Milk is a staple food in most households. It's a common source of protein and calcium, and most people drink it because it's good for them. But have you ever wondered why milk is expensive?
Some types of milk can cost upwards of $80 a gallon!
In this guide, we'll explore what makes milk expensive and also discuss some of the benefits of these exotic milks. Here is the list of the 10 most expensive milks in the world:
- 10 – Cow’s milk (about $3.36 per gallon)
- 9 – Sheep’s Milk (about $.90 – $11 per gallon)
- 8 – Goat Milk (about $12 per gallon)
- 7 – Buffalo milk (about $13 per gallon)
- 6 – Pig's Milk (about $24 per gallon)
- 5 – Donkey/Mule Milk (about $27 per gallon)
- 4 – Camel Milk (about $35 per gallon)
- 3 – Yak Milk (about $35 per gallon)
- 2 – Moose Milk (about $60 per gallon)
- 1 – Reindeer milk (about $80 per gallon)
10 – Cow’s milk (about $3.36 per gallon)
While it looks cheap compared to some of the other types of milk on this list, cow's milk is still quite expensive. The main reason for this is that cows are bred and bred for meat, not milk. As a result, the cost of raising a cow is high and the price of milk reflects this.
Cow's milk is also high in cholesterol and saturated fat, which means it's not the best choice for people trying to stay healthy. However, cow's milk contains high levels of protein and calcium, so it may be a good choice for some people.
Remember that the amount of milk you buy influences the price per gallon. A grocery shopper might pay much more than that, but an ice cream maker would get wholesale discounts on their milk and might pay $0.50 to $0.70 a gallon. A gallon of cow's milk at Walmart is only $3.36 at the time of writing!
Why do factors influence the price of milk in the US?
Milk is a staple food in most households. It's a common source of protein and calcium, and most people drink it because it's good for them. But have you ever wondered why milk is so expensive?
According to the American Dairy Association, several factors influence the price of milk in the United States, including:
- The cost of feeding the cows.
- The shipping cost
- government subsidies
- Regulation of milk production
Each of these factors has an impact on the final price of milk in the supermarket. For example, the high cost of feed means that milk is more expensive to produce, and government subsidies to dairy farmers keep the price of milk artificially low.
9 – Sheep’s Milk (about $.90 – $11 per gallon)
Sheep's milk is one of the rarest types of milk in the US, but it has been used in the UK for centuries. Sheep's milk contains more than twice the calcium of cow's milk and also has higher levels of vitamin B12, riboflavin and zinc. It is also lower in cholesterol than cow's milk.
Why is sheep's milk expensive?
The most common type of sheep's milk is called Ayrshire. It is produced in the UK and is one of the most expensive types of milk in the world.
One of the reasons for the high price of sheep's milk is the fact that it is a niche market. Many people don't drink sheep's milk, so the demand is low. However, the popularity of sheep's milk is growing, and as more people discover its benefits, the price is likely to rise. It is also used to make some sharp,Award-winning sheep cheeses.
8 – Goat Milk (about $12 per gallon)
While most of us think of cow's milk when we hear the word milk, it's not the most common type drunk internationally. More people drink goat's milk than the milk of any other animal on the planet, according to world statistics.
According to an article by SupermarketGuru,about 4.8 million tonsGoat milk products are produced by more than 440 million goats (worldwide), and this milk is mostly drunk by common people or made into cheese to eat locally.
Goat milk is produced by goats and is used to make cheese, yogurt and other dairy products. Goat's milk is rich in protein and calcium and has a mild flavor.
However, goat's milk is also one of the most expensive types of milk. A gallon of goat's milk typically costs around $12.
Despite the high cost, goat's milk has many benefits for both adults and children. It's a good source of protein, calcium, and vitamins A, B12, and D. Goat's milk is also easier to digest than cow's milk, making it a good choice for people who have trouble digesting dairy products.
Why is goat's milk so expensive?
There are several reasons why goat's milk is expensive. Firstly, goats require a lot of feeding and care, so the cost of producing goat milk is high.
Second, most people don't produce goat's milk from their family cattle; they have to buy it from a shop or farm. This adds a premium to the cost of the milk to make it profitable for the business that sells it.
And finally, goat's milk is in high demand all over the world, so the price is set accordingly.
