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Guide · Using donkey milk

Using donkey milk: thaw, prepare, enjoy.

The practical guide to fresh donkey milk and donkey milk powder – with storage and thawing, drinking temperature, recipes, skincare tips and honest answers. So that every bottle tastes the way it did when it was milked.

Reading time approx. 7 minutesWith quantity and powder calculatorsPractical guide
Fresh DON DONKEY’S® donkey milk in a glass
2 forms, 1 originFresh & frozen or as freeze-dried powder.
FrozenShock-frozen directly after milking and shipped frozen.
Natural stateNot pasteurised – many enjoy it at 9–15 °C.
No freezer neededMix the powder with water – see the label for the ratio.
Lab-testedAnalysed in Germany, test results on request.
The right choice

Fresh donkey milk or powder – which suits you?

Both come from the same milk. The difference lies in how you store it, prepare it and take it with you.

ComparisonFresh donkey milkDonkey milk powder
FormLiquid, frozen in portion bottlesFreeze-dried
StorageFreezer (−18 °C), in the fridge once thawedDry, tightly closed, no refrigeration
PreparationThaw slowly in the fridge, enjoy at 9–15 °CMix with water – ratio see label
Suitable forEnjoying at home, original tasteTravel, office, supply at home, small portions
To get to know usThe Mini Duo contains 100 ml fresh milk and 20 g powder.
Fresh donkey milk

From freezer to glass – in four steps

So that your donkey milk arrives the way it was milked, we freeze it immediately. The portion bottles make it easy: you only thaw what you need.

  1. Freezing

    Put the bottles in the freezer immediately after arrival. For shelf life, see the label.

    −18 °C
  2. Thawing

    Slowly in the fridge at 2–7 °C, ideally overnight. Not at room temperature and not in the microwave.

    approx. 8–12 hrs
  3. Bring to drinking temperature

    Gently swirl the bottle and take it out of the fridge 10–20 minutes before drinking. Many enjoy it at 9–15 °C.

    9–15 °C
  4. Keeping

    Keep thawed milk in the fridge, use it up promptly and do not refreeze.

    2–7 °C

Natural and not pasteurised: Our fresh donkey milk reaches you the way it was milked – frozen immediately and delivered frozen. Please follow the instructions on the label. Donkey milk is not a substitute for infant formula. For children, during pregnancy and breastfeeding, please talk to your doctor first.

Warm or cold?

A matter of taste – follow the label

Many people enjoy donkey milk pure and slightly chilled – that way its delicate, slightly sweet taste comes through well.

  1. Use thawed milk: Take the amount you want to drink straight away.
  2. Follow the label: For preparation, please follow the instructions on the label.
  3. Slightly chilled: Many people enjoy it at 9–15 °C.
  4. Enjoy: Pure or with a hint of honey, cinnamon or vanilla. Drink promptly once opened.

Our tip

9–15 °Cslightly chilled
Gentlyswirl

Gently swirling the thawed bottle mixes fat and protein again, which separate slightly during freezing.

Please follow the instructions on the label.

Plan instead of guessing

Delivered regularly

Many of our customers enjoy donkey milk over a longer period. You decide which amount suits you – fresh in different pack sizes or as powder.

If you want regular deliveries, the Vitalprogramm gives you a predictable delivery.

Vitalprogramm

6deliveries
4weeks apart

Fixed term: the programme ends automatically after the 6th delivery. You can find all terms on the Vitalprogramm page.

Donkey milk powder

Mixed in 30 seconds

Our powder is freeze-dried and doesn't need a freezer – for on the go, travelling or as a supply at home.

  1. Measure: You will find the mixing ratio of powder and water on the label. Precision scales measure more accurately than a spoon.
  2. Mix: First add a small sip of cold water and stir until smooth, then top up with the remaining water. That way no lumps form.
  3. Stir: Stir briefly or shake in a closed bottle until everything has dissolved.
  4. Store: Close the pack tightly and keep it dry and protected from light. Keep prepared milk in the fridge and drink it promptly.

Preparation: see label

How much powder and water you need is stated on the label of your pack. Please follow the instructions there.

Recipes

Three ideas for every day

Many people enjoy donkey milk pure. If you'd like some variety, here are three simple recipes.

Mild · 5 minutes · 1 cup

Golden evening milk

  • Donkey milk, thawed
  • Honey
  • Cinnamon, a little turmeric
  1. Use thawed milk at drinking temperature.
  2. Stir in the spices.
  3. Stir in the honey at the end.
Breakfast · 5 minutes + overnight

Overnight oats

  • Donkey milk, thawed
  • Rolled oats
  • Chia seeds, berries of your choice
  1. Stir together the oats, chia and milk.
  2. Cover and leave in the fridge overnight.
  3. Top with berries in the morning.
Cold · 3 minutes · 1 glass

Berry smoothie

  • Donkey milk from powder (preparation: see label)
  • Banana
  • Berries, frozen or fresh
  1. Mix the powder with water.
  2. Blend everything until smooth.
  3. Enjoy straight away.
Enjoying donkey milk every day
Everyday

Morning, evening, pure or in a recipe – you decide according to your taste.

Donkey milk is a food. The amounts on this page are calculation examples, not a consumption recommendation.

Composition

What's in donkey milk

Guide values per 100 ml of donkey milk. The composition varies depending on the animal, feeding and stage of lactation.

≈ 6–7 g

Lactose

Donkey milk is not lactose-free and contains rather more lactose than cow's milk (around 4.7 g). Hence its slightly sweet taste.

