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Donkey milk is suitable for a vegetarian diet, as vegetarians do not eat meat or fish, but do consume milk. For many vegetarians, donkey milk is a rare alternative to the usual types of milk. In this post, you will learn what makes donkey milk unique as a food, how to use it in vegetarian cooking, and what questions about its origin and animal welfare are worth asking.
Vegetarian, vegan, flexitarian: where donkey milk fits in
These terms are often confused in everyday conversation. Here is a brief overview:
- Vegetarian: no meat, no fish. Milk and dairy products are generally part of the diet. Donkey milk fits here.
- Ovo-lacto-vegetarian: the most common form – includes eggs and milk.
- Vegan: no animal products. Donkey milk is an animal-derived food and therefore not vegan.
If you follow a vegan diet, you can find more information in the post Donkey milk and vegan diets.
What is in donkey milk?
Donkey milk differs from cow's milk in its composition. Every 100 ml contains approximately:
| Nutrient | Donkey milk (approx., per 100 ml) |
|---|---|
| Energy | 35–45 kcal |
| Fat | 0.3–1.8 g (usually less than 1 g) |
| Protein | 1.5–1.9 g |
| Lactose | 6–7 g |
| Calcium | 60–90 mg |
Donkey milk also naturally contains the proteins lysozyme and lactoferrin. The exact values vary depending on the animal and the time of year. The information on the label is legally binding. You can find a detailed overview at Donkey milk: Ingredients and nutritional values.
For a vegetarian diet, one point is important: donkey milk's protein content is rather low, at around 1.5 to 1.9 g per 100 ml. It is therefore not a significant source of protein in your diet. Donkey milk is more of a delicacy that you choose for its taste and rarity.
Donkey milk and lactose: a common misconception
You often read that donkey milk contains little lactose. This is not true. With around 6 to 7 g per 100 ml, it contains more lactose than cow's milk, which has around 4.7 g. It also contains milk protein. If you are lactose intolerant or have a milk protein allergy, please check with your doctor beforehand whether donkey milk is suitable for you. You can find a comparison of different types of milk in the post Which milk contains how much lactose?.
Donkey milk in vegetarian cooking
In vegetarian dishes, you can use donkey milk anywhere you would otherwise use milk. It is usually described as mild and slightly sweet. Ideas for everyday use:
- Breakfast: porridge or overnight oats with donkey milk, fruit and nuts.
- Drinks: a splash of donkey milk in coffee, chai or hot chocolate.
- Desserts: rice pudding, semolina pudding or panna cotta with some donkey milk.
- Cheese platter: Donkey cheese as a special addition to bread, fruit and nuts. Whether a cheese was made with animal-derived or microbial rennet is important to many vegetarians – you can find the ingredients on the label.
More ideas can be found in our Recipes with donkey milk.
Origin and animal welfare: questions worth asking
For many people who follow a vegetarian diet, the origin of animal-derived foods is important. When it comes to donkey milk, these points are worth considering:
- A donkey only produces milk after giving birth to a foal. The milk is initially intended for the foal.
- Approximately 1 to 2 liters are milked per day in addition to what the foal drinks.
- At DON DONKEY'S, milk is milked by hand or in small quantities on European farms.
The post How is donkey milk produced? explains exactly how the milk is obtained.
Donkey milk powder for the vegetarian pantry
If you like to cook ahead or have little space in your freezer, you can use freeze-dried donkey milk powder. It can be measured out precisely: 10 g of powder and 90 ml of water make approximately 100 ml of donkey milk. You can also stir the powder directly into batter, pancakes or smoothies. This keeps donkey milk for vegetarian recipes on hand without having to thaw it first. Storage instructions can be found on the label.
Frequently asked questions
Is donkey milk vegetarian?
Yes. Donkey milk is a dairy product. Vegetarians who consume milk can also use donkey milk.
Is donkey milk a good source of protein for vegetarians?
Probably not. With around 1.5 to 1.9 g of protein per 100 ml, it contains less than cow's milk. Donkey milk is more of a special delicacy than a building block for your protein intake.
Is donkey cheese vegetarian?
That depends on which rennet was used to make the cheese. Please check the ingredients list on the label.
Is donkey milk also available without freezing?
Yes, as freeze-dried donkey milk powder. 10 g of powder and 90 ml of water make approximately 100 ml of donkey milk.
