Would it truly surprise you to see yet another type of milk in alluring packaging waiting for you in the dairy aisle? Probably not. As Americans drink less cow’s milk, plant-based dairy alternatives and lactose-free milk have taken center stage, leaving cow’s milk out to curdle. Because in America, more is more, and we need all the milk, well as long as it’s not cow’s milk.
From sea to shining sea, you’ll come across the humble oat milker in New England to the hardworking organic nut milk farmers in Georgia. Travel through the rolling hills of Pennsylvania to Missouri’s grassy plains, and you’ll find a handful of small camel farms spread across America. Wait what? Camels?
Yes, it’s true. The next dairy alternative trend could be camel milk, and you don’t have to travel to North Africa or the Middle East to enjoy this unique beverage. They’re milkin’ camels right here in the good ol’ USA instead of cows! Now before you get too excited about getting your hands on some delicious camel milk, read on to find out some more surprising facts.
What Does Camel Milk Taste Like?
If you thought you were pretty trendy now with your oat milk latte, how about switching it up with camel milk instead? But, the real question here is, how does camel milk taste? One grande-sized creamy organic camel milk latte to-go, please!
Camel milk may differ slightly from one camel to the next based on their diet. But, essentially, camel milk has a milkier, creamier texture than cow’s milk. It’s rich and fulfilling, reminiscent of goat’s milk. It’s sweet when it immediately hits the tastebuds but leaves a slightly salty aftertaste. Some describe the saltiness as being more pronounced when the milk is warmed and subtle when it’s chilled. Fun fact, some adventurous milk testers have even described camel milk as the closest thing to human milk you could get.
If that doesn’t make you go, “Mmm, that sounds good I’ll have that with my morning coffee,” I honestly don’t know what will!
What Are The Benefits Of Camel Milk?
You’re playing the milk field right now; we get it. But, should you see we an adorable half gallon of vanilla almond milk or come across the seductive cashew milk with its hipstery cashew-y twist, remember there’s more milk in the grocery store fridge to be explored, particularly camel milk. Camel milk could be considered the next superfood! Put that in your milk glass in drink it.
Perhaps you’re wondering, “Is camel milk healthy?” The simple answer is yes. Also, camel milk is better than cow milk in regards to nutrition.
Camel Milk Better Than Cows Milk
Camel milk is comparable to whole cow milk in total calories and protein. Yet, somewhat lower in total fat and saturated fat. However, camel milk packs a punch when it comes to vitamin C and iron, something cow milk lacks.
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Camel Milk Nutrition (Per One Cup)
- Calories: 100 calories
- Total Fat 6 grams
- Saturated Fat 3 grams
- Protein 6 grams
- Vitamin C 10%
- Iron 4%
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Whole Cow Milk Nutrition (Per One Cup)
- Calories: 147 calories
- Total Fat 7.9 grams
- Saturated Fat 4.6 grams
- Protein 7.9 grams
- Vitamin C 0%
- Iron 0%
Vitamin C is an incredibly diverse vitamin with many impressive benefits. Also known as an ascorbic acid (water-soluble nutrient), vitamin c acts as a powerful antioxidant protecting cells within the body from free radicals or unstable molecules that rob our body of electrons, resulting in damaging disease. Luckily, vitamin c, improves the absorption of iron, also present in camel milk, which plays a vital role in building up the immune system.
Camel Milk Better For Those With Cow Milk Allergies
Those with a true cow milk allergy or who suffer from lactose intolerance usually react negatively to the A1 beta-casein proteins found in cow milk. Unlike cow milk, camel milk has A2 beta-casein proteins, which have been proven in some studies not to adversely affect those with a cow milk allergy or with lactose intolerance.
Camel Milk As A Therapeutic Aid In Treating Autism Spectrum Disorder
As controversial as it may sound, there have been some promising studies involving camel milk in the treatment of autism spectrum disorder in children. With its composition being closely compared to human breast milk, camel milk was studied for its medicinal characteristics.
It was found that camel milk, while also highly nutritious for children, could also be remarkably effective in treating autism, as it improved clinical symptoms of autism of the children that consumed it throughout the studies.
Camel Milk Helps With Diabetes
Camel milk consumption has been shown to have positive effects on individuals suffering from diabetes mellitus. “Camel milk positively affects glycemic control by reducing fasting blood sugar, decreasing insulin resistance, and improving lipid profiles among diabetes patients,” according to a study published in 2017.
Camel Milk Downsides
- Ethical Concerns: Although you can find small family-owned camel farms scattered throughout the US, owning camels may raise some eyebrows. Many of these exotic animals have to be imported to the US for farms to start a business, an unfamiliar area they ordinarily wouldn’t live. Camels join the ranks with other defenseless milked mammals. Raising the question, “Why are we drinking milk from other mammals?” Many feel that we should stick to plant-based alternatives. It’s more kind.
- Camel Milk Is Expensive: One six-pack of fresh 16oz bottles of camel milk on the Desert Farms Camel Milk website is listed for a cool $108. They don’t call camel milk “white gold,” for nothing. The number one factor that causes camel milk to be expensive is that a mother camel cannot be milked without her calf. Farmers must care for two animals to obtain camel milk. It is also considered more labor-intensive to milk a camel. Camels need to be trained to remain calm and relaxed before entering a milking parlor, which is the only way they will release milk. The training itself can take days to weeks. In the end, camel farmers receive nowhere near the same amount of milk they’d get from a cow.
Where Do You Buy Camel Milk?
Finding camel milk in the US can be a challenge. Luckily you can find the popular Desert Farms Camel Milk at selected Whole Foods Markets. If you’re unable to get your hands on a bottle of camel milk, you can purchase camel milk from Desert Farms online and have it conveniently shipped directly to your home.
The thought of drinking camel milk may seem slightly strange at first, but the possible benefits outweigh the peculiarity in our eyes. Camel milk has some impressive qualities with its medicinal characteristics. It seems that camel milk is not just another trendy milk alternative but also a healing food to transform the mind and body.