The Differences Between Goat Milk vs. Cow Milk
When it comes to these two beverages, there are two distinctions between goat’s milk and cow’s milk: cost and availability. While there are many options available in your grocer’s refrigerator case, dairy milk is the most readily available — from the corner convenience store to the superstore.
This simple drink, found in 96 percent of Americans’ refrigerators, is one of the original farm to table beverages and is a bargain as well. For about a quarter per 8-ounce glass, cow milk offers more nutritional value than just about any other beverage you can buy at this price. Goat milk is nearly five times more expensive, ringing up for $1.24 per 8-ounce glass. So when you compare goat milk vs. cow milk, the advantage tips to real dairy milk for cost and convenience.
Do the Health Benefits of Goat Milk Differ from Traditional Dairy Milk?
Dairy milk offers a range of health benefits, backed by decades of research. Studies repeatedly show the many benefits of having two to three servings of milk or milk products a day. The nutrients in milk help to build and maintain bone strength, and they have been found to boost muscle growth and support healthy weight.
Some people believe one of goat milk’s benefits is that it contains less lactose per serving, meaning it could be a solution for those who are lactose intolerant. However, there’s good news for milk lovers: There are many options for people who are lactose intolerant but want to keep nutrient-rich milk on the table. Some experts suggest drinking milk with meals or snacks instead of on an empty stomach to reduce or eliminate symptoms. The 2015-2020 Dietary Guidelines for Americans also encourage people to try lower-lactose or lactose-free milk and milk products to ensure they get the important nutrients found in these products. Lactose-free milk is also an affordable option — an 8-ounce serving is less than 50 cents.
Many people are surprised to learn that lactose-free milk provides the same nine essential nutrients, such as calcium, protein and vitamin D, as all other types of dairy milk. Lactose-free milk is real cow’s milk. What is removed is lactose, a natural sugar found in milk.
Do Cow Milk Alternatives Like Goat Milk Have Protein?
When choosing what to drink, it makes sense to ask, “Is goat milk good for you?” While goat milk is similar to cow milk and contains protein, cow milk is the more affordable protein option than most other protein foods. Penny for penny, ounce for ounce, cow milk delivers 32 grams of protein per dollar. Compare this budget-friendly, high-quality protein source to goat milk, and you’ll only get 7 grams of protein per dollar. When you drink real dairy milk, you get more protein bang for your buck.
Freezing Milk
If you want to save milk for later, you can — just freeze it in small containers (or an ice cube tray) before the expiration date. You’ll notice that milk (and goat milk as well) separates, and that’s completely normal. When you’re ready to use it, let it thaw in the refrigerator. Be sure to give it a quick shake and it’s ready to drink or use in your favorite recipes. If you want to save time in the morning, those frozen milk cubes have many uses, including adding them to your cold-brew iced coffee and smoothie recipes.
