Buyer protection
Contents
Donkey milk is rare and comes at a price. That makes the question of how to recognize quality all the more important. The short answer: a complete label, traceable laboratory testing, and an unbroken cold chain. Here you will find out step by step what to look for when buying.
Why quality is particularly important with donkey milk
A donkey only produces milk when she has a foal. The foal drinks first, and the milk is hand-milked in small quantities. This means that only about 1–2 liters per animal are collected each day. That is why donkey milk is not a mass-produced product, but a rare specialty. How rare it actually is, you can read in our article Why donkey milk is so rare.
Especially because the quantities are small and the journey from the farm to you is often long, it is worth taking a closer look. Three points provide you with good guidance: the label, laboratory testing, and the cold chain.
The label: What should be on it
A clear label is the first indication of a careful supplier. Certain information is mandatory for packaged food. Pay particular attention to these points:
- Description: It should be clearly recognizable that it is donkey milk.
- Ingredients and allergens: Donkey milk contains milk protein and lactose. You will always find the exact information on the label.
- Shelf life: Best before date or use-by date.
- Storage instructions: for example the temperature for frozen goods and thawing instructions.
- Supplier: Name and address of the responsible company.
- Filling quantity and batch marking: This allows every batch to be traced.
If such information is missing or seems inaccurate, ask the supplier. A reputable dealer will be happy to answer.
Laboratory testing: What it indicates
Laboratory testing shows that a batch has been tested and meets the applicable food requirements. It is an important component of transparency. At DON DONKEY'S, the donkey milk is tested in a laboratory in Germany before it goes on sale.
It is important: Laboratory testing is not a marketing promise, but a check. It indicates that a product is carefully monitored. If you want to know how a supplier tests, ask specifically: Who tests, how often, and what is tested?
Cold chain: Frozen is the standard
Fresh donkey milk is deep-frozen after milking and stored frozen. This keeps it in a consistent condition until it reaches you. We deliver our donkey milk frozen and ship on Mondays and Wednesdays so that the packages are not in transit over the weekend.
- Storage: frozen at −18 °C.
- Thawing: slowly in the refrigerator at 2–7 °C.
- After thawing: Please follow the instructions on the label.
You can find detailed instructions in our article Thawing and properly storing donkey milk.
Origin and work on the farm
Where the milk comes from is an important criterion for many buyers. Our donkey milk comes from European farms and is hand-milked there. The farms keep their donkeys in herds, because donkeys are herd animals and do not like to be alone. Only part of the milk is milked; the rest is for the foal.
This method of working explains why donkey milk is only available in small quantities. It also explains why the prices for donkey milk differ significantly from cow's milk. For example, you need around 25 liters of donkey milk for 1 kg of donkey cheese.
Your checklist for buying
- Is the label complete and easy to read?
- Does the supplier state how and where the milk is tested?
- Is the milk delivered frozen, and are there clear storage instructions?
- Is it traceable where the milk comes from?
- Do you get a quick and concrete answer to questions?
If you can answer all points with yes, you have a solid basis for your decision.
Frequently asked questions
Why is donkey milk more expensive than cow's milk?
A donkey only produces about 1–2 liters of milk per day in addition to the milk for her foal. It is hand-milked in small quantities. In addition, there is laboratory testing, freezing, and refrigerated shipping.
How can I tell that the cold chain has been maintained?
Frozen donkey milk should arrive frozen. Then store it immediately at −18 °C. If a delivery does not arrive as expected, please contact the dealer directly.
How long does thawed donkey milk last?
This depends on the product. Please follow the instructions on the label and only thaw the amount you want to use in the near future.
Is there an alternative to fresh donkey milk?
Yes, freeze-dried donkey milk powder. It does not require a freezer, but is stored dry and protected from light in a cupboard. 10 g of powder and 90 ml of water yield approximately 100 ml of donkey milk.
