What is the fat content of standardised milk?
In the US, milk sold as plain "milk" must contain at least 3.25 percent milkfat (21 CFR 131.110, FDA). USDA FoodData Central lists whole milk at 3.2 g fat per 100 g, 2% milk at 1.9 g, 1% milk at 0.95 g and skim milk at 0.08 g.
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In this article
What is the milk fat content of whole milk?
The FDA standard of identity says milk must contain not less than 3 1/4 percent milkfat and not less than 8 1/4 percent milk solids-not-fat. The same rule says milk may have been adjusted by separating part of the milkfat, which is how producers standardize it.
How much fat is in whole, 2%, 1% and skim milk?
The numbers below are USDA FoodData Central values per 100 g of milk. The percentage in the name is the milkfat share by weight in the product label, so the measured fat can differ a little.
| Milk type | Fat per 100 g | Saturated fat per 100 g | Calories per 100 g |
|---|---|---|---|
| Whole (3.25% milkfat) | 3.2 g | 1.86 g | 60 kcal |
| Reduced fat (2%) | 1.9 g | 1.11 g | 50 kcal |
| Lowfat (1%) | 0.95 g | 0.57 g | 43 kcal |
| Nonfat (skim) | 0.08 g | 0.05 g | 34 kcal |
How much fat is in one cup?
USDA lists one cup of whole milk as 249 g. Our calculation: 3.2 g per 100 g times 2.49 is about 8 g of fat per cup. By the same method, a cup of 2% (245 g) has about 4.7 g, 1% (246 g) about 2.3 g and skim (246 g) about 0.2 g.
Does the fat level change protein and calcium?
Very little. In the same USDA entries protein stays between 3.27 and 3.43 g per 100 g and calcium between 123 and 132 mg per 100 g across all four types.
Does the same rule apply outside the US?
No. We opened only the US federal rule and USDA data, so the numbers here apply to US milk. Check the label and your country’s food authority for other markets.
People also ask
What percentage of fat is in whole milk?
US federal rules require milk to contain at least 3.25 percent milkfat (21 CFR 131.110). USDA measured 3.2 g of fat per 100 g in whole milk.
How much fat is in skim milk?
USDA FoodData Central lists nonfat (skim) milk at 0.08 g fat per 100 g, about 0.2 g per cup by our calculation.
Does 2% milk have 2 percent fat?
It is sold as 2% milkfat. USDA measured 1.9 g fat per 100 g of 2% milk, close to the label figure.
Sources
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