7 – Buffalo milk (about $13 per gallon)
Buffalo milk is a type of milk that comes from buffalo cows. It's high in fat and protein and has a rich, creamy flavor. Buffalo milk is also one of the most expensive types of milk. A gallon of buffalo milk typically costs around $13.
Why is buffalo milk so expensive?
There are several reasons why buffalo milk is expensive. Buffalo are relatively rare animals compared to goats and cows, so the cost of getting milk from them is high.
Because buffalo are large, powerful animals that require a significant amount of grass to survive and thrive in captivity, their cost of production is significantly higher than that of cattle.
Finally, buffalo milk is in high demand due to its rich taste and health benefits. This raises the price for consumers.
6 – Pig's Milk (about $24 per gallon)
Pig's milk isusually not ingestedby humans, but it is also one of the most expensive types of milk. A gallon of pig's milk typically costs about $24. It's often not sold in stores, so most of the pig's milk traded in the world is produced by farmers and used to feed their pigs and other pigs owned by farmers.
Why is pig's milk so expensive?
The main purpose of selling pig's milk is to feed pigs. Normally, a mother sow can produce milk to feed her young. But in some cases, when they cannot produce their own milk to keep the piglets alive during the lactation phase, some producers choose to buy milk from another producer to feed them.
In most cases, the high price of pig milk is due to the high cost of raising pigs. However, humans rarely drink pig's milk. Piglets can actually survive on milk from other animals, so even selling pig milk to feed piglets is quite rare.
5 – Donkey/Mule Milk (about $27 per gallon)
Donkeys are domestic animals that can live up to thirty years, depending on the breed. Donkeys have been producing milk for thousands of years and they do in many cultures around the world.
Donkey milk went out of style, buthas resurfaced in recent years, particularly in some parts of Europe, and attracts both daring gourmets who want to try new foods and drinks and people who want to eat natural foods with health benefits.
Why is donkey milk so expensive?
Donkey milk is expensive for several reasons. Firstly, donkeys are not as abundant as cows or goats, so the demand for their milk is greater.
Second, it takes a lot of work to milk a donkey. They are stubborn animals that can be difficult to handle. This means that the labor cost of milking them is high.
Finally, donkey milk is a niche product. Many people don't want to buy it, so the companies that produce and sell it may charge more for it.
4 – Camel milk (about $30 per gallon)
Camel milk is one of the most expensive types of milk in the world. A gallon of camel milk normally costs around $30. It has been a staple of the Bedouin diet for centuries and has recently gained popularity in Europe and North America.
Why is camel milk so expensive?
Camel milk has a higher cost than cow, goat or sheep milk for several reasons. To begin with, camels are less common than cows or goats; therefore, the demand for their milk comes with a higher price.
Second, it takes a lot of work to milk a camel. They are skittish and headstrong, making them difficult to get along with. The cost of agricultural labor for the milking process is a result of this.
Thirdly, camel milk hassome unique propertiesthat make it attractive to consumers. It has less lactose than other types of milk and is believed to have anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. This means that companies selling camel milk can charge a higher price for it.
3 – Yak Milk (about $35 per gallon)
Yak milk is one of the most expensive types of milk in the world. A gallon of yak milk normally costs around $35. It has been a staple of the Tibetan and Nepali diets for centuries and is now gaining popularity in Europe and North America.
Why is yak milk so expensive?
Like camel milk, yak milk is more expensive than cow, goat, or sheep milk because yaks are less common than these animals.
Besides, it's a lot of work to milk a yak. They are assertive and temperamental, making them difficult to handle during the milking process. finally, theunique qualities of yak milkmake it attractive to buyers.
2 – Moose Milk (about $60 per gallon)
Moose milk is one of the most expensive types of milk in the world! A gallon of moose milk typically costs around $60. It has become increasingly popular in Europe and North America thanks to its long history as part of Native American cuisine.
Why is moose milk so expensive?
Elk are rare and elk milking is difficult and dangerous. Moose are nervous and can be aggressive, making milking difficult. Additionally, moose milk has a higher fat content than other types of milk, making it attractive to some consumers.
And the most expensive type of milk in the world is…
1 – Reindeer milk (about $80 per gallon)
Reindeer milk is the most expensive animal milk in the world. A gallon of reindeer milk normally costs around $80. It has been a staple of the Sami diet for centuries and is now becoming increasingly popular in other parts of the world, including Europe and North America.
