People keeping an eye on fat
You’re looking for skimmed milk to have with lunch and compare the ‘fat’ figures in the nutritional information, rather than relying on the product name alone.
Who are these options for?
People without their own fridge
UHT milk can be convenient to store before opening. However, you’ll need a way to finish it or refrigerate it once it’s opened.
People prioritising pack size or lower lactose content
A smaller portion or lower lactose content may guide your choice. Check the fat content separately: semi-skimmed milk is different from skimmed milk.
What should you check?
First, choose between skimmed and semi-skimmed milk based on your priority. Then check how much you’ll use and the storage instructions after opening.
| Criteria | What to check | Who is it for? |
|---|---|---|
| Fat content | Compare the figure per 100 ml for the product you’ve chosen; don’t confuse ‘light’ with ‘skimmed’. | If my main aim is to reduce the fat in my milk at lunch, I check this figure first rather than the pack size. Around 42% of consumers would put this criterion first. |
| Pack size | Check the volume of each container and the total volume in the multipack, particularly for 50 cl and 1 L sizes. | If I only want one glass during my break, I prefer a container where I can manage what’s left; nearly 33% of consumers would prioritise pack size. |
| Storage | Check the instructions for before and after opening, including the temperature and time limit on the packaging. | If I can’t keep an opened carton chilled, I need to be able to finish it or choose a suitable size. Around 25% of consumers would prioritise storage. |
Mistakes to avoid
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Confusing skimmed, semi-skimmed and lower lactose content
These terms refer to different things. Lactel states that its Bio skimmed milk contains 0.1 g of fat per 100 ml, while the GrandLait semi-skimmed milk featured here contains 1.6 g per 100 ml, according to Candia.
If fat content guides your choice, check the figure per 100 ml before comparing pack size or lactose content.
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Leaving opened UHT milk on your desk
UHT milk can be stored at room temperature before opening. Once opened, Lactel says its Bio skimmed milk should be kept at a maximum of 6 °C and consumed within three days.
Before opening a large container at lunchtime, make sure you can follow the instructions on its packaging.
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Choosing a large multipack without thinking about opened containers
The La Marque du Consommateur multipack featured by Carrefour contains six 1 L bottles. So the total volume in the multipack isn’t the amount you’ll need for one lunch break.
Think about storing unopened bottles separately from how you’ll use each one after opening, then choose a size that suits your routine.
Brands to consider
Lactel
Lactel’s Bio UHT skimmed milk is a useful point of comparison if fat content is your priority.
- Lactel states that this product contains 0.1 g of fat per 100 ml and is available in 50 cl and 1 L sizes.
- After opening, Lactel says to keep it at a maximum of 6 °C and consume it within three days.
Candia
GrandLait semi-skimmed milk is available in sizes including 25 cl and 50 cl, but it won’t suit you if you’re looking for skimmed milk.
- Smaller packs may suit you if the amount you need to carry matters more than choosing the lowest-fat option.
- Candia states that this GrandLait product contains 1.6 g of fat per 100 ml. Its fresh lower-lactose product must be kept between 0 and +6 °C before opening.
Carrefour / La Marque du Consommateur
Carrefour sells La Marque du Consommateur UHT skimmed milk in a pack of six 1 L bottles.
- Carrefour’s product listing states that this milk contains 0.2 g of fat per 100 ml.
- With this pack size, you’ll need to plan where to store the bottles and how to use each one once opened.
Joybuy products for lunch at work
These two multipacks suit different priorities: skimmed milk if fat content matters most, or semi-skimmed milk in 50 cl cartons for a more manageable amount at lunchtime.
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Lactel MATIN LÉGER skimmed milk, 6 x 1 L
Worth considering if choosing skimmed milk matters more than having a small container. The pack contains six 1 L bottles, so plan how you’ll store each bottle after opening.
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Candia Viva semi-skimmed milk, 6 x 50 cl
Worth considering if a 50 cl carton is a better fit for your lunches. The pack contains six cartons. This is semi-skimmed milk, so bear in mind that it isn’t skimmed if fat content is your main priority.
Frequently asked questions
Can I keep UHT milk in a cupboard at work?
Yes, before opening, if the product instructions allow it. Lactel says its unopened Bio UHT skimmed milk can be stored at room temperature. Once opened, put it in the fridge and follow the instructions on the packaging.
How long can I keep an opened carton?
Follow the time limit for the product you’ve bought. Lactel says to keep its Bio UHT skimmed milk at a maximum of 6 °C and consume it within three days of opening, while Candia says GrandLait semi-skimmed milk should be kept at a maximum of 6 °C and consumed within four days. These time limits don’t replace the instructions for other products.
Is lower-lactose milk always skimmed?
No. The Candia GrandLait fresh ‘easy to digest’ milk featured here is semi-skimmed and, according to Candia, contains less than 0.1% lactose. Check the lactose and fat content separately on the product you choose.
Does lower lactose content mean the product contains no milk?
No. Candia says its fresh lower-lactose GrandLait contains semi-skimmed milk and lactase. Information about lactose doesn’t replace checking the ingredients list and allergen information.