What are the differences between buffalo milk and cow milk?
Per 100 g, USDA lists fluid Indian buffalo milk at 97 kcal, 6.89 g fat and 169 mg calcium, against 61 kcal, 3.25 g fat and 113 mg calcium for whole cow's milk. So buffalo milk is richer, with roughly twice the fat and more calories. Both are dairy milks, and the USDA data below is the source of every number.
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In this article
Buffalo milk vs cow milk: nutrition compared
The table uses USDA FoodData Central SR Legacy entries: fluid Indian buffalo milk and whole cow’s milk (3.25% fat) with added vitamin D. Cup values are our calculation from the USDA cup weight of 244 g, and are rounded.
| Nutrient | Buffalo, per 100 g | Cow, per 100 g | Buffalo, per cup | Cow, per cup |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Energy | 97 kcal | 61 kcal | 237 kcal | 149 kcal |
| Fat | 6.89 g | 3.25 g | 16.8 g | 7.9 g |
| Saturated fat | 4.6 g | 1.87 g | 11.2 g | 4.6 g |
| Protein | 3.75 g | 3.15 g | 9.2 g | 7.7 g |
| Carbohydrate | 5.18 g | 4.8 g | 12.6 g | 11.7 g |
| Calcium | 169 mg | 113 mg | 412 mg | 276 mg |
Which has more fat?
Buffalo milk, by about double in these entries. Cow’s milk also comes in 2%, 1% and skim versions with less fat, so the gap depends on which cow’s milk you compare.
Which has more calcium and protein?
Buffalo milk is higher in both in these USDA entries. Values vary with breed, feed and processing, and the USDA lists a generic product, not a brand.
What we could not source
We found no official source in this check for taste, price or vitamin A comparisons, so we do not state them. If you have a milk allergy, note that one skin-test study found most children with cow’s milk allergy also reacted to water buffalo milk, so ask an allergist first.
People also ask
What is the difference between cow and buffalo milk?
Per 100 g, USDA lists buffalo milk at 97 kcal and 6.89 g fat, and whole cow's milk at 61 kcal and 3.25 g fat. Buffalo milk also has more protein and calcium.
Is buffalo milk higher in calcium than cow milk?
In the USDA entries, yes: 169 mg per 100 g against 113 mg for whole cow's milk.
Is buffalo milk better than cow milk?
Neither is better for everyone. Buffalo milk has more fat and calories, so it depends on your needs. Ask a doctor or dietitian.
Sources
- USDA FoodData Central: Milk, indian buffalo, fluid (SR Legacy, FDC ID 171280), read 5 Nov 2026
- USDA FoodData Central: Milk, whole, 3.25% milkfat, with added vitamin D (SR Legacy, FDC ID 171265), read 5 Nov 2026
- PubMed Central (NIH): Skin Testing With Water Buffalo's Milk in Children With Cow's Milk Allergy, read 5 Nov 2026
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