Buyer protection
Contents
Donkey milk is milk – and milk is one of the ingredients that must always be labelled as a potential allergen in the EU. This applies to cow's milk as well as donkey milk. The claim that donkey milk is "well tolerated by allergy sufferers" therefore cannot be made. Here you will find out what allergen labelling means and how to read labels correctly.
What allergen labelling regulates
In the European Union, the Food Information Regulation specifies what information must appear on packaged food. This includes a list of 14 substances and products that commonly cause allergies or intolerances. They must be highlighted in the ingredients list, for example by bold print.
These 14 major allergens include, among others, gluten-containing cereals, eggs, peanuts, nuts, soy – and milk including lactose. The rule does not distinguish based on which animal the milk comes from. Donkey milk is therefore also an allergen that must be labelled.
Why "well tolerated by allergy sufferers" is not appropriate
Donkey milk is often described online as a "well tolerated alternative for allergy sufferers". Factually, this cannot be supported for several reasons:
- Donkey milk contains milk protein. Around 1.5–1.9 g per 100 ml. Anyone who reacts to milk protein cannot assume that donkey milk is an exception.
- Donkey milk contains lactose. With around 6–7 g per 100 ml, it actually contains more than cow's milk, which has around 4.7 g.
- Tolerability is individual. Whether a person tolerates a food cannot be stated generally for an entire group.
- "Allergy sufferer" is not a uniform term. Someone who reacts to pollen has a completely different situation than someone with a milk protein allergy.
We therefore do not use statements such as "suitable for allergy sufferers" or "well tolerated". Instead, we provide the information you need to make your own decision – and advise you to confirm it with a doctor.
How to read a label correctly
- Check the ingredients list: Allergens are highlighted there. For donkey milk, this is the milk itself.
- Look for trace warnings: Some manufacturers voluntarily state if traces of other allergens may be present.
- Read the nutritional table: Here you can see, among other things, the sugar content, which in milk consists mainly of lactose.
- Observe storage and preparation instructions: Please follow the information on the label.
Cosmetics: Ingredients on the packaging
The full list of ingredients is also printed on the packaging of skincare products containing donkey milk. It is structured uniformly internationally so that you can recognise known triggers. If you react to certain substances, it is worth taking a closer look before buying. Cosmetics care for the skin; they do not treat skin reactions.
What donkey milk is factually made of
Donkey milk is a light milk: around 35–45 kcal and usually less than 1 g of fat per 100 ml, plus around 60–90 mg of calcium. Naturally, it contains lysozyme and lactoferrin, which we refer to as ingredients. It is rare because a donkey gives only about 1–2 litres of milk per day in addition to the milk for its foal. Scientifically, donkey milk is primarily studied because of its composition – find out more on our page Donkey milk in research.
Why we provide such straightforward information
Anyone living with an allergy must be able to rely on the information provided. A promotional promise such as "well tolerated" can lead to underestimating a risk. That is why we rely on clear, verifiable information: nutritional values as approximate values, ingredients and allergens according to the label, and the advice to clarify health questions with a doctor.
For us, donkey milk is a special food – rare, mild in taste, and with an interesting composition. That is exactly how we describe it. Whether it fits into your diet is for you to decide with the knowledge you need, and in the case of allergies, together with professionals.
Frequently Asked Questions
Must donkey milk be labelled as an allergen?
Yes. Milk including lactose is one of the 14 major allergens in the EU. This applies regardless of which animal the milk comes from.
Can I drink donkey milk if I have a pollen allergy?
Only your doctor can assess whether it is suitable for you. Allergies are individual, and possible connections between different allergies are a matter for medical professionals.
Why don't you write "suitable for allergy sufferers"?
Because donkey milk contains milk protein and lactose, and tolerability is individual. Such a statement would not be honest.
Where can I find the allergens in your products?
Ingredients and allergens are always on the label of the respective packaging.
Donkey milk is a food and not a medicine. If you have health questions, please contact your doctor.