Why is reindeer milk so expensive?
Like moose, reindeer are much less abundant than cows, goats and sheep.
Besides, it takes a lot of work to milk a reindeer. Most of the world's reindeer milk is collected from semi-domestic reindeer herds located in Scandinavia. These herds are difficult to manage and the milking process is very labor intensive.
Finally, reindeer milk has a high fat content that makes it attractive to some consumers. It also contains more protein and minerals than other types of milk.
The most expensive milk in the world
As you can see, milk from most animals is expensive compared to cow's milk. We hope you enjoyed our list of most expensive milks!
Were there any exotic milks on this list that you'd like to try?
Keep reading our blogs to learn more about the most expensive things in the world!
FAQs
What is the world's most expensive milk? ›
Mares' milk
At current exchange rates, it's believed to be the world's most expensive milk – costing slightly more than Japan's Nakazawa milk, which is famously collected once a week at dawn.
All in all, the composition of the milk being sold doesn't have much to do with its price. That extra cost is usually the packaging, marketing, or even support for a local business, which to Sumner are still elements that matter to consumers.
Why is camel milk so expensive? ›The reason why camel milk is so expensive is because camels are few in number and milk production is very low. On an average, a cow can produce 50 liters of milk a day, while a camel can produce 6-7 liters of milk.
What's the best milk in the world? ›New Zealand's grass-fed cows produce some of the world's best quality milk. The quality of the milk cows produce is directly related to their diet and environment. So it's no wonder that New Zealand's pasture-fed cows, feasting on our lush green grass, produce some of the best milk in the world.
Why is donkey milk so expensive? ›In addition, a kilogram of donkey milk cheese costs around $1,130, which makes it the world's most expensive cheese. Moreover, lack of government support for producing donkey milk and unavailability of donkey farm affect the production and cost of the milk.
Why is milk so expensive in America? ›Milk has become so expensive to produce due to heightened costs of buying cattle, animal feed and farm labor, according to CoBank. High dairy costs will be a long-term issue, CoBank's lead economist of dairy and specialty crops Tanner Ehmke said. This means consumers will increasingly be forced to make tough decisions.
What determines the price of milk? ›Supply and demand forces combine with federal and state dairy policies to establish prices farmers receive for raw (unprocessed, unpasteurized) milk. Most milk is priced according to its end use, with products grouped into four classes.
Why is almond milk more expensive? ›The retail price of plant-based milk is roughly twice that of dairy milk, according to Mintec, which analyzes food commodity price data. The higher price is attributed to packaging, plus a more costly blending and bottling process.
Why does milk have different prices? ›Different states have different regulatory agencies when it comes to milk, because unlike many other grocery items such as canned goods and dry and frozen foods, it is highly perishable.
Why is camel milk illegal in the US? ›When you can find camel milk, it is expensive: pasteurized camel milk retails for $16 per pint. DairyReporter.com estimates that in the US there are 18,000 cows for every camel. It is strictly illegal to import or sell camel milk in the US, as the FDA has not yet created quality standards for it.
Can humans drink camel milk? ›
Camel milk has been a part of traditional diets for certain nomadic populations throughout history. It has recently gained attention as a health food in more developed countries. Research shows that camel milk is better tolerated by people with lactose intolerance and allergies to cow's milk.
Why is goat milk so expensive? ›Supply and demand
There are millions of milk cows in the U.S., but as of 2020, there were only 450,000 milk goats (via USDA). Add to that the fact that goats are many times less productive when it comes to milk (goats don't even lactate all year, per Cook's Info), resulting in low supply.
1. Amul Milk. The leading milk brand in India, Amul Milk, offers many products.
Which milk is healthiest? ›Low- or non-fat dairy — Skim or 1% milk contains all the protein, vitamins and minerals that whole milk contains, but it has much less saturated fat. This type of milk is typically more heart-healthy than full-fat milk.
Can humans drink donkey milk? ›Donkey milk has properties that make it a high-quality addition to a healthy diet. It's very nutritious and people who can't tolerate cow's milk can often drink it. It can't replace prescribed medicines but it may reduce certain symptoms like inflammation or uncontrolled blood sugar.
Can humans drink dog milk? ›Dog milk is the breastmilk that has been extracted and harvested from a female dog. This milk is essential in the growth of a newborn puppy. It definitely should not be used for human baby consumption. One, that's disgusting, two it has inadequate nutrients for a human baby.
