Pregnancy safety
Donkey Milk is only safe in pregnancy if it is prepared the right way
Only if the milk is pasteurised — check the label, as donkey milk is often sold raw, frozen or freeze-dried.
Donkey milk is frequently sold unpasteurised because heat treatment is said to damage its lysozyme and immune components, and unpasteurised milk can carry Listeria monocytogenes, which crosses the placenta and can cause miscarriage, stillbirth or severe newborn infection.
This is about food safety in pregnancy, not blood sugar — it applies whatever your readings look like. Confirm it with your midwife or doctor.
Allergen Information
Contains: Lactose, Milk Protein
Nutrition per 100g
Dairy & Dairy Alternatives › Milk and Yogurt
Donkey Milk for Gestational Diabetes
Donkey milk is a type of milk produced by female donkeys, known historically for its cosmetic and nutritional uses. It is remarkably similar in composition to human breast milk, characterized by a high lactose content and relatively low levels of protein and fat. This unique profile makes it a subject of interest for infant nutrition, particularly for those with cow's milk protein allergies. Due to the small yield per animal and challenges in farming, it is considered a rare and expensive product, often sold frozen or in powdered form to preserve its delicate components.
At a glance
Pregnancy safety
Prepare with careBlood sugar impact
mediumCarbs / 100 g
6.5gIs Donkey Milk safe with gestational diabetes?
Donkey milk is a challenging choice for managing gestational diabetes due to its composition. While it offers some unique nutritional benefits, its high lactose (milk sugar) content and low protein and fat levels make it a significant source of carbohydrates. These sugars can be absorbed relatively quickly, posing a risk for blood glucose spikes if not carefully managed. It should not be considered a primary milk source during a GD pregnancy and requires very careful portion control and strategic pairing to be included safely in the diet.
How does Donkey Milk affect blood sugar during pregnancy?
The primary concern with donkey milk is its carbohydrate content, which is almost entirely lactose. This disaccharide breaks down into glucose and galactose upon digestion, directly impacting blood sugar levels. Unlike cow's milk, which has more fat and protein to slow down this process, donkey milk's lower levels of these macronutrients offer less of a buffer. Consuming it, especially on its own, can lead to a more pronounced and rapid rise in blood glucose compared to other dairy options, making it a food to approach with caution.
What is a safe portion of Donkey Milk for gestational diabetes?
Strict portion control is non-negotiable when including donkey milk in a gestational diabetes meal plan. A maximum serving should be limited to a very small glass, approximately 100ml. This portion must be counted as a carbohydrate choice in your meal plan. It is vital to measure this amount rather than estimating, as its liquid form can make it easy to overconsume. Always prioritize pairing it with fat and protein to create a more balanced and blood-sugar-friendly snack or meal component.
How should I combine Donkey Milk to manage blood sugar during pregnancy?
To mitigate the glycemic impact of donkey milk, it is crucial to pair it with sources of protein and healthy fats. Never consume it on an empty stomach or as a standalone beverage. Instead, incorporate a small portion into a smoothie containing avocado, chia seeds, or a scoop of protein powder. Alternatively, drink a small glass alongside a meal that includes a lean protein source like chicken or a handful of nuts. This strategy helps slow down gastric emptying and the subsequent absorption of sugar into the bloodstream.
Last reviewed: August 31, 2026
Important Safety Information
Every pregnancy is different, and gestational diabetes is managed differently depending on your readings, your medication and how far along you are. The ratings and portions on this page are general information — not a diagnosis, a treatment plan or a medical device — and they cannot see your results.
- Low blood sugar:
- If you take insulin or diabetes medication, eating less carbohydrate than your team planned for can push your blood sugar too low. Treat a reading below 70 mg/dL (3.9 mmol/L), or symptoms such as shaking, sweating, confusion or a racing heart, with fast-acting carbohydrate immediately and retest after 15 minutes. Never use this page as a reason to skip or shrink a meal you were told to eat.
- Carbohydrate and ketones:
- Cutting carbohydrate hard to force a number down is not safe in pregnancy — it can produce ketones. Published guidance sets a minimum of 175 g of carbohydrate per day in pregnancy. Readings that stay above target for several days need your care team, not a smaller portion.
- Medication and insulin:
- The portions here are generic and know nothing about your insulin doses, your metformin, or the steroids given to mature your baby's lungs — all of which change how a meal affects you. Never adjust a dose or a mealtime based on this page.
- Food safety in pregnancy:
- Blood sugar is not the only thing that makes a food suitable while you are pregnant. Some foods with excellent glycemic numbers still carry mercury, vitamin A, listeria or alcohol risks, and those are judged separately from the ratings shown here. Check your national pregnancy food-safety guidance before adding an unfamiliar food.
- What these ratings can and cannot tell you:
- Glycemic index values, impact ratings and maximum servings are population averages taken from published tables. Two people eating the same food can get very different readings, so your own meter is the only measurement that describes you. Nutrition figures are indicative per 100 g and vary with brand, ripeness and preparation.
Contact your care team the same day if: your readings stay above target for several days; you have a reading below 54 mg/dL (3.0 mmol/L) or needed someone else's help to treat a low; you test positive for ketones; or your baby is moving less than usual. Seek emergency care for confusion, fainting, repeated vomiting, or a low you cannot bring back up.
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Sources & Editorial Review
Content independently developed by Dalo Labs ApS, informed by the American Diabetes Association's Standards of Care in Diabetes, ACOG's gestational diabetes guidelines, and the IADPSG consensus criteria. Not endorsed by or affiliated with any referenced organization. · Last reviewed: August 2026
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