Buyer protection
Contents
The label on a bottle of donkey milk contains a lot of information: product name, nutritional values, allergens, date, and storage instructions. If you can read it, you will know exactly what you are buying and how to store the product properly. In this article, we will go through the label line by line and explain what each piece of information means—in plain language and without legal jargon.
Why the label is so important
The label is the most important source of information for you as a buyer. In the EU, the Food Information Regulation, or FIC for short, determines what information must be provided on packaged food. It must be easy to read and understand. For animal-based foods such as milk, additional requirements apply.
Especially with a rare product like donkey milk, it pays to take a closer look. The label tells you how to store the milk, by when you should use it, and who is responsible for the product.
Mandatory information at a glance
| Information | What it tells you |
|---|---|
| Product name | Exactly what is in the container, for example frozen donkey milk |
| Ingredients | Usually only one ingredient for pure donkey milk |
| Allergens | Milk is clearly highlighted |
| Net volume | How much milk is in the container, usually in ml |
| Date | Best-before date or use-by date |
| Storage | Storage instructions, such as frozen at −18 °C |
| Responsible party | Name and address of the food company |
| Nutritional values | Energy, fat, carbohydrates, sugar, protein, salt |
| Lot marking | Batch number for tracing the product back to its production |
How to read the nutritional table correctly
Nutritional values are usually based on 100 ml. For donkey milk, they are approximately in these ranges:
- Energy: approximately 35–45 kcal
- Fat: approximately 0.3–1.8 g, usually less than 1 g
- Carbohydrates, of which sugars: approximately 6–7 g—this is the natural milk sugar lactose
- Protein: approximately 1.5–19 g
Important: The sugar listed on the label for pure donkey milk is not added sugar, but lactose. Donkey milk tends to contain more lactose than cow's milk (around 4.7 g). As donkey milk is a natural product, the figures are average values. You can find more information on donkey milk ingredients.
Best-before date or use-by date?
The best-before date indicates how long a food product will retain its typical characteristics if stored correctly. A use-by date is used for highly perishable foods. The product should not be consumed after this date.
For frozen donkey milk, the date only applies if it is stored continuously at −18 °C. The conditions change after thawing. The instructions on the label for use after thawing are therefore crucial. You can find instructions on thawing donkey milk.
Storage and usage instructions
For frozen donkey milk, you will find information on storage temperature and thawing. The basic rule is to store it frozen at −18 °C and thaw it slowly in the refrigerator at 2–7 °C. Do not refreeze thawed milk unless the label states otherwise.
The label also states whether and how the milk has been treated. Read these instructions carefully before consumption and follow them. For donkey milk powder, you will also find the mixing ratio: 10 g of powder and 90 ml of water yield approximately 100 ml.
Allergens and intolerances
Milk is one of the 14 major allergens that must be declared in the EU. This also applies to donkey milk. It contains milk protein and lactose. If you have a milk protein allergy or lactose intolerance, please consult a doctor beforehand to find out whether donkey milk is suitable for you. Ingredients and allergens are always listed on the label.
Frequently asked questions
Why does donkey milk contain "sugar"?
Because the nutritional table lists the natural milk sugar lactose as sugar. No sugar is added to pure donkey milk.
What does the lot number mean?
It identifies the batch. This allows the product to be traced back to its production.
How long does thawed donkey milk last?
This depends on the product. Please follow the instructions on the label and store the thawed milk in the refrigerator.
Where can I find more buying tips?
In our article Buying donkey milk: What to look for?, you will find an overview for your shopping.
