Goat Milk vs. Cow Milk: A Legen-dairy Matchup!

“What’s better for you, cow milk or goat milk?” We hear this question all the time in our farm store. We are proud to offer the best of both! But, while the advantages of grass-fed, raw milk are clear, the choice between goat milk and cow milk is a little more nuanced. Let’s look a little deeper at taste, nutrition, cost and more to find the best fit for your family.

Which Tastes Better?

This is a hard one to answer. It depends on the breed, the diet and the cleanliness of the animals. If the milk is fresh and handled properly, there isn’t a huge difference between the two. If the thought of goat milk conjures words like pungent, strong or even nasty…odds are you had bad or mishandled goat milk! It should be mild, creamy and even slightly sweet. Goat milk is described by some as tangier than cow, but again, this should be slight. There is also an indescribably quality. People will describe goat milk as “goaty.” Again, this should be a mild, if detectable sensation. But, if you become accustomed to drinking goat milk and suddenly pour a glass of cow milk, you may be surprised to find it tastes “cowy.” There’s no other way to describe this but to experience it!

Winner: Personal Preference…some people can’t taste the difference!

Which is More Nutritious?

Many people assume goat milk is the healthier option. In reality, nutritional differences are slight, with goat milk higher in some elements, and cow milk in others. It kind of evens out. Goat milk has an alkalizing effect on the digestive system, and often lacks the mucous-forming reaction of cow milk. Goat milk really shines in the mineral department. It is higher than cow milk in magnesium and calcium, and also in many trace minerals including iron, copper, and phosphorous. Cow milk, on the other hand, is significantly higher in folate, zinc, and B12. In the NCCDB, vitamin D levels are listed as the same in cow and goat milk, but in the USDA Food Composite Database, vitamin D is listed at 24% in cow milk and 7% in goat. That is a big difference and shows the variability in sample measurements! Raw milk from a cow on pasture will be significantly higher in vitamin D and rivals or even surpasses that of goat milk.

NOTE: It is important to take into account that we’re dealing with averages and generalities as it’s impossible to be completely accurate in comparing the two. Goat and cow milk profiles change depending on breed, diet, location, and even time of the year! For example, goat milk can have higher concentrations of calcium than cow milk between December and May, but lower concentrations between June and November. At Utah Natural Meat, we’ve noticed the fat content (that beautiful cream line) increases in the winter months. This is another reason nutrition might not be as important a distinction between Goat and Cow as other factors and also more reason to make sure your animals were fed and raised in a healthy environment.

Nutrition Winner: Goat might take a slight lead, but nutritional differences are negligible, variable and overall balance out. Only specific health conditions or goals may cause a preference.

Cost

Generally, cow milk is more easily accessible and less expensive than Goat milk. Why? In the United States, at least, goat milk consumption is less common so commercial dairies are fewer and far between. Where 65% of the world’s population regularly consumes goat milk 8 , in the U.S., goat is seen as a specialty item. Goat milk is more labor intensive to produce. It takes on average the milk of 5 to 10 goats to equal the production power of one cow. For many people, the cost is justified because they don’t tolerate cow milk well. For those without digestive issues, cow milk wins out because it tends to be more affordable and easier to get. At our farm, a gallon of raw cow milk costs $9 while a gallon of raw goat costs $14.

Affordable Winner: Cow milk

Which do you prefer: Goat or Cow Milk?

Luckily, at Utah Natural Meat & Milk we are able to offer the finest of both. Animals are raised with meticulous care, fresh greens year-round, no grains, no added hormones, and room to be happy. You really can taste the difference in quality! If you don’t live along the Wasatch front, click here to find quality, raw milk near you: Raw Milk Finder

For more on this topic, including expanded details on nutrition, visit here: Cow vs. Goat Milk at Nourish With Kristen