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Is Powdered Goat Milk Good for You? (vs. Cow milk)

5 min read time Apr 19, 2022

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Here’s a surprising fact: goat milk is the most commonly consumed type of dairy globally.

Packed with loads of vitamins and minerals, goat milk has nourished over 65% of the world’s population for generations [1].

Powdered goat milk is good for you because it contains easy-to-digest protein, carbohydrates, fatty acids, and typically has less lactose than cow's milk. Goats milk also contains many vital micronutrients such as calcium, vitamin A, vitamin D, phosphorus, potassium, selenium, and magnesium. Goats milk has unique enzymes that help nourish gut bacteria resulting in better digestive and intestinal health.

In fact, the nutritional composition of goat milk is significantly closer to human milk than cow milk, making it a great choice for you and your family. [1, 2]

Although people tend to gravitate towards plant-based milk such as oat milk, coconut milk, or cashew milk as an alternative to cow milk, there are a significant number of health-related reasons why you might choose goat milk.

Let’s explore the amazing health benefits of goats’ milk and what distinguishes this from cow's milk.

Which is Better, Cow Milk or Goat Milk?

There are three main advantages to using goat milk instead of cow's milk:

Goat milk is easier to digest

Goat milk has a less likelihood of causing allergic reactions

Goat milk has an excellent nutrition profile

At the most elementary level; all dairy milk is an emulsion of fats, proteins, micronutrients, lactose, and water. But depending on the animal, there can be significant differences in nutrition profile and composition [2].

Nutritional-wise, here's what you can generally expect from a one-cup serving of goat milk compared to cow's milk [1,2]:

	Goat’s milk:	Cow’s milk:
Calories:	170 calories	160 calories
Protein:	9g	8g
Fat:	10g	9g
Carbohydrates:	11g	11g
Sugars:	11g	11g
Cholesterol:	25mg	30mg

At a glance, goat milk and cow milk are pretty similar when it comes to macronutrients. However, even though cow milk has less fat than goat milk, it has more saturated fat. Goat milk is a rich source of calcium and may have more vitamin A than cow milk [2]. Goat milk is also an excellent source of vitamin D, phosphorus, potassium, selenium, and magnesium [1].

Although the protein composition is almost identical, it’s noteworthy that goat’s milk is higher in digestible protein, which means your body can process it more easily. For this reason, goat milk is also worth a try if you’re sensitive to cow’s milk.

The lactose in cow milk can be difficult for people to digest, resulting in nausea, gas, and bloating symptoms. But because of the compositional differences between goat milk and cow milk, you might find yourself better able to tolerate goat milk. Research has shown that goat milk is less likely to cause adverse digestive symptoms as Micro-proteins that make lactose hard to digest are lower in goat milk than in cow milk [1].

Moreover, goat milk usually does have less lactose than cow milk – about 12 percent less per cup [2]. That said, goat milk is not for you if you’re proven to be lactose intolerant, as the digestibility of goat's milk is highly individual. Some studies have also found that goat milk is less likely to trigger milk allergies in babies and adults alike. However, if you’re lactose intolerant or have a dairy allergy, you shouldn’t consume goat milk without consulting your doctor. It’s best to test your tolerance to goat milk first.

While still on the topic of digestive health, goat milk has another characteristic that outperforms cow milk: the presence of prebiotic carbohydrates. Goat milk oligosaccharides are the same type of carbohydrate present in human milk and have a similar ability to regulate gastrointestinal responses. Oligosaccharides help nourish gut bacteria resulting in better digestive and intestinal health. Due to these benefits, goat milk is particularly recommended for infants and older adults. [1,3]

Goat milk can also help reduce cholesterol in the arteries and the gallbladder. In one study, goat milk consumption decreased triglycerides in the blood and positively affected lipid metabolism compared to cow milk. For this reason, goat milk is an excellent alternative to cow milk when it comes to heart health.

Is Goat Milk Good for the Immune System?

The benefits of goat milk oligosaccharides don’t end at promoting digestive and intestinal health; they have immunomodulatory properties as well, so much so goat milk can enhance innate and adaptive immunities. Oligosaccharides improve the gut's barrier function, helping the body fight against microbial infections. They also function as pathogen inhibitors [1]. For this reason, goat milk constitutes a promising alternative for human milk oligosaccharides in infant formula.

Another crucial way goat milk boosts immune function is by enhancing the production of immunoglobulins. Also known as antibodies, immunoglobulins are a critical part of the body’s immune response as they recognize and bind to bacteria and viruses, aiding in their destruction.

Goat milk is also a rich source of selenium, a key component in boosting immune function. Selenium provides anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory protection for the body by inhibiting the growth of bacteria. [1]

In its fermented form, goat's milk contains lactic acid, which provides systemic immunity by reducing serum cortisol levels—as such, consuming yogurt made from goat's milk can improve cellular immunity by reducing the effects of stress on the body [2].

How Do You Mix Powdered Goat Milk?

Powdered goat milk is essentially dehydrated goat milk, which means it has all the benefits and great taste of fresh milk with a longer shelf life [3]. It's a great milk alternative for those sensitive to cow milk or soy products.

To make 1 cup of goat milk, add 4 tbsp of goat milk powder to 1 cup of warm water and stir until dissolved. You can use the reconstituted goat milk immediately in your recipes or store it in the refrigerator for up to 5-10 days.

Powdered goat milk can be replaced 1:1 for powdered milk in any recipe or reconstituted to substitute fresh milk.

Here are two wonderful recipes for creamy, delicious hot drinks made with goat milk.

Hot Chocolate Goat Milk:

4 tbsp. Goat Milk Powder
4 tsp. Cacao powder
3 tsp Sugar or sweetener of your choice
1 cup Hot Water

Hot Mocha Goat Milk:

4 tbsp Goat Milk Powder
4 tsp. Cacao powder
1 tsp. Instant coffee
3 tsp Sugar or Sweetener of your choice
1 cup Hot Water

Also, did you know powdered goat milk is the perfect addition to handmade soaps and facial masks? Skincare enthusiasts will instantly recognize the benefits of lactic acid, vitamins A and D on the skin. And goat milk soap is a great way to keep your skin and hair hydrated.

So, why not try some goat milk powder today?

References

Getaneh, G., et al. "Review on goat milk composition and its nutritive value." J. Nutr. Health Sci 3.4 (2016): 401-410.
Turck, Dominique. "Cow milk and goat’s milk." Evidence-Based Research in Pediatric Nutrition 108 (2013): 56-6
Silanikove, N., et al. "Recent advances in exploiting goat milk: quality, safety, and production aspects." Small Ruminant Research 89.2-3 (2010): 110-124.