Milk & Cream

Goat Milk

Milk from goats, naturally homogenized because its fat globules are small, with a tangy, slightly earthy flavor. It is made into cheese, yogurt, and drinking milk worldwide.

CategoryMilk & Cream
Maker / OriginUnited States
StorageRefrigerate in its sealed carton. Goat milk turns noticeably goaty as it ages, so use it fresh.
Shelf lifeAbout 5 to 7 days after opening, and by the date on the carton.
Best usesDrinking, cheese and yogurt making, cajeta, soaps, and baking.
SubstitutesCow's milk in cooking; sheep milk for a richer cultured product.
PairingsHoney, coffee, cereal, and cajeta (goat-milk caramel).
Last checkedOctober 18, 2026

About it

Goats are browsers rather than grazers, and their milk reflects a varied diet with a distinct flavor. Because the curd is softer and the fat globules smaller, goat milk yogurt and cheese set differently from cow's milk versions.

Storing it

It freezes for up to 3 months; thaw in the fridge and shake. Keep it away from strong odors, which it picks up quickly.

Using it

Use goat milk for fresh goat cheese, yogurt, and cajeta. In baking it swaps for cow's milk one for one with a faint tang in the result.

Swaps & pairings

Cow's milk covers cooking and baking one for one. For drinking, the tang is the point; no swap reproduces it exactly.

More from this maker: United States

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