Whole milk and skim milk contain the same core nutrients — protein, calcium, potassium, and B vitamins — but differ significantly in fat content and calories. Whole milk retains all of its natural fat (around 3.5%), giving it a richer flavour and more calories per serving. Skim milk has had virtually all fat removed, reducing calories by roughly a third. The fat-soluble vitamins A and D are added back to skim milk after processing to compensate for the loss. Neither is definitively healthier — recent research has challenged the long-held assumption that full-fat dairy is worse for cardiovascular health, and individual response to dietary fat varies.
⚖️ Nutrition Comparison
| Nutrient | Whole Milk | Skim Milk |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 148.8 kcal | 81.6 kcal |
| Total Fat | 8 g | 0.2 g |
| Saturated Fat | 4.5 g | 0.1 g |
| Cholesterol | 24 mg | 4.8 mg |
| Sodium | 105.6 mg | 100.8 mg |
| Total Carbs | 12 g | 11.9 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 0 g | 0 g |
| Sugars | 12 g | 12.2 g |
| Protein | 8 g | 8.1 g |
* Nutrition data sourced from the USDA Food Central Database. Values have been normalized to match the larger serving size for a fair comparison. Individual products may vary. ✓ indicates the better value for that nutrient.
💬 Nutrition Q&A
Which has more calories, Whole Milk or Skim Milk?
Whole Milk has 148.8 calories and Skim Milk has 81.6 calories per comparable serving. Whole Milk is the more calorie-dense of the two.
Which has more protein, Whole Milk or Skim Milk?
Whole Milk provides 8g of protein versus 8.1g in Skim Milk. Skim Milk is the higher-protein choice.
Which has less fat, Whole Milk or Skim Milk?
Whole Milk contains 8g of fat compared with 0.2g in Skim Milk. Skim Milk is the leaner option.
Which has less saturated fat, Whole Milk or Skim Milk?
Whole Milk has 4.5g of saturated fat and Skim Milk has 0.1g. Skim Milk is lower in saturated fat.
Which has more sodium, Whole Milk or Skim Milk?
Whole Milk contains 105.6mg of sodium versus 100.8mg in Skim Milk. Whole Milk is higher in sodium.
Do Whole Milk or Skim Milk contain fiber?
Neither Whole Milk nor Skim Milk is a meaningful source of dietary fiber.
📋 Full Nutrition Details
See the complete nutrition breakdown for each food individually, including vitamins and minerals.
Calories in Whole Milk → Calories in Skim Milk →