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Donkey milk is not vegan. It comes from an animal and therefore does not belong in a vegan diet. For people who eat a vegetarian or flexitarian diet, however, it can be a rare addition. In this post, we clarify the terms, show the differences to plant-based drinks, and answer typical questions about donkey milk and vegan diet.
Why donkey milk is not vegan
Vegan means: no foods of animal origin. This includes meat and fish, but also eggs, honey, and milk – regardless of which animal they come from. Donkey milk is the milk of a female donkey, which first nourishes her foal. About 1 to 2 liters are additionally milked per day. Thus, donkey milk is clearly an animal product.
This also applies to everything made from donkey milk: donkey milk powder, donkey cheese, and cosmetics with donkey milk as an ingredient are also not vegan.
Vegan, vegetarian, flexitarian: the differences
| Diet | Milk and dairy products | Donkey milk |
|---|---|---|
| Vegan | no | does not fit |
| Ovo-lacto-vegetarian | yes | fits |
| Ovo-vegetarian | no | does not fit |
| Flexitarian | yes | fits |
If you eat a vegetarian diet, you will find suitable ideas in the post Donkey milk in the vegetarian diet.
Donkey milk and plant-based drinks compared
Plant-based drinks made from oats, soy, almonds, or rice are not milk in the legal sense. In the EU, they can therefore generally not be labeled as "milk". They differ from donkey milk in several ways:
- Origin: Plant-based drinks are made from grains, legumes, or nuts. Donkey milk is an animal-based food.
- Lactose: Plant-based drinks contain no lactose. Donkey milk contains about 6 to 7 g per 100 ml – rather more than cow's milk with about 4.7 g.
- Additives: Plant-based drinks are often fortified with vitamins or calcium or contain sugar, oil, and stabilizers. What exactly is included is stated on the respective ingredients list.
- Taste: Plant-based drinks taste like grain, nuts, or beans depending on the base. Donkey milk is usually described as mild and slightly sweet.
Which drink is right for you depends on your diet, your taste, and your personal values.
What is in donkey milk?
For everyone who does not eat a vegan diet and would like to try donkey milk, here are the most important nutritional values. Per 100 ml, donkey milk contains about:
- 35–45 kcal energy
- 0.3–1.8 g fat, usually under 1 g
- 1.5–1.9 g protein
- 6–7 g lactose
- 60–90 mg calcium
It also naturally contains lysozyme and lactoferrin. You can find the exact values on the label. Read more about this under Donkey milk: Ingredients and nutritional values.
Lactose and milk protein: important to know
Some people turn to vegan drinks because they want to avoid lactose or milk protein. In this case, donkey milk is not a lactose-free alternative: It contains both milk protein and lactose. If you have a lactose intolerance or a milk protein allergy, please clarify beforehand with your doctor whether donkey milk is an option for you. An overview of the lactose content of different types of milk is offered in the post Which milk contains how much lactose?.
Make your own decision
Whether you include donkey milk in your menu is a personal decision. For people who eat a vegan diet, the answer is clear: donkey milk and all products made from it do not fit. For everyone else, it can be a rare change that you choose because of its mild taste.
Those who are interested in the origin can find information about milking and the role of the foal in the post How is donkey milk obtained?. A female donkey only gives milk after she has had a foal, and she is milked in addition to what the foal drinks. This way you can make an informed decision – no matter how you eat.
If you would like to try donkey milk and you do not eat a vegan diet, start with a small amount. The liquid donkey milk is delivered frozen and thawed slowly in the refrigerator.
Frequently asked questions
Is donkey milk vegan?
No. Donkey milk is the milk of a female donkey and therefore an animal-based food. It does not fit a vegan diet.
Is cosmetics with donkey milk vegan?
No. If donkey milk is included as an ingredient, the product is not vegan. The ingredients are listed on the packaging.
Is donkey milk suitable for vegetarians?
For vegetarians who eat and drink dairy products, yes. With donkey cheese, it is worth taking a look at the ingredients list, as it can depend on the type of rennet.
Does donkey milk contain less lactose than cow's milk?
No. Donkey milk contains about 6 to 7 g per 100 ml, which is rather more lactose than cow's milk with about 4.7 g.
