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Sheep's milk and donkey milk differ significantly in their nutritional values: sheep's milk is one of the richest types of milk, while donkey milk is one of the lightest. Sheep's milk contains about six times as much fat and around three times as much protein, while donkey milk has more lactose and a mild, slightly sweet taste.
Nutritional values compared
| Per 100 ml (approx.) | Donkey milk | Sheep's milk | Cow's milk (whole milk) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Energy | 35–45 kcal | approx. 95–110 kcal | approx. 65 kcal |
| Fat | usually less than 1 g | 6–7 g | 3.5 g |
| Protein | 1.5–1.9 g | 5–6 g | 3.4 g |
| Lactose | 6–7 g | 4.5–5 g | 4.7 g |
| Calcium | 60–90 mg | approx. 180–200 mg | approx. 120 mg |
Indicative values. The composition varies depending on the breed, feed and lactation stage.
What the differences mean
- Creaminess: Sheep's milk is very full-bodied due to its high fat and protein content. Donkey milk is thin.
- Sweetness: Donkey milk tastes sweeter due to its higher lactose content.
- Energy: A glass of sheep's milk provides more than twice as much energy as a glass of donkey milk.
Both types of milk contain milk protein and lactose. If you have allergies or intolerances, please consult a doctor before consumption.
Taste
| Donkey milk | Sheep's milk | |
|---|---|---|
| Taste | mild, slightly sweet | full-bodied, slightly nutty |
| Consistency | thin | creamy |
| Distinctive taste | subtle | pronounced |
Cheese made from sheep's and donkey milk
Sheep's milk is ideal for cheesemaking due to its high protein content. Many well-known cheeses from the Mediterranean region are made from sheep's milk.
Donkey milk is poorly suited for cheesemaking due to its low protein content. Around 25 liters of donkey milk are needed for 1 kg of donkey cheese – that is why it is a real rarity. More in Donkey cheese: How it is made.
Use in the kitchen
- Sheep's milk: good for yogurt, cheese, creamy sauces and desserts.
- Donkey milk: ideal for light drinks, porridge, desserts with a cream content and as milk in coffee. Recipes: Panna cotta, Crème brûlée, French toast.
Origin and rarity
Sheep are milked in large numbers worldwide, and sheep's milk products are widely available. Donkey milk, on the other hand, is rare: A donkey only gives milk while it has a foal, and it is milked by hand in small quantities. More in Why real donkey milk is so rare.
Which milk is right for you?
- Sheep's milk, if you are looking for creaminess and a full-bodied taste.
- Donkey milk, if you are looking for a light, mild milk with natural sweetness and a special origin.
Further comparisons: Donkey milk or camel milk?, Donkey milk or oat drink? and Donkey milk or cow's milk?
Light, mild, rare
Fresh donkey milk from European partner farms, laboratory-tested in Germany and delivered frozen – or as powder for storage.
Frequently asked questions
Which milk is lower in fat?
Donkey milk, with usually less than 1 g of fat per 100 ml. Sheep's milk contains about 6–7 g.
Which milk has more calcium?
Sheep's milk contains significantly more calcium than donkey milk.
Can I use donkey milk for cheesemaking like sheep's milk?
Hardly. The low protein content makes cheesemaking very labor-intensive. A lot of milk is needed for donkey cheese.
Is donkey milk available as a powder?
Yes. About 10 g of donkey milk powder and 90 ml of water yield around 100 ml.
