Pregnancy safety
Mare Milk (Horse Milk) is only safe in pregnancy if it is prepared the right way
Only if the milk is pasteurised — mare's milk is commonly sold raw, frozen or as traditional fermented kumis.
Mare's milk is usually marketed unpasteurised to preserve its enzymes, 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: Milk, Lactose
Nutrition per 100g
Dairy & Dairy Alternatives › Milk and Yogurt
Mare Milk (Horse Milk) for Gestational Diabetes
Mare's milk, also known as horse milk, is a traditional beverage in many Central Asian cultures, famously used to make the fermented drink kumis. Nutritionally, it differs significantly from cow's milk, being lower in fat and casein protein but higher in whey protein and lactose. This composition gives it a thinner, more watery consistency and a naturally sweeter taste. It is also a notable source of vitamin C and contains beneficial enzymes like lysozyme, which has antimicrobial properties. Its unique profile makes it a subject of interest for alternative dairy options.
At a glance
Pregnancy safety
Prepare with careBlood sugar impact
lowCarbs / 100 g
6.2gIs Mare Milk (Horse Milk) safe with gestational diabetes?
Mare's milk can be a moderate choice for gestational diabetes management, but it requires careful consideration due to its lactose content. While it is lower in fat, its primary carbohydrate is lactose, a natural sugar that will impact blood glucose levels. The whey protein content is beneficial and can help to moderate the glycemic response, making it a potentially better option than sugar-sweetened beverages. However, it must be treated as a source of carbohydrates and factored into your daily meal plan to maintain stable blood sugar.
How does Mare Milk (Horse Milk) affect blood sugar during pregnancy?
The glycemic index of mare's milk is relatively low, estimated around 45, due to its lactose sugar source. This means it will raise blood sugar more slowly than glucose. However, as a liquid, its carbohydrates are absorbed more quickly than those from solid foods. Consuming it alone, especially on an empty stomach, can still lead to a noticeable rise in blood sugar. The total amount of carbohydrates in a serving is the most critical factor to monitor for effective glucose control throughout your pregnancy.
What is a safe portion of Mare Milk (Horse Milk) for gestational diabetes?
Strict portion control is essential when including mare's milk in a gestational diabetes diet. Limit your serving to one small glass, approximately one cup, and count it as a carbohydrate choice in your meal. This amount provides a moderate carbohydrate load that can be managed with proper pairing. Avoid drinking large quantities at once or using it to quench thirst, as this can easily lead to an excessive intake of sugar and a subsequent spike in blood glucose levels.
How should I combine Mare Milk (Horse Milk) to manage blood sugar during pregnancy?
To effectively manage blood sugar when consuming mare's milk, always pair it with sources of fiber, protein, and healthy fats. For example, blend it into a smoothie with spinach, avocado, and a scoop of unsweetened protein powder. Alternatively, drink a small glass alongside a meal that includes non-starchy vegetables and lean protein. This strategy helps slow down the digestion and absorption of the lactose, blunting the potential blood sugar spike and promoting a more stable glycemic response.
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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