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Milk types

How does Nonfat Milk compare to other types of milk?

Quick answer

Per 1 cup, nonfat milk has about 84 kcal, 2% milk about 123 kcal and whole milk about 149 kcal (our calculation from USDA FoodData Central). Protein, carbohydrate and calcium are nearly the same in all three; the difference is mostly fat. Skim milk and nonfat milk are the same product.

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In this article
  1. Nonfat vs 2% vs whole milk: nutrition per cup
  2. Is skim milk the same as nonfat milk?
  3. Does nonfat milk have less protein?
  4. Which one should you pick?

Nonfat vs 2% vs whole milk: nutrition per cup

All three entries are USDA fluid milks with added vitamins. Values per cup are our calculation from USDA per-100 g data and the USDA cup weights (246 g, 245 g, 249 g).

Per 1 cup Nonfat 2% reduced fat Whole 3.25%
Calories about 84 kcal about 123 kcal about 149 kcal
Fat 0.2 g 4.7 g 8.0 g
Saturated fat 0.1 g 2.7 g 4.6 g
Protein 8.4 g 8.2 g 8.1 g
Carbohydrate 12.1 g 12.0 g 11.5 g
Calcium 325 mg 309 mg 306 mg

Is skim milk the same as nonfat milk?

Yes. USDA names the product ‘nonfat, fluid … (fat free or skim)’. In the UK, skimmed milk is the equivalent term.

Does nonfat milk have less protein?

No. In the USDA data it has slightly more protein per cup than 2% or whole milk, not less.

Which one should you pick?

The NHS says much of the fat in milk is saturated fat and suggests lower-fat milks such as 1% or skimmed for adults, but not as the main drink for children under 5. Ask a doctor or dietitian if you have a medical reason to choose.

People also ask

What is the difference between skim milk and nonfat milk?

None. USDA lists nonfat fluid milk as 'fat free or skim'.

How many calories are in nonfat milk compared with whole milk?

About 84 kcal vs 149 kcal per cup, our calculation from USDA FoodData Central.

Does nonfat milk have less calcium than whole milk?

No. USDA data gives about 325 mg per cup for nonfat and 306 mg for whole milk (our calculation).

General information only, not medical advice. If you have a health condition or are pregnant, ask your doctor before changing what you drink.

Sources

  1. USDA FoodData Central: Milk, nonfat, fluid, with added vitamin A and vitamin D, read 5 Nov 2026
  2. USDA FoodData Central: Milk, reduced fat, fluid, 2% milkfat, read 5 Nov 2026
  3. USDA FoodData Central: Milk, whole, 3.25% milkfat, read 5 Nov 2026
  4. NHS: Milk and dairy in your diet, read 5 Nov 2026
Written by Drinks Type Editorial Team · Published Aug 2, 2025 · Updated Nov 5, 2026
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