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Properties of Goat Milk

While most Americans do not drink goat milk regularly, goat milk is actually more widely consumed than cow milk in most countries. Goat milk is produced by goat females, or does, that are bred for this purpose. In terms of flavor, nutritional content and appearance, goat milk is highly similar to cow milk, although there are some key differences between the milks.

  1. Appearance and Flavor

    • In terms of its color, texture and taste, goat milk bears a strong resemblance to cow milk. However, goat milk can taste somewhat saltier and sweeter than cow milk. In addition, other factors may impact the flavor of goat milk, such as certain foods eaten by dairy goats. Goat milk products, such as goat milk cheese and yogurt, may be slightly more pungent than equivalent cow milk products. Cheeses made from goat milk tend to be soft, salty and creamy.

    Nutritional Value

    • According to Science Daily, research by the University of Granada suggests that goat milk may be of higher nutritional value than cow milk, as it can help defend against iron deficiency and bone demineralization. This is because goat milk is higher in iron, calcium, phosphorus and magnesium than cow milk. In addition, according to the American Dairy Goat Association, goat milk is easier to digest than cow milk because of its chemical composition.

    Homogenization and Pasteurization

    • Because the fat globules present in goat milk are smaller than those present in cow milk, goat milk does not separate into layers of cream, whole and skim milk. Rather, it maintains a consistent texture, which means that it does not require homogenization or pasteurization. This gives goat milk a slightly higher fat content than cow milk; however, it also inhibits the production of butter from goat milk. According to the American Dairy Goat Association, this characteristic of goat milk may also have health benefits for consumers, as pasteurization may cause the production of harmful enzymes in milk that are linked to arteriosclerosis.

    Uses

    • Goat milk is used to make a wide variety of products, from cheese, candy, yogurt, butter, ice cream and dulche de leche to various bath and body products such as soap and lotion. Well-known goat cheeses include chevre, mato, feta, mizithra, caprino, gjetost and rubing. Dulce de leche (also known as cajeta) is a milky caramel sauce made from goat milk that can be used to top ice cream or flan. It may also be consumed in candy or lollipop form. Goat milk is sometimes substituted for water in soap-making, as soap-makers claim that goat milk gives soap a creamy texture and gentle character. For the same reason, goat milk is substituted for water in the production of lotions and creams. Powdered goat milk is sometimes included in bath salt mixtures, body scrubs and bubble bath solutions.

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