Lactose compared
≈ 1,5–1,9 g

Protein

Donkey milk contains milk protein – like other types of milk. Allergen information as stated on the label.

usually < 1 g

Fat

With around 35–45 kcal per 100 ml, donkey milk is a rather light milk.

What does donkey milk taste like?
Natural

Lysozyme & lactoferrin

Both protein components occur naturally in donkey milk.

All components

Donkey milk is a food. You can find more about nutritional values and differences in our articles Components & nutritional values and Donkey milk or cow's milk.

Myths & facts

What people say about donkey milk – and what's true

Yes

“Donkey milk contains lysozyme and lactoferrin.”

True. Both are natural components of donkey milk. How much is contained varies depending on the animal, feeding and stage of lactation.

No

“Donkey milk only tastes good cold.”

A matter of taste. Slightly chilled at 9–15 °C it tastes delicate to many people, at room temperature it tastes milder. Please follow the instructions on the label.

No

“Powder is only second best.”

Powder and fresh milk are two forms of the same milk. The powder is freeze-dried, needs no refrigeration and is mixed with water – the ratio is on the label.

No

“Donkey milk is available in large quantities.”

A jenny usually gives 0.5–1 litre of milk a day for milking, at most around 2 litres, alongside feeding her foal; milking is done by hand and in small quantities. That is why donkey milk is rare. More on this: Why donkey milk is so rare.

No

“Donkey milk is lactose-free.”

No, it contains about 6–7 g of lactose per 100 ml – rather more than cow's milk (around 4.7 g). That's why it tastes slightly sweet.

Half

“Cleopatra bathed in donkey milk.”

A lovely legend without ancient evidence. According to tradition, however, Poppaea Sabina, the wife of Emperor Nero, bathed in donkey milk – as reported by Pliny the Elder.

Skincare & bath

Donkey milk for your skin

Our skincare line contains 20 to 30 % donkey milk for daily care from head to toe. The products are cosmetics and intended for external use. We show how to prepare a donkey milk bath on our Baths page.

Body Milk

Gently massage into slightly damp skin after showering.

View

Repair Cream

For dry areas on hands, elbows and feet.

View

Face cream with 30% donkey milk

Apply to the cleansed face morning and evening.

View

3-in-1 Skin & Hair

Apply to wet hair and skin, lather, rinse thoroughly.

View

Tip: if you have sensitive skin, test new skincare on a small area first. All ingredients are listed on the respective product page.

Quality & origin

Transparent from the farm to you

Our donkey milk comes from small farms in Europe, is milked by hand, shock-frozen immediately and laboratory-tested in Germany. We will gladly send you the test results on request – write to us at info@dondonkeys.com.

Antiquity

Hippocrates

According to tradition, writings attributed to him mention donkey milk.

Rome

Pliny

Mentions donkey milk in his Natural History.

Today

Rare

A jenny usually gives 0.5–1 litre of milk a day for milking, at most around 2 litres, alongside feeding her foal.

Fresh donkey milk in a glass
Questions & answers

Frequently asked questions about usage

Is your fresh donkey milk pasteurised?
No. Our fresh donkey milk is left in its natural state and not pasteurised – it is frozen directly after milking. Many people like its taste slightly chilled at 9 to 15 °C. Please follow the instructions on the label.
At what temperature should I drink donkey milk?
That is a matter of taste. Many people enjoy its mild, slightly sweet taste at 9 to 15 °C, i.e. slightly chilled. To do this, take the thawed bottle out of the fridge about 10 to 20 minutes before drinking.
Can I drink donkey milk warm?
Please follow the instructions on the label. Many people enjoy donkey milk pure and slightly chilled, which brings out its delicate, slightly sweet taste.
How do I thaw donkey milk properly?
Slowly in the fridge at 2 to 7 °C, most easily overnight – depending on the bottle size this takes about 8 to 12 hours. Do not thaw at room temperature or in the microwave. Then gently swirl the bottle, as fat and protein separate slightly during freezing. Please follow the instructions on the label.
How long does donkey milk keep?
When frozen at −18 °C, the date on the label applies. After thawing, the milk belongs in the fridge (2–7 °C), should be used up promptly and must not be refrozen.
How do I prepare donkey milk powder?
Stir or shake the powder with cold water until everything has dissolved. You will find the mixing ratio on the label. Store the opened pack tightly closed, dry and protected from light.
How much donkey milk do people drink?
That is individual. Donkey milk is a food – you decide for yourself how you include it in your diet.
Does donkey milk contain lactose?
Yes. Donkey milk is not lactose-free. It contains about 6 to 7 g of lactose per 100 ml – rather more than cow's milk (around 4.7 g). If you have lactose intolerance or a milk protein allergy, please consult a doctor before consuming it.
Is donkey milk suitable for children?
Donkey milk is not a substitute for infant formula and is not intended for infants. If you would like to give donkey milk to children, please talk to your paediatrician first. Please also follow the instructions on the label.
Can I drink donkey milk during pregnancy?
During pregnancy and breastfeeding, please talk to your doctor first about whether and how you include donkey milk in your diet. Please also follow the instructions on the label.
Fresh milk or powder – which suits me?
Fresh milk is for everyone who has a freezer and wants the original taste. The freeze-dried powder needs no refrigeration and is suitable for travel, the office or as a supply at home. To get to know both, the Mini Duo contains both.
What does donkey milk taste like?
Mild, slightly sweet and noticeably lighter than cow's milk. Many people find the taste reminiscent of almond and cream.

Another question? Write to us at info@dondonkeys.com – we reply personally.