Donkey milk or cow’s milk? Nutritional values, lactose, and differences compared

Donkey milk and cow milk compared: fat, protein, lactose, calories, taste and price.

2 min readBy DON DONKEY'S

Eselsmilch oder Kuhmilch? Nährwerte, Laktose und Unterschiede im Vergleich
Contents
  1. What Makes Donkey Milk Different from Cow Milk?
  2. Nutritional Values Compared
  3. Does Donkey Milk Contain Less Lactose?
  4. Fat, Calories, and Protein
  5. What Does Donkey Milk Taste Like?
  6. Why Is Donkey Milk More Expensive?
  7. Fresh Donkey Milk or Powder?
  8. Frequently Asked Questions
  9. Conclusion
  10. Scientific Basis
  11. Discover Our Donkey Milk
DON DONKEY'S® / THE MILK JOURNAL

Donkey Milk or Cow Milk?

Two types of animal milk with different nutritional profiles. We compare fat, protein, lactose, calories, taste, and uses.

01 / The Essentials

What Makes Donkey Milk Different from Cow Milk?

Cow milk is one of the most widely used foods. Donkey milk is much rarer. While cow milk usually has a higher fat and protein content, donkey milk contains more lactose on average. The composition of the milk proteins also differs.

Donkey milk is typically lower in fat and protein but higher in lactose than whole cow milk. It often has a mild, slightly sweet taste.

Nutritional Values Compared

Per 100 ml Donkey Milk Whole Cow Milk
Fat 0.3–1.8 g 3.5–3.8 g
Protein 1.4–2.0 g 3.2–3.5 g
Lactose 5.8–7.4 g 4.6–5.0 g
Energy approx. 35–60 kcal approx. 63–68 kcal
Taste Mild, slightly sweet Mild, full-bodied

Rounded estimates. Natural variations are possible.

Does Donkey Milk Contain Less Lactose?

No. Donkey milk typically contains more lactose than cow milk. It is not a lactose-free alternative. Caution is also required in cases of milk protein allergy, as donkey milk also contains milk proteins.

Fat, Calories, and Protein

Compared to whole cow milk, donkey milk usually contains less fat and often fewer calories. However, cow milk is also available as low-fat milk and skim milk. Cow milk generally provides more total protein and contains a higher proportion of casein.

What Does Donkey Milk Taste Like?

Whole cow milk often tastes creamier and more full-bodied. Donkey milk, by contrast, is described as mild, slightly sweet, and thinner.

Why Is Donkey Milk More Expensive?

Donkey milk production is specialized, and the available quantity is limited. Animal husbandry, milking, and refrigerated transport all influence the price. Learn more about the price of donkey milk.

Fresh Donkey Milk or Powder?

DON DONKEY'S® offers fresh donkey milk delivered frozen, as well as freeze-dried donkey milk powder. The two product forms differ in storage and preparation.

Heat raw milk sufficiently before consumption and follow the product instructions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which milk contains less fat?

Donkey milk usually contains less fat than whole cow milk, but not necessarily less than skim milk.

Which milk has fewer calories?

Donkey milk often has fewer calories than whole cow milk.

Is donkey milk lactose-free?

No. It contains natural lactose.

Which milk contains more protein?

Cow milk typically contains more total protein.

Is donkey milk suitable for people with a cow milk allergy?

This cannot be stated as a general rule and should be discussed with a professional.

Can donkey milk replace infant formula?

No. Donkey milk replaces neither breast milk nor approved infant formula.

Conclusion

Whole cow milk typically contains more fat and protein. Donkey milk often contains more lactose and has a milder, slightly sweet taste. Which milk is right for you depends on its use, nutritional values, product form, and price.

Scientific Basis

Roy et al. (2020), Frontiers in Nutrition: View study. USDA FoodData Central: Nutritional database.

DON DONKEY'S® / THE ORIGINALS

Discover Our Donkey Milk

Fresh Donkey Milk

Fresh Donkey Milk

Natural donkey milk, delivered frozen.

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Donkey Milk Powder

Donkey Milk Powder

Freeze-dried and flexibly portionable.

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About DON DONKEY'S

We offer donkey milk, donkey milk powder, donkey cheese and care products with donkey milk. The fresh donkey milk is milked by hand, frozen straight away and delivered to you chilled. View the range