Buyer protection
Contents
Donkey milk is an animal milk with only one ingredient, while oat drink is a plant-based beverage made from oats, water, and usually other ingredients. Donkey milk contains milk protein and lactose, while oat drink is lactose-free and vegan. In terms of taste, the two are surprisingly similar: both are mild and slightly sweet.
Why is it actually called "oat drink"?
In everyday language, many people say "oat milk". However, plant-based beverages generally cannot be labeled as "milk" in the EU – the term is reserved for milk from animals. That is why names like "oat drink" appear on packaging.
Origin and ingredients
| Donkey milk | Oat drink | |
|---|---|---|
| Origin | Milk from donkeys, hand-milked | industrially produced from oats and water |
| Ingredients | Donkey milk | Water, oats, depending on the product, oil, salt, stabilizers, added vitamins and calcium |
| Vegan | no | yes |
| Lactose | yes, about 6–7 g per 100 ml | no |
| Gluten | no | Oats may contain traces, except in products clearly labeled as gluten-free |
Nutritional values compared
| Per 100 ml (approx.) | Donkey milk | Oat drink (typical) |
|---|---|---|
| Energy | 35–45 kcal | 40–50 kcal |
| Fat | usually under 1 g | 1–1.5 g |
| Protein | 1.5–1.9 g | 0.3–1 g |
| Carbohydrates | 6–7 g (lactose) | 6–8 g, part of which is sugar from the oats |
| Calcium | 60–90 mg (natural) | only if fortified, otherwise low |
Indicative values. For oat drinks, recipes differ significantly depending on the product – it is worth taking a look at the label.
Why both taste slightly sweet
- Donkey milk: The sweetness comes from natural milk sugar. More on milk sugar or added sugar.
- Oat drink: During production, starch from the oats is partially converted into sugar by enzymes.
In coffee: foam and taste
Many oat drinks are available as a special barista version with added fat so that they foam well. Due to its low fat content, donkey milk does not foam as stably, but it brings a fine, mild note to the coffee. Tips on donkey milk in coffee.
Who is what suitable for?
- Oat drink is suitable if you follow a vegan diet or want to avoid milk.
- Donkey milk is suitable if you are looking for an unprocessed animal milk with only one ingredient – mild, low in fat, and rare.
More on plant-based and animal-based alternatives in What milk alternatives are there? and Donkey milk and vegan diet.
Shelf life and storage
- Oat drink: usually shelf-stable at room temperature unopened, store refrigerated after opening.
- Donkey milk: keep frozen at −18 °C, thaw in the refrigerator and enjoy within 3 days. As a powder, it can be stored dry at room temperature.
One ingredient. One origin.
Unprocessed donkey milk from European partner farms – fresh in the Mini Duo and as powder to try.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is donkey milk an alternative to oat drink?
For people who drink animal milk, yes. For a vegan or lactose-free diet, no.
Which has more protein?
Donkey milk usually contains more protein than a typical oat drink.
Which has more sugar?
Donkey milk contains about 6–7 g of milk sugar per 100 ml. For oat drinks, the sugar content depends on the product.
Can I mix both?
Of course – for example in porridge. It is worth trying.
