Food comparison · USDA values
Skim Milk vs Whole Milk: Calories & Nutrition Compared
Quick answer
Per 100 g, Skim Milk has fewer calories than Whole Milk (34 vs 61 kcal); protein is about the same (3.4 vs 3.2 g).
Side by side per 100 g
Equal weights, so the columns compare the foods themselves. The last column shows which food has more, and stays at "About the same" when the gap is too small to matter.
| Per 100 g | Skim Milk | Whole Milk | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Calories | 34 kcal | 61 kcal | Whole Milk +27 kcal |
| Protein per 100 kcal | 9.9 g | 5.2 g | Skim Milk +4.7 g |
| Protein | 3.4 g | 3.2 g | About the same |
| Carbs | 5 g | 4.8 g | About the same |
| Fat | 0.1 g | 3.3 g | Whole Milk +3.2 g |
| Fiber | 0 g | 0 g | About the same |
| Sugars | 5.1 g | 5.1 g | About the same |
| Sodium | 42 mg | 43 mg | About the same |
- Protein 40% · 3.4 g
- Carbs 58% · 5 g
- Fat 2% · 0.1 g
- Protein 21% · 3.2 g
- Carbs 31% · 4.8 g
- Fat 48% · 3.3 g
Per portion
One USDA household portion of each food. The portions weigh different amounts, so this is the comparison for what ends up on the plate.
| Food | Portion | Weight | Calories | Protein | Carbs | Fat |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Skim Milk | 1 cup | 245 g | 83 kcal | 8.3 g | 12.2 g | 0.2 g |
| Whole Milk | 1 cup | 244 g | 149 kcal | 7.7 g | 11.7 g | 7.9 g |
The difference, worked out
- Whole Milk has more calories per 100 g than Skim Milk: 61 vs 34 kcal, a difference of 27 kcal.
- Skim Milk and Whole Milk have about the same protein per 100 g: 3.4 vs 3.2 g.
- Skim Milk and Whole Milk have about the same carbs per 100 g: 5 vs 4.8 g.
- Whole Milk has more fat per 100 g than Skim Milk: 3.3 vs 0.1 g, a difference of 3.2 g.
- Skim Milk and Whole Milk have about the same fiber per 100 g: 0 vs 0 g.
- Skim Milk gives more protein for the same calories: 9.9 vs 5.2 g per 100 kcal, a difference of 4.7 g.
- Whole Milk has more calories per portion than Skim Milk: 149 vs 83 kcal, a difference of 66 kcal (the two portions weigh different amounts).
- Skim Milk and Whole Milk have about the same protein per portion: 8.3 vs 7.7 g (the two portions weigh different amounts).
Every figure is computed from the two foods' USDA values, rounded as printed above. A difference is stated only when it is at least 10% of the larger value and clears a small minimum for the nutrient, so tiny gaps are not dressed up as findings.
Our take
The difference between skim and whole milk is almost entirely fat, and the calories that come with it: whole milk has more of both per 100 g. Protein and carbs are essentially the same, so skim gives you the same protein for fewer calories.
The per-100 g table compares equal weights. The per-portion table compares the amounts people usually count as one serving, which differ in weight, so each answers a different question.
Full amount tables, portions and every nutrient: see Skim Milk and Whole Milk.
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Start free on the webValues are USDA averages for the foods as described on their pages; a single piece varies with variety, ripeness and preparation. This is general information, not medical advice. If you are pregnant, under 18 or managing a health condition, talk to a doctor or registered dietitian before changing how you eat.
Source: USDA FoodData Central, Skim Milk (FDC 171269) and Whole Milk (FDC 171265). How we calculate.