Should I use goat or cow dairy products?

There are so many types of milk out there nowadays, and it can be challenging to pick the one that’s best for you. Plant-based milk, cow milk, goat milk, sheep milk, A1, A2, and the list goes on! This blog will break down the difference between goat and cow’s milk. (To learn about plant-based milk, check out our plant-based milk blog.)

Is goat milk and dairy products superior to cow? Let’s see!

Quality Matters

Goats are generally raised in a less industrial setting, meaning they have more access to fresh air and edible grass. This leads to a healthier animal and means less need for antibiotics. Limiting the amount of antibiotics we ingest is important for gut health, metabolism, and hormones. Therefore the products derived from goat milk are usually of better quality and nutrition.

Macronutrient wise – are they different?

Yes! Goat milk contains less lactose than cow milk which makes it easier to digest if you are lactose intolerant or feel discomfort when ingesting cow milk or cow products. Goat milk also contains less of the protein casein which makes it a better option for those of you who react to cow dairy with symptoms like rashes, joint pain, or systemic inflammation.

Micronutrient-wise – are they different?

A couple nutrients worth noting: cow milk has slightly higher vitamin B12, while goat milk has more calcium.1 They are very similar in their vitamin D content. They are both rich in a variety of vitamins and minerals. Of course, quality grass-fed milk and dairy products will generally be high in micronutrients since the animal is consuming grass as nature intended.

Are goat products and cow products interchangeable in recipes?

Goat cheese is a soft or semi-soft cheese, while cow cheese can be pretty much any texture. So if you need to achieve a melty, stringy cheese such as on top of pizza or lasagna you should opt for cow. Goat cheese also has a more tangy and stronger flavor compared to cow cheese. Let’s just say you can’t mistake the two in terms of flavor as goat cheese is quite dominant. So ultimately it’s up to your needs of texture and flavor!

Bottom Line?

Goat products usually come from healthier animals and are therefore better for our health. Additionally, they are lower in lactose which makes them easier to digest. The strong taste may not be your cup of tea, but if you do enjoy it, then we do recommend choosing goat products over cow when possible!

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