Difference between whole milk and skimmed milk
The main difference is fat. USDA lists whole milk at 3.25 g fat per 100 g and skim milk at 0.25 g, so one cup (about 244 g) has roughly 149 kcal as whole milk and 91 kcal as skim (our calculation). Protein, carbohydrate and calcium stay similar, and the NHS says lower-fat milks keep the important nutritional benefits of milk.
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In this article
How much fat and how many calories are in whole vs skim milk?
USDA FoodData Central lists whole milk (3.25% milkfat) at 61 kcal, 3.25 g fat and 1.865 g saturated fat per 100 g. Skim (fat free) milk is listed at 37 kcal, 0.25 g fat and 0.162 g saturated fat per 100 g.
Whole vs skim milk per cup
USDA gives a cup as 244 g for whole milk and 245 g for skim. Multiplying the per-100 g values (our calculation):
| Per cup | Whole | Skim |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | about 149 kcal | about 91 kcal |
| Fat | about 7.9 g | about 0.6 g |
| Saturated fat | about 4.6 g | about 0.4 g |
| Protein | about 7.7 g | about 8.7 g |
| Carbohydrate | about 11.7 g | about 12.3 g |
| Calcium | about 276 mg | about 316 mg |
The skim entry is milk with added nonfat milk solids, vitamin A and vitamin D, which is why its protein and calcium read slightly higher. Both entries list added vitamin D (1.3 and 1.2 micrograms per 100 g).
Is skim milk less nutritious than whole milk?
The NHS says skimmed and 1% milk still contain the important nutritional benefits of milk but are lower in fat, and that much of the fat in milk is saturated fat. It suggests lower-fat milks for older children and adults.
Who should not drink skim milk?
The NHS says skimmed and 1% milk should not be the main drink for children under 5, because they do not contain enough calories and other important nutrients for young children. Ask a doctor, dietitian or pharmacist if you are unsure which milk suits you.
People also ask
What is the difference between whole milk and skim milk?
Fat. USDA lists whole milk at 3.25 g fat per 100 g and skim at 0.25 g, which gives about 149 vs 91 kcal per cup (our calculation).
Does skim milk have less calcium than whole milk?
Not in USDA data. The skim entry lists 129 mg calcium per 100 g and the whole milk entry 113 mg; the NHS also says lower-fat milks keep the nutritional benefits of milk.
Can children drink skimmed milk?
The NHS says skimmed and 1% milk are not suitable as the main drink for children under 5. Ask a doctor or dietitian for advice.
Sources
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