Why donkey milk is so expensive: A look behind the scenes of production

Donkey milk has a long history as a precious food and as an ingredient in beauty care. But a frequently asked question is: Why is donkey milk so expensive? The answer lies in the special nature of its production and in the small amount that a donkey can give.

The elaborate production of donkey milk

Donkey milk is not only a special product, but also a very rare one. Unlike cows, donkeys only give small amounts of milk – in addition to what their foal drinks, often only about one to two liters per day, while cows can produce 20 to 30 liters daily. This means that the production of donkey milk is much less productive and therefore more donkeys are needed to produce a comparable amount of milk. Why this is, we explain in detail in the article Why is donkey milk so rare?.

The high care requirements

Donkeys are sensitive animals that need rest, care, and attention. The foal drinks first, only what is left over is milked – and by hand or in small quantities. Feeding, care, and support of the herd incur costs that are distributed over a comparatively small amount of milk.

Strict hygiene and production standards

The production of donkey milk is subject to strict hygiene and quality standards. The milk must be obtained under very hygienic conditions and immediately cooled to preserve its freshness. This requires modern equipment and well-trained staff, which also increases production costs. In addition, donkey farms are often smaller and locally operated, which can further limit efficiency.

The limited availability

Since donkey milk can only be produced in limited quantities and the demand for this rare product is increasing, the supply is naturally scarce. This scarcity leads to higher prices, as production cannot simply be scaled without compromising the quality of the milk.

Laboratory testing, deep freezing, and shipping

Costs are incurred even after milking. At DON DONKEY'S, the donkey milk is laboratory tested in Germany, stored deep-frozen, and shipped deep-frozen – on Mondays and Wednesdays, so that it is not in transit over the weekend. Part of the milk is freeze-dried into donkey milk powder, which means another elaborate processing step.

At DON DONKEY'S, we focus on quality and care. We understand that the price may seem high, but it reflects the special requirements and rarity associated with the production of donkey milk.

If you would like to try donkey milk for the first time, our Feinschmecker-Probierset is ideal.