How much is donkey milk in US dollars? ›Donkey milk remains a niche product in the US and Europe, selling for between $60 and $130 per liter.
Why is California milk so good? ›California cows' milk exceeds federal nutrition standards for these and other essential nutrients due to the fact that dairy processors fortify all of their milk with nonfat milk solids. This creates a creamier and more nutritious serving of milk without adding excessive fat and calories.
Does the U.S. government control the price of milk? ›Payment for milk in the United States is primarily controlled by the Federal Government. Federal Milk Marketing Orders have been in place for a century, and continue to dominate the payment for milk in the United States. The last major revision of the process was implemented in January 2000.
Why does milk last longer in USA? ›Turns out, the major difference lies in the method by which milk is processed. Almost all milk is pasteurized, meaning it undergoes extreme heat in order to kill illness-causing bacteria. The U.S. and Canada use a pasteurizing technique called high-temperature short-time pasteurization, or HTST.
What are the 4 classes of milk? ›
- Class I: fluid milk used for whole, lowfat, and skim milk, flavored milk, eggnog, ...
- Class II: milk used for soft products such as cottage cheese, yogurt, cream, and. ...
- Class III: milk used for hard cheeses and cream cheese; and.
The goal of the federal orders was to ensure reasonable prices for farmers and consumers and ensure an adequate supply of milk for consumers. Federal milk marketing orders are regional markets that enforce a classified pricing structure.
What are the 3 types of milk? ›What are the four types of milk? Generally speaking, when it comes to dairy milk the four different types of milk are: whole milk (3.25% milk fat), reduced fat milk (2%), low fat milk (1%) and fat-free milk, which is also known as skimmed milk.
Is almond milk healthier than real milk? ›Studies have shown a link between heart disease and saturated fat consumption, so one benefit of almond milk is that you're getting your fats from a healthier source. It also has a higher nutrient profile, and contains more potassium, vitamin A, vitamin D, vitamin E, magnesium and calcium.
Is cow's milk healthier than almond milk? ›The fat and salt content are virtually identical, and while cow's milk has more protein, it's still too little to make much difference to your diet. As well as being suitable for lactose-intolerant people, almond milk is slightly healthier though because it contains vitamin D, which cow's milk does not.
Does almond milk taste like real milk? ›What Does Almond Milk Taste Like? Almond milk has a nutty flavor and creamy texture, similar to cow's milk. Because there are so many varieties of almond milk—from unsweetened almond milk to vanilla almond milk and chocolate almond milk—the flavor varies between brands.
Why buy a cow when milk is so cheap? ›An argument for choosing the least troublesome alternative; frequently used as an argument against marriage.
Why is milk more expensive in Florida? ›But that story is changing dramatically amid rising land values, high cost of equipment, finance crunches, labor shortages and a federal regulation that makes Florida milk among the nation's most expensive, with corporate dairies in the Midwest shipping milk into the state at lower prices than local dairies can produce ...
Why buy a cow when milk is so cheap meaning? ›Do not expect somebody to make a costly commitment if it will give them nothing they do not already have; used especially as a warning against having sexual intercourse before marriage.
Why is human milk not sold? ›Selling breast milk is not illegal. It is unregulated. “When human milk is obtained directly from individuals or through the internet, the donor is unlikely to have been adequately screened for infectious disease or contamination risk,” according to the FDA.
Why is raw milk illegal in US? ›
Raw milk can carry harmful germs, such as Campylobacter, Cryptosporidium, E. coli, Listeria, Brucella, and Salmonella. These germs can pose serious health risks to you and your family.
Why is it illegal to sell raw milk in us? ›The federal government banned the sale of raw milk across state lines nearly three decades ago because it poses a threat to public health. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American Medical Association all strongly advise people not to drink it.
Is giraffe milk drinkable? ›Besides, giraffe milk has higher vitamin A and B12 content than cow's milk, but the content of riboflavin, thiamine, and vitamin B6 is similar. Therefore, from a nutritional point of view, although giraffe milk is rich in fat content, it is very healthy.
Which animal milk is closest to human milk? ›The most similar in composition to human milk is horse and donkey milk. It contains considerably more whey proteins (35-50%) than cow milk (about 20%), and the concentration of the most allergenic casein fraction αs1 is 1.5-2.5 g/l.
