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Milk types

What are the nutritional benefits of skimmed milk?

Quick answer

Skimmed (nonfat) milk keeps the protein, calcium and most vitamins of whole milk but has almost no fat. USDA data for one 246 g serving (about a cup) show about 84 calories, 8.4 g protein and 325 mg calcium (our calculation from per-100 g values). The NHS says 1% fat and skimmed milk still contain the important nutritional benefits of milk.

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In this article
  1. What nutrients are in skimmed milk?
  2. Is skimmed milk lower in calories than whole milk?
  3. Does skimmed milk help with weight loss or cholesterol?
  4. Who should not drink skimmed milk?

What nutrients are in skimmed milk?

USDA FoodData Central lists fluid nonfat milk with added vitamins A and D at these values per 100 g: 34 kcal, 3.43 g protein, 0.08 g fat, 4.92 g carbohydrate, 132 mg calcium, 167 mg potassium and 44 IU vitamin D.

Per 246 g serving (about 1 cup) Amount
Calories 84 kcal
Protein 8.4 g
Fat 0.2 g
Sugars (lactose) 12.4 g
Calcium 325 mg
Potassium 411 mg
Vitamin D 108 IU

Per-serving figures are our calculation from the per-100 g values and the 246 g portion weight in the database.

Is skimmed milk lower in calories than whole milk?

Yes. The same database gives whole milk 60 kcal and 3.2 g fat per 100 g, so skimmed milk has about 43% fewer calories (our calculation). Protein and calcium stay about the same.

Does skimmed milk help with weight loss or cholesterol?

We found no official source that says skimmed milk causes weight loss or lowers cholesterol, so we do not claim it. The NHS only says that swapping to 1% fat or skimmed milk still gives the important nutritional benefits of milk, with less fat.

Who should not drink skimmed milk?

The NHS says not to give skimmed or 1% fat milk as a main drink to children under 5, because it does not have enough calories and other nutrients for young children. Ask a doctor or dietitian if you are unsure.

People also ask

What are the benefits of skimmed milk?

It provides protein, calcium, potassium and added vitamin D with very little fat: about 84 calories and 8.4 g protein per cup (USDA data, our calculation). The NHS says skimmed milk still has the important nutritional benefits of milk.

Is skim milk good for weight loss?

We found no official source stating it causes weight loss. It does have fewer calories than whole milk (about 84 vs 149 per cup, our calculation from USDA data).

Is skimmed milk suitable for young children?

The NHS says do not give skimmed or 1% milk as a drink to children under 5, as it lacks enough calories and nutrients for them.

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 (FDC 746776), read 5 Nov 2026
  2. USDA FoodData Central: Milk, whole, 3.25% milkfat, with added vitamin D (FDC 746782), read 5 Nov 2026
  3. NHS: Milk and dairy in your diet, read 5 Nov 2026
Written by Drinks Type Editorial Team · Published Jul 12, 2025 · Updated Nov 5, 2026
About · How we verify this · Editorial policy · Corrections

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