Is Milk Powder Good for Health in India? Exploring the Facts

January 12, 2026 •

4 min read

In India, where dairy is a staple, milk powder offers a convenient alternative to fresh milk, especially for its longer shelf life and ease of storage. This dehydrated dairy product provides similar nutritional value to its liquid counterpart, containing protein, vitamins, and minerals.

Quick Summary

An examination of milk powder's health implications in India reveals both advantages, such as long shelf life, affordability, and versatility, and potential drawbacks like the presence of oxidized cholesterol in some varieties and fortification differences. The suitability of milk powder depends on individual health needs, with fresh milk generally preferred for children under five.

Key Points

Nutrient Retention: High-quality milk powder retains most of the protein, calcium, and minerals found in fresh milk, offering a concentrated source of essential nutrients.
Convenience for Storage: With its long shelf life and no refrigeration required, milk powder is a convenient pantry staple, especially valuable in regions with frequent power cuts.
Concerns with Additives: Some milk powders, particularly dairy whiteners, may contain additives like maltodextrin and added sugar, which can be detrimental to health.
Not for all Ages: Fresh whole milk is generally recommended for children under five due to their specific needs for fat content for brain development.
Quality and Safety are Key: Always purchase from reputable brands to avoid potential contaminants like oxidized cholesterol or mycotoxins like AFM1 found in some market samples.

Understanding the Nutritional Profile of Milk Powder

Milk powder is essentially dehydrated milk, with its water content removed through a process of evaporation and spray-drying. The final product retains most of the nutritional content of the original liquid milk, including high-quality protein, calcium, phosphorus, and B vitamins. However, some heat-sensitive nutrients, like certain B vitamins, may be reduced during processing. To compensate, many brands, particularly in the Indian market, fortify their milk powder with additional vitamins and minerals, such as Vitamin D and Vitamin A.

The Indian Context: Convenience vs. Concerns

For many Indian households, milk powder offers a practical solution to several challenges associated with fresh milk:

Shelf Life and Storage: Fresh milk is highly perishable and requires refrigeration, which can be an issue in regions with inconsistent power supply or in homes with limited storage. Milk powder, in contrast, can be stored for extended periods in an airtight container.
Cost-Effectiveness: Powdered milk is often a more economical choice per liter compared to fresh milk, a significant factor for budget-conscious consumers across India.
Versatility in Indian Cooking: Beyond just drinking, milk powder is a popular ingredient in Indian sweets (mithai) like gulab jamun, kheer, and barfi, as well as in baked goods. It adds a rich, creamy texture and flavor.

Potential Health Drawbacks

Despite its benefits, there are valid health concerns associated with milk powder that consumers in India should be aware of:

Processing Differences and Additives: Some brands, especially dairy whiteners, may contain added sugar and maltodextrin to improve texture and taste. A 2022 YouTube video highlighted that certain thickeners used in processing have a high glycemic index, which can negatively impact health.
Oxidized Cholesterol: A report from the Times of India mentions that some powdered milk can contain oxidized cholesterol, a substance that can be harmful to blood vessels and lead to heart disease.
Contamination Risks: A study on milk products in Chhattisgarh, India, found alarming levels of Aflatoxin M1 (AFM1) contamination in some milk powder samples, exceeding permissible limits set by international standards. This emphasizes the need for consumers to buy from trusted, certified brands.
Uneven Mixing and Digestion Issues: Lower-quality milk powders may not dissolve properly in water, leading to lumps. These can be difficult to digest and potentially cause gut issues.

Is Milk Powder a Good Choice for Everyone?

Making the right choice depends on individual needs. For young children under five, fresh whole milk is often recommended due to its natural fat content essential for brain development. For older children and adults, high-quality skimmed milk powder can be a nutritious, low-fat alternative. Individuals with conditions like diabetes should consult a doctor before incorporating full-fat powdered milk due to potential effects on blood sugar levels.

How to Choose and Use Milk Powder Healthily

Check Labels Carefully: Look for high-quality, reputable brands. Differentiate between pure milk powder and dairy whiteners, which often contain more additives and sugar.
Ensure Proper Storage: Always transfer the powder to an airtight container and store it in a cool, dry place to prevent moisture absorption and bacterial growth.
Mix with Clean Water: Reconstitute milk powder using clean, safe drinking water, particularly if preparing it for infants or those with weaker immunity.
Consider Fortified Options: Opt for powders fortified with essential vitamins like D and A to compensate for potential losses during processing.

Comparison Table: Fresh Milk vs. Milk Powder (in the Indian context)


Feature	Fresh Milk	Milk Powder
Nutritional Value	High, with all natural vitamins and enzymes intact. Best for young children.	Retains most nutrients, but some heat-sensitive vitamins may be reduced; often fortified.
Shelf Life	Very limited; requires refrigeration. Susceptible to spoilage.	Long shelf life (months or more); does not require refrigeration.
Convenience	Requires regular purchase and refrigeration.	Highly convenient for travel, emergencies, and areas with limited milk access.
Cost	Generally more expensive per liter than milk powder.	More cost-effective per liter, especially for bulk purchases.
Potential Risks	Adulteration is a risk with unbranded milk.	Potential for oxidized cholesterol, substandard ingredients, or harmful contaminants like AFM1 if from non-reputable sources.
Flavor	Superior, fresher taste and texture preferred by many.	Can have a different, less pleasant taste compared to fresh milk.

Conclusion

While fresh milk is arguably the gold standard for taste and maximum natural nutrient retention, milk powder remains a viable, convenient, and often economical alternative for many in India. It is a suitable option for older children and adults, especially when opting for high-quality, reputable brands and using it appropriately in cooking and baking. However, caution is warranted regarding potential additives, the presence of oxidized cholesterol in some variants, and the risk of contamination from unreliable sources. By reading labels, storing products correctly, and staying informed, Indian consumers can make healthier choices regarding milk powder usage. For those seeking reliable dietary information, consulting a qualified nutritionist or dietitian is always recommended.

Frequently Asked Questions

Not necessarily better, but a suitable alternative. While fresh milk has a superior taste and retains more heat-sensitive nutrients, high-quality milk powder can be fortified to match or even supplement fresh milk's nutritional profile, especially for older children and adults.

Daily consumption is generally safe when using a high-quality product from a trusted brand. However, concerns exist over potential oxidized cholesterol in some varieties and the possibility of contaminants in low-quality or expired products. Moderate consumption and proper storage are recommended.

No, they are different. Dairy whiteners, such as NESTLÉ EVERYDAY, are processed to have a longer shelf life and often contain added sugar and other additives, while pure milk powder is just dehydrated milk.

For health-conscious individuals, high-quality skimmed milk powder (SMP) from reputable brands like Amul, Mother Dairy, or Nestle is often a good choice. It offers the protein and calcium benefits with lower fat content.

Some minor changes occur during the heat-intensive dehydration process, which may cause a slight reduction in some heat-sensitive vitamins like B12. However, many manufacturers fortify their milk powder to compensate for this.

Some individuals may experience digestion issues with low-quality milk powders that don't dissolve well and form lumps. For those with lactose intolerance, consuming specialized low-lactose milk powders or other alternatives might be necessary.

Beyond checking for FSSAI certification and buying from trusted brands, good quality milk powder should have a consistent color, fine texture, and dissolve completely without leaving lumps. It should also be stored in an airtight container to avoid clumping.