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The 10 Most Expensive Milk in the World and Why

The 10 Most Expensive Milk in the World and Why

Milk is a staple 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 is milk expensive?

Some types of milk can cost more than $80 per gallon!

In this guide, we will explore what makes milk expensive, and we will also discuss some of the benefits of these exotic milk. Here’s the top 10 list of most expensive milk in the world:

  • 10 – Cow Milk (around $3.36 per gallon)
  • 9 – Sheep Milk (around $.90 – $11 per gallon)
  • 8 – Goat Milk (around $12 per gallon)
  • 7 – Buffalo Milk (around $13 per gallon)
  • 6 – Pig Milk (around $24 per gallon)
  • 5 – Donkey/Mule Milk(around $27 per gallon)
  • 4 – Camel Milk (around $35 per gallon)
  • 3 – Yak Milk (around $35 per gallon)
  • 2 – Elk Milk (around $60 per gallon)
  • 1 – Reindeer Milk (around $80 per gallon)

10 – Cow Milk (around $3.36 per gallon)

Cow-Milk

Although this seems cheap compared to some of the other types of milk on this list, cow milk is still quite expensive. The main reason for this is that cows are bred and raised for their meat, not their milk. As a result, the cost of raising a cow is high, and the price of milk reflects that.

Cow’s milk is also high in cholesterol and saturated fat, which means that it is not the best choice for people who are trying to stay healthy. However, cow milk does contain high levels of protein and calcium, so it can be a good choice for some people.

Bear in mind that the amount of milk you buy influences the price per gallon. A supermarket shopper might pay a lot more than this, but an ice cream factory would get wholesale discounts on their milk and could pay $0.50 – $0.70 per gallon. A gallon of cow milk at Walmart cost just $3.36 at the time we wrote this article!

Why Factors Influence The Price of Milk In The USA?

Milk is a staple 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 USA. These include:

  • The cost of feed for cows
  • The cost of transportation
  • Government subsidies
  • Regulations on milk production

Each of these factors has an impact on the final price of milk at the grocery store. For example, the high cost of feed means that milk is more expensive to produce, and the government’s subsidies for dairy farmers keep the price of milk artificially low.

9 – Sheep Milk (around $.90 – $11 per gallon)

Sheep milk is one of the more rare types of milk in the USA, but it’s been used in the UK for centuries. Sheep milk contains more than twice as much calcium as cow milk, and it also has higher levels of vitamin B12, riboflavin, and zinc. It is also lower in cholesterol than cow’s milk.

Why Is Sheep Milk Expensive?

The most common type of sheep milk is called Ayrshire. It is produced in the United Kingdom, and it is one of the most expensive types of milk in the world.

One reason for the high price of sheep milk is the fact that it is a niche market. There are not many people who drink sheep milk, so the demand is low. However, the popularity of sheep milk is growing, and as more people discover its benefits, the price is likely to rise. It’s also used for making some sharp, award-winning sheep milk cheeses.

8 – Goat Milk (around $12 per gallon)

Goat-Milk

Although most of us think of cow milk when we hear the word milk, it’s not the most common one drank internationally. More people drink goat milk than the milk of any other animal on the planet, according to worldwide statistics.

According to an article by SupermarketGuru, approximately 4.8 million tons of goats milk are produced by over 440 million goats (worldwide), and this milk is mostly drunk by ordinary people or turned into cheese to be eaten locally.

Goat milk is produced by goats, and it’s used to make cheese, yogurt, and other dairy products. Goat milk is high in protein and calcium, and it has a mild flavor.

However, goat milk is also one of the most expensive types of milk. A gallon of goat milk typically costs around $12.

Despite its high cost, goat milk has many benefits for both adults and children. It’s a good source of protein, calcium, and vitamins A, B12, and D. Goat milk is also easier to digest than cow milk, so it’s a good choice for people who have trouble digesting dairy products.

Why is Goat Milk So Expensive?

There are several reasons why goat milk is expensive. Firstly, goats require a lot of food and care, so the cost of producing goat milk is high.

Secondly, most people don’t produce goat milk from their family livestock; they have to buy it from a store or farm. This adds a markup to the cost of the milk to make it profitable for the business selling it.

And finally, goat milk is in high demand worldwide, so the price is set accordingly.

7 – Buffalo Milk (around $13 per gallon)

Warm-Buffalo-Milk

Buffalo milk is a type of milk that comes from buffalo cows. It’s high in fat and protein, and it 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. Buffalos are relatively rare animals compared to goats and cows, so the cost of obtaining milk from them is high.

Because buffalo are large, powerful animals that require a significant amount of pasture to survive and thrive in captivity, their cost of production is significantly higher than cattle.

