Camel vs cow as new ‘health milk’ hits stores

CAMEL milk is being pitched as the latest fad for health-conscious consumers as Asda becomes the first supermarket in the UK to stock it.

The long-life whole camel milk, called Camelicious in 235ml containers, is now being sold for £2.85 in stores across the country after celebrities including Kim Kardashian were seen drinking it.

Compared with cow’s milk, camel milk has approximately 50 per cent less fat with a high percentage of unsaturated fatty acids. In many countries, camel milk is given to babies suffering from malnutrition.

There are no known allergies to camel milk, as opposed to common allergies to cow milk. Recent studies suggest that camel milk also has a positive effect on Type 2 Diabetes patients.

‘Arabic groups have been drinking camel milk for centuries, we’re excited our customers can now try it’

Studies in India show that regular consumption of camel milk helps to reduce the amount of medication needed.

It has a high vitamin, mineral and immunoglobulin content along with being three times higher in vitamin C than cow’s milk and 10 times higher in iron. The company that supplies the milk – owned by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the ruler of Dubai – also makes butter and ice cream from camel milk, which could also be rolled out across stores.

A spokesman for Asda said: “We always aim to make sure our range is a diverse as possible and camel milk is something a number of customers have been asking to see on shelves.

“We know Arabic nomadic groups have been drinking camel milk for centuries, and we’re excited that our customers can now enjoy the latest food trend – we think it’s set to make a big splash.”