Cow milk differs from buffalo milk in richness and composition. Buffalo milk has lower cholesterol but more calories and fat compared with cow’s milk. Buffalo milk is consumed in south Asia, with India, China and Pakistan being the biggest producers.
| Buffalo Milk | Cow Milk | |
|---|---|---|
| Properties | 100% more fat content than cow’s milk; can be preserved for longer | Lower in fat than buffalo milk; preserved for less time. |
| Nutrition | Buffalo milk is extremely rich in calcium, and is a good source of minerals like magnesium, potassium, and phosphorus. | Cow’s milk is rich in a variety of minerals, vitamins, and proteins, It is also an excellent source of calcium. |
| Health benefits | Less cholesterol, more fat, more calories. It is good for healthy bones, dental health, cardiovascular health, and weight gain. | More cholesterol, less fat, fewer calories. It is beneficial for healthy bones, dental health, reducing obesity in children, protection from thyroid diseases, and cardiovascular health. |
| Uses | Produces thick and creamy dairy products suitable for the manufacture of traditional milk products like yogurt and cottage cheese (called “paneer” in South Asia), as well as indigenous milk products like khoa and ghee. | Dairy products: curds, sweets, cheese – but less thick and creamy |
| Top consumers and producers | Buffalo milk is popular in South Asia (India, Pakistan) and Italy. | Cow’s milk is consumed all over the world, including regions that also consume buffalo milk. |
| Calories | 237 (1 cup, about 244g) | 148 (1 cup, about 244g) |
| Total Fat | 17g (26% daily value) (in 1 cup) | 8g (12% daily value) (in 1 cup) |
| Saturated fat | 11g (55% DV) | 4.6g (22% daily value) |
| Sodium | 127mg (6% DV) | 105mg (9% DV) |
| Total Carbohydrate | 13g (4% DV) | 12g (4% DV) |
| Dietary fiber | 0g | 0g |
| Sugar | 13g | 12g |
| Protein | 9.2g (18% DV) | 8g (16%) |
| Vitamin A | 9% | 7% |
| Calcium | 41% | 27% |
| Iron | 2% | 0% |