Like many others, you may have found yourself in the goat versus cow milk dilemma and wondered which is the better option – or healthier alternative. Although Americans tend to have a bias for cow milk or plant-based milks, goat milk is gaining a steady popularity too. In fact, about 65 percent of the global population drinks goat milk. 

According to the USDA, a side-by-side comparison of goat milk and cow milk shows that both types of milk have an almost similar composition. Precisely, a one-cup serving of goat milk contains 170 calories, 9 grams of protein, 10 grams of fat, 11 grams of carbohydrates, 11 grams of sugars and 25 milligrams of cholesterol.  

Meanwhile, a one-cup serving of whole cow milk offers 160 calories, 8 grams of protein, 9 grams of fat, 11 grams of carbohydrates, 11 grams of sugars and 30 milligrams of cholesterol.

This shows that goat offers a high amount of protein and cholesterol, while cow milk contains a slightly lower amount of fat. 

In terms of other nutrients, goat milk contains more potassium, calcium, and vitamin A than cow milk. However, cow milk offers more vitamin B12, folic acid and selenium.

So, who wins the goat vs. cow milk debate? People often prefer goat milk to cow milk because it’s easier to digest. This is because goat milk contains a slightly lower amount of lactose than cow milk. Therefore, goat milk might be a better choice for people with mild lactose intolerance. However, cow milk gets the edge when it comes to the price and availability and the milky taste.