Nutrition Diet: What is skim milk also known as, and is it a healthy choice?

October 25, 2025 •

3 min read

Did you know that skim milk is a product of spinning whole milk in a centrifuge to separate and remove the milkfat? This process gives us what is also known as nonfat or fat-free milk, a popular option for those seeking a lower-calorie dairy choice without sacrificing key nutrients like protein and calcium.

Quick Summary

Skim milk, also called nonfat or fat-free milk, is whole milk with the milkfat removed. It provides similar protein and calcium levels but has significantly fewer calories and less fat.

Key Points

Alternate Names: Skim milk is also widely known as nonfat milk and fat-free milk.
Production Method: It is created by removing milkfat from whole milk, most commonly using a centrifugal separator.
Calorie and Fat Count: Skim milk is significantly lower in calories and fat compared to whole milk, making it ideal for weight management.
Nutrient-Rich: It contains similar levels of protein and calcium as whole milk and is fortified with fat-soluble vitamins like A and D.
Heart Health: Its low saturated fat content supports cardiovascular health and can help manage cholesterol levels.
Bone Health: The high calcium and vitamin D content contributes to strong bones and teeth.
Versatile Use: Skim milk can be used as a healthier substitute for whole milk in a wide variety of recipes and beverages.

The Many Names for Skim Milk

Skim milk is known by several names, most commonly fat-free milk and nonfat milk. The term 'skim' comes from the traditional method of removing the cream layer from raw milk. Modern methods use centrifuges to separate fat from milk. In British English, it's often called 'skimmed milk'.

How Skim Milk is Produced

Skim milk production involves using a centrifuge to spin whole milk, separating it into skim milk and cream. The desired fat content for different types of milk (like 1% or 2%) is achieved by adding cream back before homogenization. For fat-free milk, no cream is added.

A Closer Look at Skim Milk's Nutritional Profile

Skim milk maintains many nutrients from whole milk, and it's often fortified with vitamins A and D lost during fat removal. A 1-cup serving (240 ml) provides about 83 calories, less than 0.5 grams of fat, around 8 grams of protein, and approximately 300 mg of calcium.

Skim Milk vs. Whole Milk: A Nutritional Comparison

The main differences between skim and whole milk are their fat and calorie content. Both provide similar amounts of protein. Skim milk has less than 0.5% fat and about 83 calories per cup, while whole milk has at least 3.25% fat and around 150 calories per cup. Whole milk has saturated fat, which is negligible in skim milk. Vitamins A and D are added to skim milk as they are fat-soluble. Taste and texture also differ, with skim milk being lighter and whole milk being creamier.


Feature	Skim Milk (Fat-Free)	Whole Milk	What it means for you
Fat Content	< 0.5%	At least 3.25%	Less fat intake is a key factor for those focused on calorie and saturated fat reduction.
Calories	~83 kcal per cup	~150 kcal per cup	A lower calorie density makes skim milk beneficial for weight management.
Protein	~8 grams per cup	~8 grams per cup	Both milk types offer a similar, high-quality protein source for muscle growth and repair.
Saturated Fat	Negligible	~4.5 grams per cup	Heart-conscious individuals may opt for skim milk to minimize saturated fat intake.
Vitamins A & D	Fortified	Naturally present, often fortified	Vitamins A and D are fat-soluble, so they are added back into skim milk after the fat is removed.
Taste & Texture	Lighter, thinner, and less creamy	Richer and creamier	A matter of preference. Some prefer the lighter feel of skim, while others miss the richness of whole milk.

Health Benefits of Choosing Skim Milk

Choosing skim milk can aid in weight management due to its lower calorie content. Its reduced saturated fat content supports heart health. Skim milk is a good source of calcium and vitamin D, important for bone strength. It also provides high-quality protein for muscle maintenance.

Incorporating Skim Milk into Your Diet

Skim milk can be easily included in your diet. Use it in beverages like coffee, tea, and smoothies. It's a lower-calorie alternative to whole milk in cooking and baking. It can also be used to achieve creamy textures in dishes.

Conclusion

To answer what is skim milk also known as? It is also known as nonfat milk or fat-free milk. It is a lower-calorie dairy option produced by removing milkfat. Skim milk is rich in protein and calcium and fortified with vitamins A and D, making it a good choice for those managing weight, supporting heart health, or reducing saturated fat. The best milk choice depends on individual needs and taste. For further information on different milk types, you can consult resources like WebMD.

Frequently Asked Questions

The healthiness of skim versus whole milk depends on individual dietary needs. Skim milk is lower in calories and fat, making it beneficial for weight management and heart health. Whole milk has more calories and fat, which might be preferred by those needing more energy or fat for growth, like young children.

Yes, skim milk is an excellent source of both calcium and protein, providing a similar amount of these nutrients per serving as whole milk. The process of removing fat does not significantly impact the protein or calcium content.

Yes, most commercially produced skim milk is fortified with vitamin D. This is because vitamin D is fat-soluble and is removed along with the milkfat during processing, so it is added back to ensure nutritional value.

Skim milk has a thinner, less creamy texture because the milkfat has been removed. Fat is what provides the rich, smooth mouthfeel associated with whole milk. Your perception of taste is strongly influenced by texture.

Yes, you can substitute skim milk for whole milk in many recipes to reduce calories and fat. In some cases, like very rich sauces, you may notice a slight difference in texture due to the lack of fat, but for most applications, it works perfectly.

Some people might find the taste less satisfying compared to whole milk. It may also have less of an impact on satiety due to the lack of fat. Additionally, it contains lactose, so those with lactose intolerance will still experience issues unless it's a lactose-free version.

Skim milk is generally considered better for weight loss because it is lower in calories. By choosing skim milk over whole milk, you can reduce your overall calorie intake while still benefiting from milk's nutritional content.

Yes, nonfat dry milk, or powdered skim milk, is a shelf-stable product created by evaporating the water from skim milk. It can be reconstituted with water and is useful for baking, traveling, or as an emergency food supply.

No, it is generally not recommended to give skim milk to children under the age of five. Young children require the fat found in whole milk for healthy growth and development. Consult a pediatrician for advice on which type of milk is appropriate for your child's age and health status.