The dairy aisle is flooded with alternatives these days: soy, almond, cashew, rice, oat, hemp, and camel are all options. Goat milk, on the other hand, has become very popular. But what is the difference between goat and cow milk? Is it a taste or a nutritional issue?
We had heard that goat milk has greater nutritional value than conventional cow milk, so we looked into it more. While neither milk is necessarily healthier than the other, goat milk may be a better choice for digestion. Don't worry if you're as lost as we were. We've got the facts on goat vs. cow milk.
Difference between Goat Milk and Cow Milk
Goat milk is considerably superior to cow milk when it comes to milk derived from animals. Animal milk has a variety of flavors and textures depending on the methods used to milk them. The goat milk formula is thicker than the cow milk formula. Furthermore, goat milk is the sweeter of the two milks. If you're unsure, the only way to find out is to sample both types.
Goat milk has lower lactose and acidic content than cow's milk. While it takes your body two hours to digest cow's milk, it only takes your body 30 minutes to absorb the nutrients in goat milk.
Nutritional Value
According to the USDA, a one-cup serving of goat milk contains the following nutrients:
-
170 calories
-
9 grams of protein
-
10 grams of fat
-
11 grams of carbohydrates
-
11 grams of sugars
-
25 milligrams of cholesterol
Meanwhile, a one-cup dose of whole cow milk provides:
-
160 calories
-
8 grams of protein
-
9 grams of fat
-
11 grams of carbohydrates
-
11 grams of sugars
-
30 milligrams of cholesterol
So, goat milk and cow milk are nearly equivalent in terms of macronutrients. Goat milk has the highest protein and cholesterol level, whereas cow milk has a slightly lower fat content.
There is a misperception that goat milk is lactose-free since it is supposed to be simpler to digest. It's not true: goat milk has less lactose than cow milk, but not enough to qualify as lactose-free. Still, given its molecular structure, you could find it simpler to digest.
Some Health Benefits
Goat Milk:
-
Easier to digest
-
Less risk of milk allergies
-
Better heart health
-
Slightly lower in Lactose
Cow Milk:
-
Strengthens bones and muscles
-
Improves brain health
-
Good for weight loss
-
Keeps your heart healthy
The final takeaway
The nutritional content of the milk you consume, like that of other foods and animal products, may make a major impact. When it comes to dairy, you'll get the finest flavor and most nutrients from cows that have been properly grown, fed and cared. If you enjoy cow milk, goat milk is an excellent alternative. Because of its molecular structure, goat milk may be simpler to digest. The final result is that both milks are healthful, but if dairy causes digestive issues, goat milk could be worth a try.
