving milk vending machine located in Allonby near Maryport. On offer is farm-fresh milk, flavoured milkshakes and other local produce. As well as regular syrup flavours, the Moody Cow also offers a choice of ‘clean syrup’ options which feature no artificial colourings at all.

The Milk Shed, Carlisle

Located at The Beeches Farm in Carleton near Carlisle, The Milk Shed is a 24-hour self-serving milk vending machine. The Milk Shed offers a range of delicious flavours and introduces new flavours every week. It’s well worth a visit if you live nearby or are visiting the area.

In summary, milk vending machines and on-farm vending machines offer a sustainable and convenient way to access fresh dairy products directly from local Cumbrian producers. These milk dispensers can be found at various farms in Cumbria, providing residents and visitors alike with a taste of delicious locally sourced milk. By purchasing from these vending machines, you can not only enjoy the freshness of the milk but also contribute to the sustainability of the local dairy industry.

At Made In Cumbria, we support a wealth of fantastic local Cumbrian businesses and producers. So, while you’re here why not check them out?