People who strictly limit fat
Whether it’s for coffee, cereal or cooking, their main consideration is the amount of fat in the milk. The value per 100 ml lets you compare products without relying solely on a term such as ‘light’.
Who is this choice for?
People also looking for lactose-free milk
Reducing fat and reducing lactose are two separate considerations. If lactose matters to you, look for an explicit ‘lactose-free’ label on the product you’re considering; ‘skimmed’ on its own isn’t enough.
People comparing ingredients and everyday uses
Depending on how you use milk in your meals, the taste you prefer and how much you’ll drink after opening, you might be choosing between skimmed and semi-skimmed, or considering an organic or vitamin D-enriched option. Manger Bouger states that milk with different levels of skimming provides the same amount of calcium, while the fat content varies.
Which factors should you prioritise?
First decide whether your priority is fat, lactose, or the ingredients and pack size that suit your everyday needs. Then compare the nutritional information for products that meet those needs.
| Consideration | What to check | Who it’s for |
|---|---|---|
| Fat | Compare the ‘fat’ value per 100 ml, then consider how much milk you use. The Auchan organic skimmed milk product information states 0.2 g per 100 ml, compared with 1.6 g for Carrefour Classic’ semi-skimmed milk, according to their respective product details. | If I want to limit the fat in my milk as much as possible, the difference between skimmed and semi-skimmed guides my choice; around 42% of consumers make reducing fat their priority. |
| Lactose | Look for a ‘lactose-free’ label and the stated lactose content. Skimming alone doesn’t tell you how much lactose the milk contains. Candia states that its Candia+ lactose-free skimmed milk contains less than 0.1 g of lactose per 100 ml. | I want skimmed milk while also taking a lactose-related need into account; for around 25% of consumers, this combination takes priority over other considerations. |
| Ingredients and pack size | Check the nutritional values, whether vitamin D has been added, and the storage instructions once opened. The enrichment stated by Lactel applies to its Vitamin D skimmed milk, not to all skimmed milk. | If milk is used in several ways at home, I also need to choose ingredients and packaging suited to how much I consume; this is a priority for around 33% of consumers. |
Mistakes to avoid
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Confusing ‘skimmed’ with ‘lactose-free’
Skimmed milk can still contain lactose: the two labels refer to different components.
If lactose matters to you, check for the relevant label and the stated lactose content. Don’t assume this from the fat content alone.
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Treating semi-skimmed milk as skimmed
The product details for Auchan organic skimmed milk and Carrefour Classic’ semi-skimmed milk state 0.2 g and 1.6 g of fat per 100 ml, respectively. These values therefore don’t meet a strict fat-reduction goal in the same way.
Compare the figures per 100 ml before considering taste or any other factor.
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Applying an adult’s choice to a young child
Manger Bouger reminds parents that children under 3 have different fat requirements from adults and recommends whole milk when choosing cow’s milk.
Don’t apply an adult’s choice of skimmed milk to a young child’s diet. If you have specific concerns, seek professional advice.
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Choosing a large pack without checking how long it keeps once opened
How long milk keeps in the fridge depends on the product. The information available for Lactel Vitamin D skimmed milk, Candia+ lactose-free skimmed milk and Auchan organic skimmed milk gives different storage times.
Check the instructions on your pack and choose a size you can finish within the stated time.
A pack that’s too large for your needs could mean having to throw away leftover milk.
Brands to consider
These products offer specific points of comparison; their features don’t necessarily apply to other milks from the same brand.
Lactel
Worth considering if you’re looking for skimmed milk labelled as enriched with vitamin D.
- Lactel states that its Vitamin D skimmed milk contains 120 mg of calcium and 1.5 µg of vitamin D per 100 ml.
- This enrichment applies to this specific product only; also check the storage instructions for after opening.
Candia
A brand to compare if your choice of skimmed milk also needs to take lactose into account.
- Candia states that its Candia+ lactose-free skimmed milk contains less than 0.1 g of lactose per 100 ml.
- ‘Lactose-free’ addresses a different consideration from reducing fat; check the exact product.
Auchan
Its organic UHT skimmed milk is an example you can use to compare the values for skimmed and semi-skimmed milk.
- The product details for Auchan organic skimmed milk state 0.2 g of fat per 100 ml.
- Auchan notes that ingredients may vary depending on where and when you shop; check the information on the pack you choose.
Carrefour
Its Classic’ semi-skimmed milk is a useful comparison if you’re deciding between two levels of skimming.
- Carrefour states that this semi-skimmed milk contains 1.6 g of fat per 100 ml.
- This isn’t skimmed milk: check whether its fat content suits the amount of fat you want in your diet.
Joybuy products to compare the two types of milk
These products represent two options discussed here: skimmed milk to limit fat, and semi-skimmed milk to consider if you’re less strict about this. Check the nutritional information and product-specific labels on each pack before choosing.
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MATIN LÉGER skimmed milk, 6 × 1 L
Worth considering if you’re choosing skimmed milk first and foremost. Check the fat content per 100 ml and, if needed, look for information about lactose on the pack.
Pack of 6 × 1 L containers.
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CANDIA Viva semi-skimmed milk, 6 × 50 cl
Consider this if you’re happy with semi-skimmed rather than skimmed milk; compare its fat content per 100 ml with your other option.
Pack of 6 × 50 cl containers.
Frequently asked questions
Does skimmed milk contain less calcium than semi-skimmed milk?
No. According to Manger Bouger, skimmed, semi-skimmed and whole milk provide the same amount of calcium; it’s their fat content that differs. However, check the label of your chosen product if you’re also comparing an enriched option.
Is skimmed milk always lactose-free?
No. ‘Skimmed’ describes the fat content, not the lactose content. If lactose matters to you, look for an explicit label and check the stated lactose content on the product.
How should you store UHT milk after opening?
Follow the refrigeration instructions and use-by period shown on your milk’s packaging. The information for Lactel Vitamin D skimmed milk, Candia+ lactose-free skimmed milk and Auchan organic skimmed milk gives storage times of less than 3 days, 4 days and 5 days after opening, respectively.
Should you choose skimmed milk for a child under 3?
Don’t make the choice of skimmed milk for an adult the rule for a young child. Manger Bouger highlights the fat requirements of children up to the age of 3 and recommends whole milk when choosing cow’s milk. Between the ages of 1 and 3, growing-up milk is preferable if possible.