GOAT MILK FACTS Q: Is goat milk as nutritious as soy, rice, almond or coconut milk? Goat milk is the best alternative to regular milk. It is naturally more nutritious than soy, rice, almond or coconut milk. Goat milk has higher levels of protein, calcium, and phosphorus compared to ‘other’ milk beverages or alternative. Goat milk Provides all the nutrients needed to build strong bones. Q: Is goat milk as nutritious as cow milk? Yes. Goat milk is an excellent substitute for milk from cows. Milk from goats and cows have almost identical amounts of the nutrients required for good health. Q: Is it safe to drink farm fresh goat (raw) milk? Raw milk is milk that has not been pasteurized (treated) to kill harmful bacteria such as Salmonella, E. Coli, and Listeria. These harmful bacteria can cause foodborne illness in anyone who drinks or eats foods made with raw milk. People who are sick, the elderly, children, or pregnant women are especially at risk of becoming ill if they drink raw milk or eat foods made with raw milk.
Q: People are talking a lot about probiotics these days. What are probiotics? Are probiotics present in goat milk? Probiotics are the trillions of helpful live bacteria that live in our gut. These bacteria help to breakdown foods that are hard to digest. Probiotics also help to prevent constipation, diarrhea, ease lactose intolerance, and keep our gut healthy. Yogurt and Kefir are the best sources of probiotics. Both yogurt and kefir are made from goat milk. So, probiotics are not found in fresh milk, but are present in fermented goat milk products. Q: What is pasteurized milk? Pasteurized milk is raw milk from any animal that has been heated to a specific temperature for a set period. The milk is heated to a very high temperature (higher than boiling) and then rapidly cooled. Bacteria present in the milk is killed during the process. Pasteurizing milk does not make it less nutritious. Q: What are some foods made with raw milk? Aside from drinking raw milk in a beverage or with cereal, raw unpasteurized milk is used to make fresh cheeses. Queso Fresco and Queso Blanco are mild, creamy, semi soft unaged cheese made from raw milk. Feta cheese may be made with pasteurized or unpasteurized milk so be sure to check the label. Homemade yogurt, puddings and ice cream are also foods made from raw milk.
Q: I am worried about cholesterol. Does goat milk have cholesterol? Yes. Cholesterol is naturally in all animal products including milk. Goat milk has less cholesterol than cow milk. It is important to know that the cholesterol levels in food have a very limited influence on the cholesterol levels in a healthy person. However, if you are very worried about your cholesterol levels, low fat milk is a better option that whole milk.
Q: Why is there no cream in goat milk compared to cow milk?
Q: I am lactose intolerant. What causes lactose intolerance and can I drink goat milk? The gassy or bloated feeling you get after drinking milk may be due to lactose intolerant. Lactose intolerance happens when individuals cannot properly digest the milk sugar known as lactose. Unfortunately any milk containing lactose may cause a gassy bloating feeling. However, individuals with lactose intolerance can enjoy yogurt or kefir without feeling gassy or bloated. Both these products are made from goat milk and available in select stores.
Q: How do I know that goat milk or milk product is safe?
There is cream in goat milk. However, the fat globules in goat milk are much smaller than those in cow milk. The small fat sizes cause the cream in goat milk to remain suspended throughout the milk instead of rising to the top. Cow milk also contains a substance (agglutinin) that allows the fat to form clusters and rise to the top. This substance is not present in goat milk.
Safe milk and milk products will have the word “pasteurized” on the label. If the word “pasteurized” does not appear on a product’s label, it may contain raw milk. Don’t hesitate to ask your grocer or store clerk whether milk or cream is pasteurized. These include milk or milk products sold in refrigerated cases at grocery or health food stores. Don’t buy milk or milk products at farm stands or farmers’ markets unless you are certain that it has been pasteurized.
References Reid G, Jass J, Sebulsky MT, McCormick JK. Potential uses of probiotics in clinical practice. Clin. Microbiol Rev. Oct 2003; 16(4): 658-672. Guarner F, Khan AG, Garisch J, et al. Global Guidelines. Probiotics and Prebiotics. World Gastroenterology Organisation Oct 2011. Marteau, P., & Boutron-Ruault, M. C. (2002). Nutritional advantages of probiotics and prebiotics. British Journal of Nutrition, 87(S2), S153-S157. https://www.fda.gov/Food/ucm293042.htm https://www.fil-idf.org/faq/do-goats-milk-and-cheese-contain-cholesterol/
This work is supported by the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture, 1890 Extension Formula/Evans-Allen 1890 Research Formula Program projects under Section 1444 and Section 1445. This institution is an equal opportunity provider. This work is supported by the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture, 1890 Extension Formula Program projects under Section 1444 FACT SHEET PRODUCED BY AGRICULTURE AND NATURAL RESOURCES DIVISION Sharon McWhinney, PhD., RD., Professor Reviewed by: Jennifer Garza, Ph.D.,Program Specialist June 2018