Buyer protection
Contents
Donkey milk is often described as “hypoallergenic” online. The term sounds reassuring, but it is not legally defined for food – and it is misleading when used to describe donkey milk. Donkey milk contains milk protein, and milk is one of the allergens that must be declared. We explain what the term actually means and why we do not use it.
What “hypoallergenic” actually means
The word is made up of the Greek “hypo,” meaning “under,” and “allergen,” meaning “allergy-inducing.” It therefore means that it is less likely to cause an allergy. However, many people understand the term to mean “allergy-free” or “safe for people with allergies.” That is precisely the problem.
A product described as “hypoallergenic” can still cause an allergic reaction. The term provides no guarantee – at most, it indicates an intention or tendency.
Are there clear rules for the term?
There is no legal definition of “hypoallergenic” for food. There is therefore no set limit and no testing procedure that a food must meet to be described this way. In addition, food products may not make claims that refer to diseases or their prevention.
At the EU level, there are guidelines for advertising claims for cosmetics. According to these, terms such as “hypoallergenic” should only be used if the product has been specifically developed to reduce the risk of allergic reactions and this can be proven. Even then, it remains a statement about probability, not safety.
Why the term is not suitable for donkey milk
- Donkey milk is milk. In the EU, milk including lactose is one of the 14 major allergens that must always be declared – regardless of the animal it comes from.
- It contains milk protein. Although its protein profile differs from that of cow’s milk, this does not mean that people with a milk protein allergy cannot react to donkey milk.
- It contains lactose. At about 6–7 g per 100 ml, it contains more than cow’s milk, which has around 4.7 g.
- Tolerability varies from person to person. It cannot be claimed that it is generally safe for an entire group of people.
Some texts also claim that donkey milk contains “no” certain milk proteins “at all.” You should view such absolute claims with caution. Donkey milk contains casein and whey proteins – just in a different ratio than cow’s milk.
Where the claim comes from
The reason donkey milk is considered “hypoallergenic” is mainly due to its composition. It is frequently studied in science because its protein profile differs from that of cow’s milk. Such studies of its composition have often led to premature conclusions online about its general tolerability. This is a leap in logic: a different composition does not tell us how an individual person will react.
We have summarized how donkey milk is studied scientifically on our page Donkey Milk in Research – in a factual way and without making any claims about its effects.
What this means for you
- Question terms: If a food product is advertised as “hypoallergenic,” ask yourself exactly what is meant and whether this has been proven.
- Read the label: Ingredients and allergens are always listed on the label.
- Consult your doctor: If you have a known allergy, discuss new foods with your doctor beforehand.
A brief overview of similar terms
| Term | What it means | Relevance to donkey milk |
|---|---|---|
| hypoallergenic | less likely to cause an allergy, no guarantee | we do not use it |
| lactose-free | lactose has been removed or broken down | not applicable – about 6–7 g of lactose per 100 ml |
| milk-free | contains no milk or milk components | not applicable – donkey milk is milk |
This overview shows that none of these terms accurately describes donkey milk. The information on the label is reliable. What makes donkey milk unique can, on the other hand, be clearly described: it is rare, because a donkey produces only about 1–2 litres of milk per day in addition to the milk for its foal; it usually contains less than 1 g of fat per 100 ml and has a mild, slightly sweet taste.
Frequently asked questions
Is donkey milk hypoallergenic?
We do not use this term. Donkey milk contains milk protein and lactose and, as milk, is an allergen that must be declared.
Does “hypoallergenic” mean that a product does not cause an allergy?
No. The term means at most that it is “less likely.” It does not provide a guarantee.
Does donkey milk contain casein?
Yes. Donkey milk contains casein and whey proteins, although in a different ratio than cow’s milk.
What about donkey milk cosmetics?
Skincare products with donkey milk nourish the skin and moisturise it. If you react to certain substances, check the list of ingredients on the packaging.
Donkey milk is a food product, not a medicine. If you have any health-related questions, please consult your doctor.
