Goat's milk: where to find it without additives in Spain

Goat's milk: the maze of finding it without additives

Finding goat's milk that is not UHT and contains no stabilisers has become an odyssey for Spanish consumers. The supermarket offer boils down to two options: Hacendado's, from Córdoba, and Puleva's, of French origin, both semi-skimmed and with disodium orthophosphate (E339ii) among their ingredients. The search for a whole, pasteurised alternative —not treated at ultra-high temperature— runs into a market that prioritises shelf life over quality.

The shortage of whole, pasteurised goat's milk

The problem is not a lack of goats. Spain is a producing country, but non-cow's milk is mostly destined for cheese-making. In Asturias, despite its livestock tradition, there is no whole, pasteurised goat's or sheep's milk on offer at organic markets. The only option found at a local organic shop sold for 7 euros a litre, a prohibitive price. The situation repeats in other regions: the Basque Country has somewhat more supply, but in the south it is also scarce.

The alternative some consumers have adopted is buying directly from shepherds. Freshly milked, unpasteurised milk can be bought for about 50 cents a litre, though it must be boiled before drinking. Those who have tried this route say the taste and texture are unmatched by the industrial product.

The problem of additives and UHT treatment

Disodium orthophosphate (E339ii) is a stabiliser added to UHT milks to prevent proteins from settling during long storage. Although it is authorised, its frequent consumption raises doubts among those who prefer a diet with as few processed foods as possible. Pasteurised milk, not being subjected to such high temperatures, better preserves vitamins and proteins, but its shelf life is much shorter.

For those making kefir, UHT milk is not recommended. Kefir grains grow better in milks with less heat treatment and full fat. Fresh cow's milk, bought from vending machines at 1 euro a litre, yields a more consistent and filling kefir than carton milk. The same goes for goat's milk: whole, pasteurised milk produces a superior kefir.

Available options and prices

The offer has been timidly expanding. COVAP, a cooperative from Córdoba, sells additive-free semi-skimmed UHT goat's milk, with a more intense flavour than Puleva's and priced at 1.30 euros a litre. At Carrefour you can find the Gaza brand, from Zamora, though only in UHT format. Whole pasteurised goat's milk from the La Pastora de Guadarrama brand is sold online from the Madrid region, with free delivery within that region for orders over 15 euros and a cost of around 15 euros for the rest of the country.

At the La Felguera market (Langreo, Asturias), whole pasteurised goat's milk can be bought at 2.14 euros a litre, though quantities are limited. Those who have tried it praise its fine fat, its filling quality and a mild flavour that is not intrusive.

The alternative of buying directly from the producer

The cheapest and most valued option is buying directly from farmers. Raw, unpasteurised milk costs about 50 cents a litre, but it must be boiled before consumption to eliminate potential pathogens. Some consumers warn that boiling destroys part of the vitamins and proteins, so they recommend home pasteurisation, a more controlled process than simple boiling.

Organic goat's milk is also available, though at high prices. A brand like El Cantero de Letur sells litres at around 4 euros, and it is best seen as an occasional complement within a varied diet. The conclusion is clear: finding whole, pasteurised, additive-free goat's milk requires stepping outside conventional channels and turning to local producers or specialty shops.