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Contents
Donkey milk contains approximately 35 to 45 kcal per 100 ml, usually less than 1 g of fat, about 1.5 to 1.9 g of protein and about 6 to 7 g of lactose. This makes it lower in fat and protein than cow's milk, but it tends to contain more lactose. In this nutritional analysis, we go through the individual components, compare them with cow's milk and explain why the values always fluctuate for a natural product.
Donkey Milk Nutritional Values at a Glance
The following table shows approximate values per 100 ml. Cow's milk (whole milk) is shown for comparison.
| Nutritional value per 100 ml | Donkey milk (approx.) | Cow's milk, whole milk (approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| Energy | 35–45 kcal | 64–66 kcal |
| Fat | 0.3–1.8 g (usually less than 1 g) | 3.5 g |
| Protein | 1.5–1.9 g | 3.4 g |
| Lactose (carbohydrates) | 6–7 g | 4.7 g |
| Calcium | 60–90 mg | 120 mg |
For any specific product, the information on the label always applies. The donkey milk from DON DONKEY'S is laboratory tested in Germany.
Energy and Fat
With approximately 35 to 45 kcal per 100 ml, donkey milk is significantly lower than whole milk. The main reason is the low fat content: It is usually less than 1 g per 100 ml, but can vary between approximately 0.3 and 1.8 g depending on the animal and stage of lactation. You can also notice this in the consistency. Donkey milk is thin and more reminiscent of low-fat milk.
In cow's milk, a large part of the energy is in the fat. In donkey milk, on the other hand, a large part of the energy comes from lactose.
Protein: lower quantity, different distribution
Donkey milk contains approximately 1.5 to 1.9 g of protein per 100 ml, which is around half as much as cow's milk. The composition of the protein is also different. Milk protein consists roughly of two groups: casein and whey proteins. In cow's milk, casein is clearly predominant. In donkey milk, the proportion of whey proteins is relatively high.
Important: Donkey milk also contains milk protein. If you have a milk protein allergy, please consult a doctor before consumption.
Lactose: likely more than in cow's milk
One point is often misrepresented: donkey milk is not low in lactose. With approximately 6 to 7 g per 100 ml, it tends to contain more lactose than cow's milk with around 4.7 g. The high lactose content provides the mild, slightly sweet taste. If you are lactose intolerant, you should definitely consult a doctor. You can find a comparison of different types of milk in the post Which milk contains how much lactose?.
Minerals and other ingredients
Donkey milk contains approximately 60 to 90 mg of calcium per 100 ml, plus other minerals such as phosphorus, potassium and magnesium, as well as various vitamins in small quantities. Overall, the values tend to be lower than those of cow's milk.
In addition, donkey milk naturally contains lysozyme and lactoferrin:
- Lysozyme is an enzyme that occurs in many natural sources, including egg white.
- Lactoferrin is a protein that can bind iron and occurs in various types of milk.
We only refer to both as ingredients. We go into more detail about them in the post Donkey Milk: Ingredients, Lysozyme and Vitamins.
Why the values fluctuate
Donkey milk is a natural product. Its composition depends on several factors:
- Stage of lactation: Shortly after the birth of the foal, the milk has a different composition than a few months later.
- Individual animal and breed: Every donkey is different.
- Feeding and season: Pasture in summer, hay in winter.
- Measurement method: Values per 100 ml and per 100 g are not identical.
This is why you will find different figures in various sources. Reliable information provides ranges and not exact individual values.
Nutritional values of donkey milk powder
In donkey milk powder, fresh donkey milk is freeze-dried, meaning the water is removed. The nutritional values on the packaging therefore usually refer to 100 g of powder and are correspondingly higher. To mix, you take approximately 10 g of powder with 90 ml of water and obtain around 100 ml of donkey milk. The values of the mixed milk then fall back into the range of liquid donkey milk.
Frequently asked questions
How many calories does donkey milk have?
Approximately 35 to 45 kcal per 100 ml. This is significantly less than whole milk with around 64 to 66 kcal.
Is donkey milk lactose-free?
No. Donkey milk contains approximately 6 to 7 g of lactose per 100 ml, which is therefore more than cow's milk.
How much fat does donkey milk contain?
Usually less than 1 g per 100 ml. Depending on the animal and stage of lactation, approximately 0.3 to 1.8 g is possible.
Where can I find the exact nutritional values?
The information on the label of the respective product is always decisive.
