Mare Milk — Find Sources Near You
Mare (horse) milk is the closest in composition to human breast milk. Known as kumis or koumiss in Central Asian cultures, it has been consumed for thousands of years. Growing interest in the West for its unique nutritional and therapeutic properties.
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Benefits of Mare Milk
Mare milk stands out from all other animal milks because of how closely its nutritional profile mirrors human breast milk. This makes it particularly interesting for individuals who struggle to tolerate standard cow or goat milk. Key benefits include:
- •Closest composition to human breast milk
- •Very low in casein (good for casein-sensitive individuals)
- •Rich in lactoferrin and lysozyme
- •Traditional remedy in Central Asian medicine
- •High in essential fatty acids
The high lactoferrin and lysozyme content gives mare milk natural antimicrobial properties. Research published in European nutrition journals has explored mare milk's potential for supporting gut health and immune modulation, though large-scale clinical trials remain limited due to the scarcity of commercial supply.
What Is Kumis?
Kumis (also spelled koumiss or qymyz) is a fermented mare milk drink that has been central to nomadic cultures across the Central Asian steppes for thousands of years. Unlike fermented cow milk products, kumis is mildly alcoholic (typically 1–3% ABV) because mare milk is higher in lactose — there is more sugar for fermentation.
In Kazakhstan, Mongolia, and Kyrgyzstan, kumis remains a cultural symbol and everyday beverage. Western interest in kumis has grown alongside broader interest in fermented foods and raw dairy. If you source fresh mare milk, making your own kumis at home is possible with the right starter culture.
Where to Find Mare Milk
Very limited in the US — a handful of specialty farms
Unlike goat or cow dairies, horse dairy is not an established industry in the United States. Most mare milk available domestically comes from small farms that maintain mares primarily for equestrian purposes and sell surplus milk as a specialty product. Some farms offer frozen mare milk or lyophilized (freeze-dried) mare milk powder, which ships more easily than fresh.
European countries — particularly Germany, Belgium, and the Netherlands — have a more developed mare milk industry. Some US consumers import mare milk powder from European suppliers, though import regulations apply.
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Submit a SourceMare Milk Price
Typical price range: $20-40 per liter
Mare milk commands a significant premium over cow or goat milk. A standard dairy cow produces 6–8 gallons of milk per day; a mare produces only about 1–2 gallons. Combined with the limited number of farms, low supply keeps prices high. Freeze-dried mare milk powder typically costs $60–120 for a small quantity equivalent to one liter of liquid milk.
How Mare Milk Compares to Cow Milk
| Property | Mare Milk | Cow Milk |
|---|---|---|
| Fat content | ~1.5% | ~3.5% |
| Casein type | Very low casein | High casein (A1 & A2) |
| Lactose | ~6.2% (higher) | ~4.7% |
| Lactoferrin | High | Low |
| Similarity to human milk | Very close | Distant |
| Availability in US | Very rare | Widely available |
Mare milk is not a substitute for raw cow milk in volume or cost — it is a specialty product suited for specific dietary needs or culinary curiosity. Its low casein content makes it worth exploring for people with casein intolerance who still want whole animal milk.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I buy mare milk near me?
Mare milk is extremely rare in the United States. A handful of specialty farms produce it, primarily in the Midwest and Mid-Atlantic regions. Search online for equine dairy farms, or use our submit page to help us build a dedicated directory. Some consumers source freeze-dried mare milk powder from European importers.
What are the benefits of mare milk?
Mare milk closely mirrors human breast milk in composition. It is low in casein, rich in lactoferrin and lysozyme (natural antimicrobials), and contains a favorable essential fatty acid profile. Traditional use in Central Asian medicine covers a range of health claims — modern research is ongoing but supports its unique nutritional profile.
How much does mare milk cost?
Fresh mare milk typically costs $20–40 per liter, reflecting the very low production volume per mare and the limited number of US producers. Freeze-dried powder costs considerably more per equivalent volume.
What is kumis?
Kumis is a traditional fermented mare milk beverage from Central Asia. Because mare milk contains more lactose than cow milk, fermentation produces a mildly alcoholic, tangy, fizzy drink. It has been a dietary staple in Kazakhstan, Mongolia, and Kyrgyzstan for millennia and is now attracting interest from fermented food enthusiasts in the West.
More Milk Types
Explore other specialty milks or return to our main raw milk directory.