Finally, buffalo milk is in high demand due to its rich flavor and health benefits. This drives up the price to consumers.

6 – Pig Milk (around $24 per gallon)

Pig milk is not usually ingested by human beings, yet it’s also one of the most expensive types of milk. A gallon of pig milk typically costs around $24. It’s not often sold in stores, so most of the pig milk traded in the world is produced by farmers and used to feed their pigs and the pigs of other farmers.

Why is Pig Milk So Expensive?

The main purpose of selling pig milk is to feed pigs. Usually, a mother pig can produce milk to feed her offspring. But, in some cases, when she can’t produce her own milk to keep the piglets alive during the nursing stage, some farmers choose to buy pig milk from another farmer to feed them.

In most cases, the high price of pig milk is due to the high cost of raising pigs. However, humans rarely ingest pig milk. Piglets can actually survive on the milk of other animals, so even the sale of pig milk to feed piglets is quite rare.

5 – Donkey/Mule Milk (around $27 per gallon)

Farmer-milking-donkey

Donkeys are domesticated animals that may live up to thirty years, depending on the breed. Donkeys have been producing milk for thousands of years and have been doing so in many cultures around the world.

Donkey milk fell out of fashion but has resurfaced in recent years, particularly in parts of Europe, and it appeals to both daring gastronomes who want to try new meals and beverages as well as people who want to eat natural foods with health advantages.

Why Is Donkey Milk So Expensive?

Donkey milk is expensive for a few reasons. Firstly, donkeys are not as plentiful as cows or goats, so the demand for their milk is higher.

Secondly, it takes a lot of work to milk a donkey. They’re stubborn animals that can be difficult to handle. This means that the cost of labor to milk them is high.

Finally, donkey milk is a niche product. There are not many people who want to buy it, so the businesses that produce and sell it can charge more for it.

4 – Camel Milk (around $30 per gallon)

Hands-milking-camel-in-Turkestan

Camel milk is one of the most expensive types of milk in the world. A gallon of camel milk typically costs around $30. It’s been a staple of the Bedouin diet for centuries, and it 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 many reasons. To begin with, camels are less common than cattle or goats; therefore, the demand for their milk comes with a higher price tag.

Secondly, it takes a lot of work to milk a camel. They’re skittish and hardheaded, making them tough to manage. The cost of farm labor for the milking process is as a result of this.

Thirdly, camel milk has some unique properties that make it appealing to consumers. It is lower in lactose than other types of milk, and it is believed to have anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. This means that businesses that sell camel milk can charge a higher price for it.

3 – Yak Milk (around $35 per gallon)

milking-a-yak-in-Tibet

Yak milk is one of the most expensive types of milk in the world. A gallon of yak milk typically costs around $35. It has been a staple of the Tibetan and Nepalese diet for centuries, and it is now gaining popularity in Europe and North America.

Why is Yak Milk So Expensive?

Just like camel milk, yak milk is more expensive than cow, goat, or sheep milk because yaks are less common than those animals.

Additionally, it takes a lot of work to milk a yak. They’re assertive and temperamental, making them difficult to manage during the milking process. Finally, the unique qualities of yak milk make it appealing to purchasers.

2 – Elk Milk (around $60 per gallon)

Elk milk is one of the most expensive types of milk in the world! A gallon of elk milk typically costs around $60. It’s become increasingly popular in Europe and North America, thanks to its long history as a part of Native American cuisine.

Why is Elk Milk So Expensive?

Elks are rare, and elk milking is difficult and dangerous. Elk are nervous and can be aggressive, making them tough to milk. Additionally, elk milk has a higher fat content than other types of milk, which makes it appealing to some consumers.

And the most expensive type of milk in the world is…

1 – Reindeer Milk (around $80 per gallon)

Tsaatan-woman-milking-a-reindeer

Reindeer milk is the most expensive animal milk in the world. A gallon of reindeer milk typically costs around $80. It has been a staple of the Sami diet for centuries, and it is now becoming increasingly popular in other parts of the world, including Europe and North America.

Why is Reindeer Milk So Expensive?

Just like elk, reindeer are far less abundant than cows, goats, or sheep.

Additionally, it takes a lot of work to milk a reindeer. Most of the reindeer milk in the world is collected from semi-domestic reindeer herds located in Scandinavia. These herds are difficult to manage, and the milking process is labor-intensive.

Finally, reindeer milk has a high-fat content which makes it appealing to some consumers. It also contains more proteins and minerals than other types of milk.

The Most Expensive Milk in the World​​​​​

As you can see, milk from most animals is expensive when compared to cow’s milk. We hope you enjoyed our most expensive milk list!

Was there exotic kind of milk on this list you’d like to try?

Keep reading our blogs to learn more about the most expensive things in the world!