Buyer protection
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“White gold” is a nickname often given to donkey milk. It refers primarily to how rare and labor-intensive it is, as well as to its light color. It is not possible to clearly prove where the expression exactly comes from. In this post, we look at what lies behind the nickname and what it does not mean.
Where the nickname comes from
“White gold” is a figurative expression. Over time, it has been used for various valuable, light-colored raw materials, such as salt or porcelain. In the case of donkey milk, the term appears primarily in connection with its rarity and price. We are not aware of any clear historical source that first used the term for donkey milk. Claims that it was called this “even in antiquity” therefore cannot be substantiated.
One thing is certain: The name describes an appreciation, not a property in the glass. It is a cultural image, not a seal of quality.
Reason 1: Small quantities
A donkey gives milk because it has a foal. The foal drinks first. What remains for humans is about 1 to 2 liters per day. It is milked by hand and in small quantities. This makes donkey milk rare and comparatively expensive. You can read more about this in the post Why donkey milk is so rare.
Reason 2: The light color and special composition
Donkey milk is very light and rather thin. This is due, among other things, to the low fat content. Per 100 ml, it contains about:
| Nutrient | Donkey milk per 100 ml (approx.) |
|---|---|
| Energy | 35–45 kcal |
| Fat | 0.3–1.8 g, usually under 1 g |
| Protein | 1.5–1.9 g |
| Lactose | 6–7 g |
| Calcium | 60–90 mg |
Donkey milk naturally also contains lysozyme and lactoferrin. This composition is the reason why donkey milk is scientifically studied. An effect cannot be derived from this. You can find detailed values in the post Donkey milk: Ingredients and nutritional values.
Reason 3: History and tradition
Donkey milk has long been associated with luxury. According to tradition, Cleopatra is said to have bathed in donkey milk. Whether this is true is not historically certain. However, such stories have contributed to donkey milk being considered something precious to this day. They have nothing to do with promises of efficacy.
Reason 4: Labor-intensive processing
The further processing also shows how valuable every liter is. Around 25 liters of donkey milk are needed for 1 kg of donkey cheese. Donkey milk powder is freeze-dried. 10 g of powder and 90 ml of water yield about 100 ml. The donkey milk from DON DONKEY'S is milked by hand on European farms, laboratory-tested in Germany, and delivered frozen.
- Donkey milk, frozen
- Donkey milk powder, freeze-dried
- Donkey cheese as a rare specialty
What the nickname does not mean
“White gold” is not an indication of a special effect. Donkey milk is a food that you can enjoy for its mild, slightly sweet taste. It is not a substitute for breast milk or infant formula. If you want to give children donkey milk, are pregnant, or are breastfeeding, please discuss this beforehand with the pediatrician or your own doctor. Since donkey milk contains milk protein and lactose, this also applies in the case of a milk protein allergy or lactose intolerance.
How best to enjoy donkey milk
Anyone who buys something precious also wants to treat it properly. Donkey milk is delivered and stored frozen at −18 °C. Thaw it slowly in the refrigerator at 2–7 °C and please follow the instructions for preparation and storage on the label. You can find detailed instructions in the post Thawing and storing donkey milk.
Many enjoy donkey milk plain, well chilled from the glass. But it also goes well in coffee, muesli, or simple desserts. Because it tastes mild and slightly sweet, it often needs less additional sweetness.
Frequently asked questions
Why is donkey milk called “white gold”?
The nickname alludes to its rarity, its price, and its light color. Where exactly it comes from is not clearly documented.
Was donkey milk called this even in antiquity?
We are not aware of any reliable source for this. It is only documented that donkey milk appears in ancient traditions, such as the stories about Cleopatra.
Is donkey milk a substitute for breast milk?
No. Donkey milk is not a substitute for breast milk or infant formula. If you have questions about your child's nutrition, please speak with your pediatrician.
What does donkey milk taste like?
Mild and slightly sweet. You can read more about this in the post What does donkey milk taste like?.
