Goat milk vs cow milk: what's the difference
Goat and cow milk are similar in composition but differ in fat globule size, protein makeup and taste. Goat milk is sometimes called "hypoallergenic", but the sources do not support this.
| 🥛 Goat's milk | 🥛 Cow's milk | |
|---|---|---|
| Fat globules | Smaller: roughly 0.1–2 µm; the cream stays suspended longer, so homogenization isn't needed | Larger: roughly 2–4 µm; the cream rises faster |
| Fat content | According to ru.wikipedia, 4.2–4.4%; according to en.wikipedia, about 3.5 g per 100 g (depends on breed and feed) | About 3.2–3.9% |
| Proteins | Casein makes up about 75% of the protein; no αs1- or γ-casein | Casein makes up about 80% of the protein |
| Lactose | Slightly less, but close to cow milk levels, so it can still cause problems for people with lactose intolerance | About 4.4–4.5% carbohydrates |
| Allergy | Children allergic to cow milk protein often can't have goat milk either: the likelihood of an allergy is high | One of the most common food allergens in children |
| Taste and colour | A distinctive smell and taste that not everyone likes; goat milk butter is white | Familiar mild taste; the butter is yellowish because of beta-carotene |
| For infants | Not recommended on its own (low in iron, folate, and vitamins C and D); goat milk-based formulas exist | Also not recommended on its own for babies under one year |
Which to choose
Goat milk is a good choice for cheeses (such as brynza and pélardon) and for people who enjoy its taste. Don't pick it as a substitute for cow milk in a milk protein allergy without a doctor's advice, and it does little to help with lactose intolerance.
Sources
Themes
🥛Types of milkFrom cow to reindeer: composition, benefits, value🧀Cheeses of the worldParmesan, feta, bryndza, sulguni and more🥣Fermented milk productsKefir, yogurt, kumis, matsoni, skyr🌍Dairy traditionsRegions, peoples and their dairy products🐄Dairy animalsWhich animals are milked and how their milk differs🚚The journey of milkFrom pasture to shop — step by step❤️Milk and healthCalcium, lactose, allergy, benefits and risks👷JobsWho works with milk🗺️Map of traditionsWorld regions, peoples and their products on a map⚖️ComparisonsKefir or yogurt, sour cream or cream, and more🍳RecipesCottage cheese, yogurt, ghee, paneer, butter — at home📜History of milkFrom domestication to Tetra Pak🫒OlivesVarieties, oil, table olives, regions and traditions