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Milk types

How does toned milk compare to skimmed milk?

Quick answer

Under India's FSSAI standard, toned milk must have at least 3.0% milk fat, while skimmed milk may have no more than 0.5%. Both must meet a minimum of milk solids-not-fat (8.5% for toned, 8.7% for skimmed), so skimmed milk is the lower-fat one and toned milk sits between skimmed and full-fat milk (FSSAI, Food Products Standards, milk chapter).

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In this article
  1. What is the legal difference between toned and skimmed milk?
  2. Is toned milk fat free?
  3. How does skim milk compare with whole milk in nutrition?
  4. Which is better for weight loss?

The difference is set by fat and solids-not-fat (SNF) limits. The FSSAI table for milk classes lists these values for sale in India:

Class of milk Milk fat (% m/m) SNF (% m/m)
Toned milk at least 3.0 at least 8.5
Double toned milk at least 1.5 at least 9.0
Skimmed milk not more than 0.5 at least 8.7

FSSAI’s table also carries an amendment that changes the double toned fat minimum to 1.3% from 1 August 2023. The standard says these milks are standardized to the stated fat and SNF levels and may be made from cow, buffalo or other milk, with or without dried or concentrated milk.

Is toned milk fat free?

No. Toned milk must keep at least 3.0% fat. Skimmed milk is the class that is close to fat free.

How does skim milk compare with whole milk in nutrition?

USDA FoodData Central lists these values per 100 g (U.S. products, not Indian toned milk):

Per 100 g Nonfat (skim) Whole, 3.25% fat
Energy 34 kcal 61 kcal
Fat 0.08 g 3.27 g
Protein 3.43 g 3.15 g
Lactose 5.05 g 5.05 g
Calcium 132 mg 113 mg

Removing fat lowers the energy, while protein and lactose stay about the same. We found no official source giving a calorie figure for toned milk, so we do not state one. Check the label of the pack you buy.

Which is better for weight loss?

We found no official source that ranks toned against skimmed milk for weight loss. Ask a doctor or dietitian if you need personal advice.

People also ask

What is the difference between toned milk and skimmed milk?

FSSAI requires toned milk to have at least 3.0% milk fat and 8.5% solids-not-fat. Skimmed milk may have no more than 0.5% fat and at least 8.7% solids-not-fat.

Is toned milk low fat?

It has less fat than the full cream and standardized classes in the same FSSAI table, but it must still contain at least 3.0% fat, so it is not fat free.

Is toned milk the same as skimmed milk?

No. They are separate classes in the FSSAI milk standard with different fat limits (at least 3.0% against not more than 0.5%).

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. FSSAI: 2.1.2 Standard for Milk (Food Products Standards, dairy chapter), read 5 Nov 2026
  2. USDA FoodData Central: Milk, nonfat, fluid (FDC 746776), read 5 Nov 2026
  3. USDA FoodData Central: Milk, whole, 3.25% milkfat (FDC 172217), read 5 Nov 2026
Written by Drinks Type Editorial Team · Published Aug 10, 2025 · Updated Nov 5, 2026
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