Who is this option for?

Those keeping an eye on fat content

Whether you’re having cereal or making a hot chocolate for an afternoon snack, you’re looking specifically for skimmed rather than semi-skimmed milk.

Those looking for lactose-free milk

You need your chosen product to be clearly labelled ‘lactose-free’. ‘Skimmed’ refers to the fat content, not the lactose.

Those looking for the right pack size

If you only have milk with a snack occasionally, or prepare snacks away from home, the size of each container and the storage instructions after opening can help you decide.

What should you look for?

Criterion What to check Who is it for?
Fat content Compare the ‘skimmed’ or ‘semi-skimmed’ description with the fat content shown in the nutritional information. In France, the DGCCRF states a maximum of 0.5% for skimmed milk and 1.50% to 1.80% for semi-skimmed milk. If I mainly want to limit the fat in the milk served with an afternoon snack, this is what helps me choose between the two categories. Around 45% of consumers would put this need first.
Lactose Look for the words ‘lactose-free’ on the exact product variant and check its ingredients; skimming tells you nothing about lactose. If I want to prepare an afternoon snack with lactose-free milk, I can’t rely on the word ‘skimmed’ alone. Around 33% of consumers would put the absence of lactose first.
Pack size and storage Choose a volume that suits how much you use, and read the storage instructions on the container after opening. If I only use milk for the occasional snack, a container that’s too large could be left open beyond the recommended period. Around 22% of consumers would put finding the right pack size first.

Mistakes to avoid

  • Assuming skimmed milk is lactose-free

    ‘Skimmed’ describes the fat content. A lactose-free product will be labelled separately.

    If this is essential to your choice, check for the words ‘lactose-free’ and look at the ingredients of the exact product variant.

  • Confusing skimmed and semi-skimmed milk

    These categories have different fat contents. In France, the DGCCRF states a maximum of 0.5% for skimmed milk, compared with 1.50% to 1.80% for semi-skimmed milk.

    Read the milk description and the ‘fat’ line in the nutritional information, rather than judging by the appearance of the pack.

  • Choosing a large pack without checking storage advice after opening

    A multipack or large container may hold more than you need for occasional snacks. Storage instructions after opening vary by product.

    Check the volume of each container and follow the storage advice on its packaging.

    Any milk left over beyond the recommended period may end up being thrown away.

  • Choosing based on the words ‘mature’ or ‘aged’

    On their own, these words don’t tell you the category, ingredients or taste of a liquid skimmed milk.

    To compare products for an afternoon snack, look at their descriptions, nutritional information, any ‘lactose-free’ labelling and pack sizes.

Brands and retailers to compare

Lactel

The range includes organic UHT skimmed milk and a skimmed Matin Léger product labelled ‘lactose-free’.

  • Lactel’s organic skimmed milk comes in 1 L and 50 cl packs, and can be kept refrigerated for 3 days after opening.
  • According to Lactel, Matin Léger skimmed milk contains less than 0.1 g of lactose per 100 ml. This applies to this product, not to every skimmed milk in the range.

Candia

GrandLait semi-skimmed milk can be a useful point of comparison if you’re deciding between the two categories for an afternoon snack.

  • Candia states that GrandLait semi-skimmed milk contains 1.5% fat.
  • GrandLait semi-skimmed milk isn’t skimmed. Check the description of each product before choosing.

Auchan

Its skimmed milk range lets you compare own-brand products with national brands.

  • The Auchan range includes UHT and organic skimmed milk, as well as Lactel products.
  • Before making your choice, check the description, pack size and information for the product actually available in your store.

Skimmed milk available on Joybuy

This multipack of skimmed milk is a good fit if you’re looking for 1 L cartons for regular afternoon snacks. If you specifically need a lactose-free product, check the label on the one you choose.

MATIN LÉGER skimmed milk, pack of six 1 L cartons

MATIN LÉGER skimmed milk, 6 × 1 L

For regular afternoon snacks, this multipack contains six 1 L cartons of skimmed milk. If lactose-free is important to you, check the label on the variant you choose, as well as its storage instructions after opening.

View on Joybuy

Frequently asked questions

What’s the difference between skimmed and semi-skimmed milk?

The main difference is the fat content. In France, the DGCCRF states a maximum of 0.5% for skimmed milk and 1.50% to 1.80% for semi-skimmed milk. For an afternoon snack, choose the category you’re looking for and check the nutritional information for the product.

Is skimmed milk automatically lactose-free?

No. Skimming affects the fat content, not the lactose. If you’re looking for a lactose-free product, check that it’s clearly labelled as such. Lactel states that its Matin Léger skimmed milk contains less than 0.1 g of lactose per 100 ml.

How long can you keep UHT milk after opening?

Follow the storage period and temperature shown on the packaging of the product you buy. For example, Lactel says its organic skimmed milk can be kept refrigerated for 3 days after opening. Don’t automatically apply this advice to other milk.

What should you look for on the label when choosing milk for an afternoon snack?

Start by checking the milk description, then look at the ingredients and nutritional information. The DGCCRF highlights the importance of this information for pre-packed foods in France. Complete your comparison by checking the pack size and storage advice for the product you choose.