What are the benefits of pasteurized goat milk?
Pasteurized goat milk is a safe dairy option with a nutrition profile close to cow's milk. It has slightly more calcium and vitamin A and slightly less lactose, but less vitamin D, B12 and riboflavin unless fortified. It is not lactose-free and not a substitute for infant formula.
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In this article
What are the benefits of pasteurized goat milk?
Mostly it is a real alternative to cow’s milk with a similar nutrient range. Pasteurization heats the milk to kill disease-causing germs; the CDC calls pasteurized milk the safest choice and warns that raw milk from cows, goats and sheep can carry germs such as Listeria, Salmonella and E. coli.
How does it compare with cow’s milk?
Per cup (240 ml), one nutrition review lists the following shares of daily reference intake:
| Nutrient | Goat milk | Cow milk |
|---|---|---|
| Calcium | 33% | 28% |
| Vitamin A | 10% | 5% |
| Riboflavin (B2) | 20% | 26% |
| Vitamin D | 7% | 24% |
| Vitamin B12 | 3% | 18% |
Figures differ by brand and fortification, so read the label. Goat milk has about 8 to 9 g of protein and 10 g of fat per cup, near whole cow’s milk.
Is it easier to digest?
It has a little less lactose (about 4.3 g per 100 g against about 4.9 g for cow’s milk), a difference the review calls minimal. People with lactose intolerance may still react, and people with a cow’s milk protein allergy often react to goat milk too. Ask a doctor before trying it for an allergy.
What does it taste like?
Many people describe store-bought goat milk as slightly stronger or tangier than cow’s milk; others find them close. Try a small carton before buying more.
What to check on the label
- Pasteurized, not raw.
- Fortified with vitamin D if you rely on it as a main milk.
- Whole, low-fat or skim, as with cow’s milk.
Who should be careful
Goat milk is not recommended as a baby’s main drink in place of breast milk or formula, because it lacks some nutrients. Ask a pediatrician.
People also ask
Is pasteurized goat milk healthier than cow milk?
Not clearly. It has a bit more calcium and vitamin A and less lactose, but less vitamin D, B12 and riboflavin unless fortified.
Is goat milk lactose-free?
No. It has slightly less lactose than cow milk, but people who are lactose intolerant can still have symptoms.
Why pasteurized?
Pasteurization kills disease-causing germs. The CDC advises against raw milk, especially for children under 5, adults over 65, pregnant women and people with weak immune systems.
Sources
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