Myths and truths about donkey milk: What's really behind it?

Contents

1. Myth 1: Donkey milk is low in lactose
2. Myth 2: Donkey milk is a miracle cure
3. Myth 3: Donkey milk is suitable as a substitute...
4. Myth 4: Donkey milk is suitable for people with...
5. Myth 5: Donkey milk is fatty and heavy
6. Myth 6: Donkey milk tastes strong
7. Myth 7: Donkeys give as much milk as cows
8. Myth 8: Cleopatra bathed daily in donkey milk
9. Myth 9: Donkey milk powder is only a poor...
10. Myth 10: Donkey milk lasts for weeks in the...
11. What you can consider when purchasing
12. Frequently Asked Questions

Many stories surround donkey milk: from Cleopatra's baths to grand promises on the internet. Some of them are true, many are exaggerated or simply false. Here we examine ten common assumptions and compare them with the facts – objectively and without promises.

Myth 1: Donkey milk is low in lactose

Fact: The opposite is true. Donkey milk contains about 6–7 g of lactose per 100 ml. Cow's milk contains around 4.7 g. Donkey milk therefore contains rather more lactose. This is also where its slightly sweet taste comes from. Anyone who is lactose intolerant should know this and consult a doctor beforehand to clarify whether they can consume it. You can find a comparison in the article Which milk contains how much lactose?

Myth 2: Donkey milk is a miracle cure

Fact: Donkey milk is a food. Foods do not treat illnesses. Many promises about donkey milk can be found on the internet that are not legally permitted and are unsupported by evidence. Donkey milk is primarily studied scientifically because of its composition. It naturally contains lysozyme and lactoferrin – these are ingredients, not medicinal promises.

Myth 3: Donkey milk is suitable as a substitute for breast milk

Fact: No. Donkey milk is not a substitute for breast milk or infant formula. Babies need breast milk or infant formula specially formulated for them. For children, during pregnancy and breastfeeding, please discuss nutritional questions with your doctor beforehand.

Myth 4: Donkey milk is suitable for people with a milk allergy

Fact: Donkey milk contains milk protein. Even though its protein composition differs from cow's milk, no general suitability can be inferred. Anyone who has a milk protein allergy should consult a doctor to clarify whether donkey milk is an option. Ingredients and allergens are always listed on the label.

Myth 5: Donkey milk is fatty and heavy

Fact: Donkey milk is low in fat. It contains about 0.3–1.8 g of fat per 100 ml, usually under 1 g. In addition, it contains about 1.5–1.9 g of protein and 60–90 mg of calcium. With about 35–45 kcal per 100 ml, it is a light milk. You can find more details in the article Donkey Milk: Ingredients and Nutritional Values.

Myth 6: Donkey milk tastes strong

Fact: Many expect a taste similar to goat's milk. Donkey milk, however, tastes mild and slightly sweet. It is thinner than cow's milk. Many drink it plain, while others use it in coffee, muesli, or for desserts.

Myth 7: Donkeys give as much milk as cows

Fact: A donkey gives only about 1–2 liters of milk per day in addition to the milk for her foal. She only gives milk when she has a foal, and the foal drinks first. It is milked by hand and in small quantities. This is why donkey milk is rare and expensive. You need around 25 liters of donkey milk for 1 kg of donkey cheese.

Myth 8: Cleopatra bathed daily in donkey milk

Fact: This is a legend. According to legend, Cleopatra bathed in donkey milk. This cannot be reliably proven today. However, the story shows that donkey milk was considered precious even in antiquity. Donkey milk is still used in cosmetics today: skincare products with donkey milk moisturize and make the skin supple.

Myth 9: Donkey milk powder is only a poor substitute

Fact: Donkey milk powder is freeze-dried donkey milk. During this process, the water is removed from the milk. If you mix 10 g of powder with 90 ml of water, you get about 100 ml of donkey milk. Fresh milk and powder taste very similar. Powder is especially practical because it does not require a freezer and can be easily measured out.

Myth 10: Donkey milk lasts for weeks in the refrigerator

Fact: Fresh donkey milk is stored and delivered frozen. At −18 °C, it remains storable until the best-before date on the label. After thawing, the instructions on the label apply. Therefore, always thaw only as much as you want to use in the near future.

What you can consider when purchasing

• Storage: Fresh donkey milk is delivered frozen. Store it at −18 °C and thaw it slowly in the refrigerator at 2–7 °C.
• Label: Please follow the instructions on the label.
• Testing: At DON DONKEY'S, the donkey milk, which is milked by hand on European farms, is laboratory tested in Germany.
• Alternative: Freeze-dried donkey milk powder does not require a freezer. 10 g of powder and 90 ml of water yield about 100 ml.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is donkey milk lactose-free?

No. It contains about 6–7 g of lactose per 100 ml, and therefore rather more than cow's milk.

Why is donkey milk so expensive?

Because a donkey gives only about 1–2 liters of milk per day in addition to the milk for her foal and is milked by hand.

What does donkey milk taste like?

Mild, slightly sweet, and somewhat thinner than cow's milk.

Is donkey milk a medicine?

No. Donkey milk is a food. For health-related questions, please consult your doctor.