Is it safe for humans to drink goat milk?

November 2, 2025 •

3 min read

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), raw, unpasteurized milk was linked to 202 disease outbreaks between 1998 and 2018, underscoring why it is crucial to understand whether it is safe for humans to drink goat milk. While pasteurized goat milk is generally safe and nutritious, raw goat milk carries significant health risks due to harmful bacteria.

Quick Summary

The safety of drinking goat milk depends entirely on whether it has been pasteurized. Pasteurized goat milk is safe and offers several health benefits, while raw goat milk poses serious risks of foodborne illness from dangerous bacteria like E. coli and Salmonella. Vulnerable populations should avoid all unpasteurized dairy.

Key Points

Pasteurization is Essential for Safety: Always choose pasteurized goat milk, as raw versions can contain dangerous bacteria that cause foodborne illness.
Avoid Raw Milk at All Costs: Raw goat milk is unsafe for human consumption, especially for children, pregnant women, and the elderly, due to the high risk of contamination.
Superior Digestibility: Goat milk is often easier to digest than cow's milk due to smaller fat globules and softer curds formed in the stomach.
Rich in Key Nutrients: Pasteurized goat milk is an excellent source of protein, calcium, potassium, phosphorus, and vitamin A, which are vital for overall health.
Supports Gut Health: The prebiotic oligosaccharides in goat milk help support the growth of beneficial gut bacteria, contributing to a healthy digestive system.
May Be a Good Alternative to Cow Milk: For some individuals with mild lactose sensitivity or issues with A1 casein in cow milk, goat milk can be a more tolerable option.

Pasteurized vs. Raw Goat Milk: The Core Safety Distinction

The fundamental difference between safe goat milk and unsafe goat milk lies in a simple process: pasteurization. Pasteurization involves heating milk to a specific temperature for a set amount of time to kill harmful bacteria without significantly altering its nutritional value.

The Dangers of Raw Goat Milk

Health officials strongly advise against consuming raw milk from any animal, including goats, due to the serious risk of foodborne illness.

Pathogenic Bacteria: Raw milk can harbor dangerous pathogens such as E. coli, Salmonella, Listeria, and Campylobacter. These bacteria can cause severe gastrointestinal issues, and in some cases, life-threatening conditions like kidney failure, paralysis, or even death.
Contamination Sources: Contamination can occur even on sanitary farms through animal infections, contact with fecal matter during milking, or human handling. Even healthy animals can carry and shed these germs, making every batch of raw milk a potential risk.
High-Risk Groups: Certain populations are particularly vulnerable to severe illness from raw milk, including pregnant women, young children, older adults, and those with weakened immune systems. For pregnant women, a Listeria infection can lead to miscarriage or the death of a newborn.

The Safety of Pasteurized Goat Milk

Pasteurized goat milk, which is widely available in grocery stores, is a safe and healthy dairy option. It has the same nutritional benefits as raw milk, but without the risk of bacterial contamination.

Nutritional and Digestive Benefits of Goat Milk

For many, goat milk is a highly digestible and nutrient-rich alternative to cow's milk. Its unique composition contributes to several health benefits.

Improved Digestion: The fat globules in goat milk are smaller than those in cow's milk, which allows digestive enzymes to break them down more efficiently. Its softer curd formation in the stomach also aids digestion.
Reduced Allergens: Goat milk contains lower levels of alpha-s1-casein, a protein that is a common allergen in cow's milk and forms tougher curds. This difference can make goat milk more tolerable for some individuals with cow milk sensitivity, though it is not suitable for those with confirmed cow milk protein allergies.
Source of Prebiotics: Goat milk is rich in oligosaccharides, which act as prebiotics that feed beneficial gut bacteria. These compounds can help improve gut health and strengthen the immune system.
Nutrient Density: Goat milk is packed with essential vitamins and minerals, including calcium, potassium, phosphorus, and vitamin A. It is an excellent source of high-quality protein and contains more medium-chain fatty acids, which are more easily absorbed by the body.

Comparison: Goat Milk vs. Cow Milk


Feature	Goat Milk	Cow Milk
Digestibility	Easier to digest due to smaller fat globules and softer curds.	Potentially harder to digest for some due to larger fat globules and tougher curds.
Protein	Contains A2 beta-casein, which is less allergenic for some individuals.	Often contains A1 beta-casein, which can be inflammatory for some.
Lactose Content	Slightly lower lactose content (~4.2% vs. ~4.7%), which some with mild intolerance may find more tolerable.	Higher lactose content, often leading to more symptoms for those with lactose intolerance.
Nutritional Profile	Higher in certain vitamins and minerals, including calcium, potassium, phosphorus, and vitamin A.	Standard nutritional profile, but often lower in some key nutrients compared to goat milk.
Prebiotic Content	Rich in prebiotic oligosaccharides that promote gut health.	Contains fewer prebiotic oligosaccharides.

Conclusion: Making a Safe and Informed Choice

In conclusion, the safety of drinking goat milk depends entirely on its preparation. Pasteurized goat milk is a safe, highly nutritious, and easily digestible dairy option that can be enjoyed by most people. It provides a rich source of protein, calcium, and prebiotics, and may be a suitable alternative for those with sensitivities to cow's milk. However, the consumption of raw, unpasteurized goat milk is extremely dangerous and carries a significant risk of severe foodborne illness, especially for vulnerable individuals. When choosing goat milk or any dairy product, prioritize pasteurized varieties available from trusted, commercially regulated sources to ensure safety and reap the maximum health benefits.

For more information on general raw milk risks and food safety, refer to the FDA's guidance on the dangers of raw milk consumption.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, raw or unpasteurized goat milk is not safe to drink. It can contain harmful bacteria like E. coli and Salmonella, which pose a serious risk of foodborne illness.

Pasteurization is a heat treatment process that effectively kills harmful pathogens present in raw milk, ensuring the product is safe for human consumption without sacrificing significant nutritional value.

While goat milk contains lactose, it has slightly less than cow's milk and is often easier to digest. However, individuals with severe lactose intolerance should consult a doctor, as it is not lactose-free.

Pasteurized goat milk is a safe dairy source for children, though infant formulas should only be used under medical supervision. Raw goat milk is strictly unsafe for infants and young children.

Yes, goat milk has a distinct, often described as tangier or earthier, flavor profile compared to cow milk. The taste can be influenced by the goat's diet and handling of the milk.

Goat milk is often considered more nutritionally dense than cow milk, containing higher levels of calcium, potassium, and vitamin A. It also has higher levels of healthy fats and prebiotics.

Health benefits include improved digestion due to smaller fat globules, potential for a gentler alternative for some with cow milk sensitivity, and contributions to gut health through prebiotic oligosaccharides.