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Milk types

Is skimmed milk healthier than whole milk?

By Drinks Type Editorial TeamPublished Jul 12, 2025Updated Nov 1, 20261 min read
Quick answer

Skimmed milk has fewer calories and almost no fat; protein and calcium are similar. USDA lists nonfat milk at 37 kcal and 0.2 g fat per 100 g against 61 kcal and 3.2 g for whole milk. For children under 5 the NHS does not recommend skimmed or 1% milk as a main drink.

Calories per 100 g, skimmed vs whole (USDA)37 vs 61
Fat per 100 g0.2 vs 3.2 g
Protein per 100 g3.6 vs 3.1 g
Under 5s (NHS)not skimmed or 1% as a main drink

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In this article
  1. Comparison (USDA, per 100 g)
  2. Which is healthier?
  3. Young children
  4. Quick summary

Skimmed milk has had the fat removed. Whole milk has about 3.25% fat. The numbers below are from USDA FoodData Central; real products vary slightly.

Comparison (USDA, per 100 g)

Milk Calories Protein Fat Calcium
Whole (3.25%) 61 kcal 3.1 g 3.2 g 113 mg
Lowfat (1%) 42 kcal 3.4 g 1.0 g 125 mg
Nonfat (skim) 37 kcal 3.6 g 0.2 g 129 mg

Which is healthier?

Skimmed milk gives you the same protein and calcium with fewer calories and far less fat. The Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommend fat-free or low-fat dairy for most people. Whole milk gives more energy and fat, which can suit some diets.

Young children

The NHS says skimmed or 1% fat milk does not contain enough fat to be recommended as a main drink for children under 5.

Quick summary

  • Skimmed: 37 kcal, 0.2 g fat per 100 g. Whole: 61 kcal, 3.2 g.
  • Protein and calcium are similar.
  • Not for under 5s as a main drink.

General information, not medical advice. If you have a medical condition, are pregnant, or are choosing food for a child, ask your doctor or dietitian.

People also ask

Is skimmed milk healthier than whole?

It has fewer calories and less saturated fat. For most adults that suits a lower-fat diet; for young children the NHS advises against it as a main drink.

Does skimmed milk have less calcium?

No. USDA lists 129 mg per 100 g for nonfat milk and 113 mg for whole.

What do the dietary guidelines say?

The Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommend fat-free or low-fat dairy for most people; check with your doctor for your own needs.

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, whole, 3.25% milkfat, with added vitamin D (171265)
  2. USDA FoodData Central: Milk, lowfat, fluid, 1% milkfat, with added vitamin A and vitamin D (170872)
  3. USDA FoodData Central: Milk, nonfat, fluid, with added nonfat milk solids, vitamin A and vitamin D (fat free or skim) (171270)
  4. NHS: What to feed young children (milk and yoghurt by age)
  5. Dietary Guidelines for Americans 2020-2025
Written by Drinks Type Editorial Team · Published Jul 12, 2025 · Updated Nov 1, 2026
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