If you prefer dairy from pastured animals (those that are allowed to graze naturally), it can be frustrating, even impossible to find kosher versions in the U.S.

And for those who specifically prefer goat milk because of it’s digestibility and significant health benefits, including a lower incidence of allergic responses, you pretty much have to to raise your own goats.

This could be a problem if you live in Brooklyn.

Fortunately, that’s changed.

A few years ago, Shlomo began producing producing high-quality Kosher (Cholov Yisroel) goat milk at Wayside Acres farms in Newport, Pa. Today Wayside also make CY yogurt and kefir, which, along with the milk, are available in kosher grocers in Queens and Brooklyn (please insert where it is available).

For me, the lack of a “goaty” taste in Wayside milk is a plus; most goat milk I’ve had in the past tasted quite strong. Clearly, Wayside goats are loved and happy (you can tell from their goaty grins in the photos) and to me this is important–it is a mitzvah to not cause animals any suffering and to take good care of them.

Goats are the Coconut of the Animal World

The fat in goat’s milk contains short and medium-chain fatty acids–that’s the beneficial kind found in coconut. Cow’s milk contains long-chain fatty acids.

Goat’s milk can be a better choice than cow’s milk, even pastured cow’s milk, as it contains far less casein. Still, some with allergies to casein or other proteins cannot tolerate it. It also contains slightly less lactose, which those suffering from a mild lactose intolerant may find easier to digest.

Goat’s milk yogurt and kefir offer additional benefits: even more digestibility, a healthy dose of probiotics, and a delicious way to get a range of good bacteria, protein, calcium and vitamin A into your diet. Wayside Acres yogurts and kefir have no sugar and are naturally produced. Unlike many commercial yogurts, Wayside contains live cultures. (Some other brands culture the yogurt with bacteria, then heat it, killing the bacteria, then add new bacteria.)

Wayside yogurt and kefir are thinner, more like homemade than other commercial cultured products and good for drinking, pouring on cereal or using in recipes.

Goats for Kids

Goat’s milk can also be a boon to babies who are at the point that they eat solid foods supplemented with formula, but cannot tolerate cow’s milk or soy formulas. (Obviously, nursing is preferable in most cases.) Using goat’s milk formula can reduce the occurrence of GERD and colic associated with other milks.

For kosher consumers, there still is no *kosher goat’s milk baby formula, so you’ll have to speak to your pediatric nutritionist if you want to make your own. If goat’s milk formula is more than an occasional drink, you must supplement with folic acid and B12, as well as other vitamins, as directed by a pediatric nutritionist.

Since kosher (and many non-kosher) formulas are generally filled with corn syrup solids (corn is highly allergenic) and other sugars, making your own formula isn’t a bad idea to begin with. Here’s a recipe for homemade goat’s milk formula, recommended ONLY for children who already eat solid food and are supplementing their diets with formula.

Visit their website at kgoatmilk.com.

(Kgoat at Wayside also produces beautifully fragrant goat’s milk soaps.)

Recipes

Lassi

To goat’s milk yogurt, add a little water (or plain, natural coconut water) to desired consistency, a pinch of sea salt and either fresh mint or turmeric if you like, or blend in half a ripe mango to 1 cup yogurt, and serve over ice, Indian style. This makes a perfect high-protein sports drink.

Kefir Salad Dressing

Add one tablespoon lemon juice or raw apple-cider vinegar to 1 cup kefir. Add 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh herbs (dill is a good choice), a pinch of sea salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Serve over tossed salad.

*Why aren’t there any organic, Kosher or Kosher Cholov Yisroel baby formulas without corn syrup, rice syrup, or other sugars; soy products; and oils babies should not be consuming, such as sunflower or soy? Not to mention unsafe sources of DHA?

Disclaimer: I am not paid to write articles and reviews featuring products. I only write posts about products I use and like.