Donkey milk vs. cow's milk: what's the difference?

Milk is a staple food in many cultures, but not all types of milk are the same. While cow's milk is the most widely consumed, donkey milk is increasingly gaining attention. In this comparison, we take a closer look at the differences between donkey milk and cow's milk – in terms of nutritional values, protein and lactose, taste, price and origin.

Nutritional profile: What's inside?

Donkey milk and cow's milk differ significantly in their composition. Donkey milk contains approximately 35–45 kcal per 100 ml and usually less than 1 g of fat – cow's milk (whole milk) contains around 3.5 g of fat. The protein content of donkey milk is lower at around 1.5–1.9 g compared to cow's milk with around 3.3 g. However, donkey milk contains more milk sugar (lactose) with around 6–7 g per 100 ml than cow's milk with around 4.7 g. In terms of calcium, donkey milk with around 60–90 mg per 100 ml is lower than cow's milk. Donkey milk also naturally contains lysozyme and lactoferrin.

Milk protein and lactose: the facts

You often read that donkey milk is better suited for people with a milk allergy or lactose intolerance. This cannot be said. Donkey milk contains milk protein – including beta-lactoglobulin – and with around 6–7 g per 100 ml, it contains more lactose than cow's milk. Anyone who has a milk protein allergy or lactose intolerance should consult a doctor before consumption to clarify whether donkey milk is suitable. You can find an overview of various types of milk in our article Which milk contains how much lactose?

Protein composition: Whey proteins and casein

Another difference lies in the type of proteins: donkey milk has a higher proportion of whey proteins and less casein than cow's milk. This shapes its thin consistency and its behavior in the kitchen. For example, donkey milk cannot be processed into cheese as easily as cow's milk – you need around 25 liters of donkey milk for 1 kg of donkey cheese.

Taste and uses

Compared to cow's milk, donkey milk has a mild, slightly sweet taste that many people find pleasant. It can be used versatilely in the kitchen, whether as a base for smoothies, in muesli or as an ingredient in recipes. Due to its natural sweetness, donkey milk is also well suited for desserts and other sweet dishes.

Price and availability

While cow's milk is available in almost every supermarket and is relatively affordable, donkey milk remains a more exclusive product. Its production is more labor-intensive: A donkey gives approximately 1–2 liters of milk per day in addition to what her foal drinks, and is milked by hand or in small quantities. This is reflected in the price and makes donkey milk a rare and special food.

Husbandry and origin

Donkey milk usually comes from smaller farms with manageable herds. During the milking period, the donkey continues to feed her foal, and only a part of the milk is milked. Cow's milk, on the other hand, is predominantly produced in larger, specialized dairy farms. For many people, this different method of production plays a role when they decide on donkey milk.

At DON DONKEY'S, our donkey milk is milked by hand on European farms, laboratory-tested in Germany and delivered frozen. Whether you are looking for a change from cow's milk or simply want to enjoy the mild taste of donkey milk – you will find the right product with us.

You can find even more figures and details in our detailed article Donkey milk or cow's milk: the differences.