In most homes, milk usually comes from just two animals– cows or buffaloes. But across the world, things are a bit different.
In places where cows can’t survive the climate or terrain, people turn to other animals for milk.
Whether it’s in chilly mountain regions or arid deserts, these animals have quietly supported communities for generations.
Here are seven such animals whose milk may not be well-known, but holds deep cultural and nutritional value where they’re found.
Camels
1. Camels
In places where the heat is harsh and water is scarce, camels do much more than carry loads. Their milk is a daily source of nutrition for families across Rajasthan, Gujarat, West Asia, and parts of Africa. Slightly salty in taste and rich in nutrients, camel milk is easy to digest and stays fresh longer in hot climates. In many desert homes, it’s just part of everyday life.
Sheep
2. Sheep
You might not drink sheep milk straight from a glass, but if you enjoy feta or Roquefort cheese, you’ve had a taste of it. Sheep milk is creamier and richer than cow milk, making it perfect for cheese. Countries like Greece, France, and even some parts of Kashmir have a long tradition of using it in cooking and dairy products.
Yaks
3. Yaks
In high-altitude places like Ladakh, Bhutan, and Nepal, yaks are crucial. Their milk is thick and full of fat, which is exactly what people need to survive the cold. It’s used to make butter, cheese, and even a kind of salty tea that’s popular in the mountains. For locals, yak milk isn’t exotic– it’s essential.
Horses
4. Horses
Horse milk may sound surprising, but in countries like Kazakhstan and Mongolia, it’s a part of daily life. It’s usually fermented into a drink called kumis– slightly sour, fizzy, and rich in probiotics. Families have passed down this tradition for generations, and it still holds cultural value in Central Asia today.
Reindeer
5. Reindeer
In the frozen landscapes of Siberia and northern Europe, reindeer milk plays an important role. It’s thick, high in fat, and gives people the energy they need in extreme cold. While it’s not widely available, it’s used in local cheese and sometimes consumed fresh in small communities that depend on it.
Donkeys
6. Donkeys
Donkey milk has been around for centuries and was even used in ancient skincare and medicine. It’s light, easy to digest, and close to human milk in its composition. These days, it’s gaining popularity in wellness circles and is used in beauty products, soaps, and niche health drinks.
Moose
7. Moose
Moose milk is probably one of the rarest on this list. Found in parts of Russia, Sweden, and Canada, it’s produced in very small quantities. Milking a moose is no easy job, but the result is a protein-rich milk used to make exclusive dairy products like cheese. Because it’s so rare, moose milk is often considered a delicacy.