Which milk is best for autism? ›Since the early 2000s, camel milk has become increasingly popular as a therapy for autism.
Which milk is better goat or cow? ›Not only does goat milk contain less lactose, but its fat content is also much simpler for human digestion than cow milk. This means that the fat globules in goat milk are smaller and easier for our milk fat-dissolving enzyme — lipase— to break into smaller pieces as they pass through our gut.
Does goat milk taste like cow? ›Goat's milk, first of all, gets its flavor from the presence of short- and medium-chain fatty acids. These are fatty acids that give the milk its particular flavor. It's that grassy, goaty, earthy flavor that you get mainly when you are eating goat cheese. It's very different from cow's milk.
Does goat milk taste different than cow? ›But what does goat milk taste like? If you're wondering how goat milk compares in flavor (we were), think about how goat cheese tastes. Whereas cow milk is mild, neutral and creamy, goat milk is definitely, well, goaty. It's tangy and grassy and might take some getting used to.
What is the most popular milk? ›Cow's Milk
Easily the most popular, cow's milk boasts nutrition that's tough to beat. Here is the nutrition for 1 cup of 2% cow's milk: 122 calories. 8 g protein.
Whole Milk
It's also the purest form of commercially available cow's milk because, aside from being pasteurized and homogenized to meet food safety standards, whole milk isn't processed or altered in any way.
What is the unhealthiest milk? ›
Among the unhealthiest: Banana milk. Super high in sugar, carbs and calories, without very much fiber and protein. Outstanding flavor: Oat milk. Creamy texture, combined with a sweet, rich but mild taste give it the perfect flavor profile.
What milk is best for your heart? ›AHA Recommendation. We recommend that adults and children age 2 and older use milk that's low in dairy fats. This includes fortified fat-free (skim or nonfat) milk, fortified nonfat milk powder, and 1/2 percent and 1 percent low-fat milk.
What milk has no sugar? ›Plain milk has no added sugar and are therefore lower in total sugar compared with flavoured milks. It's important to remember that when you read the label of a plain milk carton and see “sugars” that this is referring to the naturally occurring lactose sugar in milk.
Is horse milk good to drink? ›Horse milk is known for its high value in vitamins and minerals. It is rich in Vitamin A, B complex, C, E, and D, and minerals are also sufficiently available. Horse milk has a more balanced ratio of calcium to phosphorus than most other types of milk, which allows improved absorption of calcium throughout the body.
What is the cost of donkey milk? ›The owner, Gowda has planned to supply donkey's milk to people in packets just like other packaged products. A 30ml of milk packet will cost Rs 150 and it will be supplied through malls, shops and supermarkets, as per the business owner.
How much milk does donkey give? ›The female donkey produces very less quantity of milk as compared to other farming animals. One Jennies only produce about 4 cups (1 liter) of milk per day.
Why is Horizon milk expensive? ›DRIVING UP THE PRICE
The major contributing factor to the price premium on organic milk is seen as supply versus demand. When organic dairies drop their certification, it is not easy to replace them. It takes three years to complete the certification to become an organic farm, says Horizon's Keveney.
Pig milk is milk from pigs, and is typically consumed by piglets. It is similar in composition to cow's milk, though higher in fat and more watery. Pig milk is seldom obtained for human uses and is not considered to be a viable agricultural product.
Can you drink dog milk? ›Dog milk is the breastmilk that has been extracted and harvested from a female dog. This milk is essential in the growth of a newborn puppy. It definitely should not be used for human baby consumption. One, that's disgusting, two it has inadequate nutrients for a human baby.
Can you drink donkey milk? ›Donkey milk has properties that make it a high-quality addition to a healthy diet. It's very nutritious and people who can't tolerate cow's milk can often drink it.
Which animal milk is expensive? ›
Donkey Milk“But economic gains from donkey milk are still in the air. It is the costliest milk around the world. One cup of buffalo milk contains: 237 calories. 17 grams of fat, which is much higher than cow's milk or goat's milk.
How much is horse milk? ›Buy Double Horse Coconut Milk Online at Best Price of Rs 75 - bigbasket.
How much is mouse milk? ›Mouse milk is the most expensive milk. A liter of this milk is produced from 4 thousand females. Just one liter of this milk costs 22 thousand dollars.