How Many Calories Are in 20ml of Milk? A Detailed Nutritional Breakdown

November 1, 2025 •

3 min read

For a small amount like 20ml, the calorie count varies slightly, ranging from about 10 to 12 calories depending on the milk's fat content. The exact number for how many calories are in 20ml of milk is directly influenced by the fat percentage, with whole milk having more calories than its lower-fat counterparts.

Quick Summary

The calorie content in 20ml of milk is dependent on the fat percentage, with whole milk having approximately 12 calories and skim or 2% milk having around 10 calories.

Key Points

Calorie Variation: The number of calories in 20ml of milk is between 10 and 12, depending on the fat content.
Whole Milk Calories: 20ml of whole milk contains approximately 12 calories due to its higher fat percentage.
Skim Milk Calories: Skim or fat-free milk has about 10 calories per 20ml, making it a slightly lower-calorie option.
Reduced-Fat Milk Calories: Semi-skimmed or 2% milk contains around 10 calories for a 20ml serving, similar to skim milk.
Fat is the Key Factor: The primary reason for the calorie difference between milk types is the fat content; protein and carbohydrates remain relatively constant.
Small Volume, Minimal Impact: For a small serving like 20ml, the calorie difference between milk types is very minimal and unlikely to significantly impact a typical diet.

Understanding the Calorie Content in 20ml of Milk

When adding a small dash of milk to your coffee or tea, the calorie count is often a minor consideration. However, for those meticulously tracking their daily intake, every calorie counts. The primary factor influencing the calorie content in 20ml of milk is its fat content. Milk with a higher fat percentage contains more calories, while lower-fat options contain fewer.

Calorie Breakdown by Milk Type

Whole Milk: Approximately 12 calories in 20ml. Whole milk contains around 3.25% milk fat, which contributes to its richer flavor and higher calorie density.
Semi-Skimmed (2%) Milk: Approximately 10 calories in 20ml. This type of milk is processed to have around 2% fat, resulting in a slightly lower calorie count per serving.
Skim (Fat-Free) Milk: Approximately 10 calories in 20ml. Skim milk has had almost all of its fat removed, which significantly reduces the calories compared to whole milk, though for a small 20ml serving, the difference is minimal.

Comparing Nutritional Value in 20ml of Milk

To help visualize the differences, here is a comparison table for the nutritional components of different types of milk, focusing on a 20ml serving size.


Type of Milk	Approximate Calories	Approximate Fat (g)	Approximate Protein (g)	Approximate Carbohydrates (g)
Whole Milk (3.25%)	12 kcal	0.66 g	0.63 g*	0.88 g*
Semi-Skimmed (2%)	10 kcal	0.41 g	0.64 g*	0.94 g*
Skim (Fat-Free)	10 kcal	~0.06 g*	0.64 g*	0.96 g*

*Values are estimated based on larger serving sizes; fat content is the most variable. Protein and carbohydrate remain fairly stable across milk types.

Beyond Calories: The Broader Nutritional Picture

While the calorie content in 20ml is small, milk provides other valuable nutrients, even in a small serving. Milk is rich in high-quality protein and a good source of calcium, phosphorus, and B vitamins like B12. These nutrients are vital for bone health, energy production, and overall well-being. Choosing milk based solely on calorie count might overlook these important nutritional benefits, particularly for those with specific dietary needs.

Factors That Increase Calories in Milk

It's important to remember that the figures above apply to plain, unflavored milk. The calorie count can increase if you choose flavored options or add sweeteners. For example, chocolate milk or milk with added syrup or sugar will have a significantly higher calorie count per 20ml. Always check the nutrition label for the most accurate information on fortified or flavored dairy products.

Conclusion: Making an Informed Choice

Ultimately, the number of calories in 20ml of milk is relatively low and should not be a major concern for most individuals. For precise tracking, know that whole milk contains slightly more calories than skim or semi-skimmed milk. The minimal difference means you can choose the milk type that best suits your taste and dietary preferences, knowing that the core nutritional benefits remain largely consistent. Whether you opt for whole milk for its creaminess or skim milk for a slightly lower calorie count, a small amount like 20ml is a minor contributor to your daily intake. For more detailed information on general milk nutrition, visit the U.S. Dairy association's website(https://www.usdairy.com/dairy-nutrition/products/milk).

Frequently Asked Questions

No, 20ml is a very small amount. The calorie difference between whole and skim milk for this serving size is only about 2 calories, which is negligible for most diets and health goals.

20ml is roughly equivalent to 1.3 standard tablespoons. This can help you measure the amount more easily when adding it to your drinks or recipes.

Adding 20ml of milk adds minimal calories (10-12) to a single cup. The calorie impact becomes more significant if you consume many cups throughout the day or use much larger amounts.

The protein content per 20ml is very similar across whole, 2%, and skim milk, as the processing primarily affects the fat content, not the protein.

Even in this small amount, milk provides small quantities of essential nutrients like calcium, vitamin B12, and phosphorus, which contribute to bone health and energy.

The calories in plant-based alternatives vary widely. For example, unsweetened almond milk can have even fewer calories per 20ml, while some sweetened oat milks might have slightly more.

For most diets, the calories from a small serving of milk are insignificant. However, for precise tracking or very restrictive diets, it's beneficial to be aware of the minor differences between milk types.