Skimmed milk loyalists
You want to stick with this category of milk, even if another option seems better suited to the texture you’re looking for in a recipe.
Who is this choice for?
Anyone preparing a recipe for Sunday lunch
You need to decide whether skimmed milk will work in your recipe, or whether the texture you want makes it worth comparing another category of milk.
People looking for lactose-free milk
You want both ‘skimmed’ and ‘lactose-free’ on the label, and then to choose a size that suits how you’ll use the milk after opening.
What should you check?
When shopping for Sunday lunch, first decide whether it’s essential to stick with skimmed milk. Then compare the details of the specific product, especially whether it’s lactose-free and what the instructions say about storing it after opening.
| Criterion | What to check | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Skimmed milk category | Check the product description ‘skimmed milk’ and its fat content. According to the DGCCRF, this category contains no more than 0.5% fat in France. | I want to buy skimmed milk for Sunday lunch without switching to a higher-fat category; around 46% of consumers put this first on their list of criteria. |
| Lactose-free option | Check that the product you choose is labelled lactose-free, as well as its size and the instructions for storage after opening. | If the milk also needs to be lactose-free, I can’t rely on the word ‘skimmed’ alone. This is a priority for around 27% of consumers. |
| Recipe texture | If you’re considering a change to get the texture you want, compare skimmed and semi-skimmed milk, taking their fat content into account. | For a family recipe, I’d rather decide whether switching categories will give me the result I want than look for supposedly ‘aged’ milk; around 27% of consumers prioritise this culinary choice. |
Confusions to avoid
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Mistaking semi-skimmed milk for a ‘full-flavoured’ skimmed milk
According to the DGCCRF, semi-skimmed and skimmed milk belong to separate categories. In France, semi-skimmed milk contains between 1.50% and 1.80% fat, while skimmed milk contains no more than 0.5%.
If your recipe leads you to consider semi-skimmed milk, make it a deliberate choice to switch categories rather than treating it as a variety of skimmed milk.
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Assuming all skimmed milk is lactose-free
‘Skimmed’ and ‘lactose-free’ describe two different characteristics. For example, the product details for Lactel Matin Léger Bio écrémé state that it contains less than 0.1 g of lactose per 100 ml; this does not apply to all skimmed milk products.
Check the lactose-free claim and the stated lactose content on the product you choose, then follow its storage instructions after opening.
Brands to compare
Lactel
Its product information lets you compare organic UHT skimmed milk with a lactose-free skimmed version from the Matin Léger Bio range.
- According to Lactel, its Bio écrémé milk contains 0.1 g of fat per 100 ml and keeps for 3 days in the fridge after opening.
- The Matin Léger Bio écrémé version contains less than 0.1 g of lactose per 100 ml. Choose the specific product that meets your needs.
Carrefour
The retailer’s range of skimmed milk includes products from its Classic’, Extra and organic ranges.
- These products let you compare pack sizes and the details shown on their product pages.
- Carrefour mountain semi-skimmed milk belongs to a different category: its product details state that it contains 1.6 g of fat per 100 g.
Candia
Candia+ Lait Écrémé Sans Lactose is included in the range of skimmed milk presented by Carrefour.
- This product lets you look for both ‘skimmed’ and ‘lactose-free’ on the label.
- Don’t apply the nutritional values of Candia semi-skimmed milk to this skimmed product; check its own label.
Auchan
The Auchan Bio product covered here is organic UHT skimmed milk, collected and packaged in France in a 1 L carton.
- Its product details state that it contains 0.2 g of fat per 100 ml and keeps for up to 5 days after opening at a maximum of +6 °C.
- Check the information on the product you actually buy, especially the instructions for storage after opening.
Skimmed milk to discover on Joybuy
This product suits anyone looking for lactose-free skimmed milk for Sunday lunch. Consider whether the 6 × 1 L multipack matches the amount you’re planning to use.
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Lactel Matin Léger skimmed milk, 6 × 1 L
Worth considering if you’re looking for both skimmed and lactose-free milk for your meal.
UHT milk in a pack of 6 × 1 L. According to the product details, refrigerate each carton after opening and use within 3 days.
Frequently asked questions
How can you identify skimmed milk in France?
According to the DGCCRF, ‘skimmed milk’ contains no more than 0.5% fat. Check the product description: semi-skimmed milk belongs to a different category, with a fat content of between 1.50% and 1.80%.
How long does UHT skimmed milk keep after opening?
Follow the storage time and temperature shown on the product you buy. Lactel says to keep its Bio écrémé milk and Matin Léger Bio écrémé version refrigerated for 3 days, while the Auchan Bio écrémé product details state that it keeps for up to 5 days at a maximum of +6 °C.
Should you choose lactose-free skimmed milk for everyone?
No. The lactose-free label addresses a specific requirement you may want to cater for at mealtimes; it doesn’t replace choosing the right size or category of milk for your recipe. The product details for Lactel Matin Léger Bio écrémé state that this product contains less than 0.1 g of lactose per 100 ml.