Goat milk can be used to make kefir as good as cow milk. Goat milk kefir is preferred by some people for its taste and nutrition values and for easier digestion.
What difference between goat milk and cow milk?
Goat milk is from goats and cow milk is from cows 🙂 Seriously there are three major perspectives on how goat milk compares to cow milk.
Nutritional facts goat milk vs cow milk according to USDA
| 1 Cup of Goat Milk | 1 Cup of Cow Milk |
| 168 kcal | 149 kcal |
| Protein 8.69 grams | Protein 7.69 grams |
| Fat 10.1 grams | Fat 7.93 grams |
| Carbohydrate 10.9 grams | Carbohydrate 11.7 grams |
| Sugars 10.9 grams | Sugars 12.3 grams |
| Cholesterol 26.8 grams | Cholesterol 24.4 grams |
| Calcium, Ca 134 mg | Calcium, Ca 113 mg |
| Vitamin A, RAE 57 µg | Vitamin A, RAE 46 µg |
| Vitamin C 1.3 mg | Vitamin C 0 mg |
From the first glance at a table looks like a goat milk is better balanced for certain diets. But would goat taste better than cow milk?
What does goat milk taste like?
Many people do not know how goat milk tastes like because it’s a pretty rare product compering to cow milk. Cow milk we all got used to tastes neutral a little sweet with no particularly strong smell. Goat milk is strong in flavor, tangy and grassy but a person can get used to it. At least it worth trying.
Dietary recommendations for goat milk over cow milk
Because goat milk is naturally homogenized, meaning the cream will not separate as much during the culturing process. When consumed the proteins in goat milk break up into smaller particles than the proteins in cow milk which also may make goat milk easier to digest.
Also, goat milk contains fewer carbonates and sugars which can make it for some people with lactose intolerance easier to digest.
Can you use goats milk for kefir?
Yes, absolutely, goat milk can be used for culturing kefir. In fact, many people prefer to ferment homemade kefir using goat milk.
Due to the structure of proteins and fats in the milk, goat milk kefir will not thicken like regular cow’s milk kefir, but rather stays creamy.
The consistency, taste, and nutritional value of homemade goat milk kefir will differ from homemade cow milk kefir so it’s a great diversification of fermented food on your table.
What are the benefits of goat milk kefir?
- Goat milk kefir has more proteins, calcium, and microelements
- Goat milk still contains less allergen-reacting properties than cow milk specifically it does not have casein like some cows milk.
- Goat milk protein-wise, the closest milk to human breast milk.
- Goat milk kefir stays creamy and not thicken like cow milk kefir
- Goat milk is higher in minerals than cow’s milk so the kefir as well
How to make goat milk kefir?
The instructions on how to make goat milk kefir are the same as for cow milk kefir.
Add milk kefir grains approximately one tablespoon to a quart of goat milk. Let it sit in a jar under a not tight lid at room temperature.
After 20-24 hours your homemade milk kefir should be ready to strain. Check for the signs of separation curds from the whey to see when the time is right.
Use the strainer and silicone or wooden utensil to separate goat milk kefir from grains. Use the grains to start a new batch and enjoy your homemade goat milk kefir 🙂