Camel milk is referred to as "desert gold" or White gold of the desert because it has nourished desert peoples for thousands of years, hydrating and feeding them in places where food was scarce.
Rise of the Camel Milk Industry: Desert Gold to Global Demand
5 min read | Published: November 14, 2025 | By: Aadvik Foods
Underneath the golden dunes of the Thar’s vast drifting sands, there lies another gold, one that doesn’t shimmer but sustains. Known locally as “White gold of the desert”, camel milk has been the potion of survival to desert-dwelling communities for centuries. It has kept the nomads, herders, and trekkers alive on a land where little else can survive. Today, that humble yet powerful tonic is rewriting its narrative from a survival drink of the deserts to a global wellness revolution worth millions.
Tracking the Ancient roots: Camel milk traditionally
In the deserts, camels are more than just livestock; they are "ships of the desert," companions, and lifelines. The indigenous communities, traditional camel herders, have used camel milk for centuries. As a cool, easily digested dairy product, camel milk was drunk fresh on long desert trips to help prevent fatigue and dehydration.
Evidence suggests that traditional healers also used it as an all-natural remedy for various ailments, including fever, infections, and even diabetes. In encounters with their natural climate, where cows experienced reduced milk production, camels flourished, offering a dairy source that provided food, nutrition, and hydration.
Even now, in small villages throughout the desert areas, locals enjoy warm camel milk in the early morning, a subtle nod to the wisdom of their ancestors.
Modern Rediscovery: A Functional Superfood
Science is finally catching up with what desert communities have known all along: that this desert gold, they believe, is special.
- Research indicates that camel milk may help regulate blood sugar, bolster the immune system, and improve digestion.
- It is gentler on the gut for those with lactose intolerance, as it contains less lactose and A1 casein compared to cow's milk, according to studies.
- Scientific investigations have suggested it is rich in insulin-like proteins, vitamin C, and bioactives that have been shown to improve gut health and immune response.
- It may also be called "nature's probiotic drink" due to its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial attributes documented in the studies.
It's no wonder camel milk can now be found on the shelves of health stores from Dubai to New York.
From Dunes to Doorsteps: The Camel Milk Revolution
The transition from traditional to innovative products has created major change for the indigenous camel milk market globally. Once a highly localized category of food product, camel milk has been turned into and marketed through various premium products like camel milk powder, chocolates, soap, skincare creams, and even ice creams!
Some pioneer companies like Aadvik Foods have turned this niche milk into a lifestyle brand. Recently, the central government of India has started promoting camel farming and is striving to make Rajasthan the Milk Capital of the country. Camel milk powder has gained in popularity because it has great convenience and a long shelf-life, modernizing ancient food consumption.
And skincare is no longer just about health. There’s a cult of lovers of camel milk skin care products, for its claimed rejuvenating properties. Studies highlight that it is rich in lactic acid and natural bioactive compounds like alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs) that exfoliate and hydrate, which is why it holds cult-like status in the natural beauty world.
Global Surge: The Camel Milk Industry Boom
What began in the deserts is now riding a global wave. Trade reports (2022) produced recently estimate the camel milk industry is valued at over USD 6.64 billion worldwide, and that phenomenon isn't expected to wane, thanks to demand in the Middle East, Africa, and Asia-Pacific, with increased interest in Europe and the U.S., it is expected to reach USD 13.24 billion by the year 2030.
This new demand is from the wellness movement, dairy alternatives, and waning interest in traditional foods, as camel milk is now featured in cafes in Dubai and in skincare aisles in Paris - touted as both a health and luxury product.
India, with Rajasthan leading, is now also becoming an ace export player in camel milk. There are government and private programs supporting camel conservation and injecting entrepreneurs into camel dairy businesses, allowing the original "traditional" herders that were fading away to continue having a viable, sustainable way to earn an income in the flourishing marketplace.
Conclusion
The journey of camel milk is more than a nutrition story: it's a story of heritage and innovation. From the sandy dunes of the deserts to the urban storefronts of wellness stores, camel milk symbolizes resilience and flexibility, along with rediscovery.
It was once consumed by herders, viewed as a way to survive in the heat, and today is being consumed in gourmet mugs and beauty jars all around the world. This "White gold of the desert" is now transitioning to "global gold."
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is camel milk referred to as "desert gold" or White Gold of the Desert?
Can a person intolerant to dairy drink camel milk?
Camel milk has less lactose than cow's milk, which sometimes makes it easier to digest for people with mild lactose intolerance. However, it is suggested that a healthcare professional must be consulted before starting anything new in the diet.
What are the primary health benefits of camel milk?
Camel milk helps to regulate blood sugar, supports immunity, aids in digestion, and may nourish skin naturally, making it a health and beauty superfood.
How is camel milk being used today?
In addition to drinking it, camel milk is now found in powders, chocolates, body care products, and gourmet foods, bringing the ancient desert health foods to the current wellness trend.
Which country is the largest producer of camel milk?
As per reports (2023), Kenya is the largest producer of camel milk in the world, followed by Somalia and Pakistan.