People looking for skimmed milk
You want cow’s milk for coffee, cereal or brunch recipes, with a fat content that meets the skimmed category. The DGCCRF sets the maximum at 0.5% by mass.
Who is this choice for?
Hosts planning to use milk in different ways
You’re considering milk for a range of dishes and can choose semi-skimmed if staying within the skimmed category isn’t essential.
People looking for a lactose-free option
You want to check the lactose content as well as the fat content: the word ‘skimmed’ alone doesn’t tell you whether a milk is lactose-free.
What should you look for in brunch milk?
First decide whether the milk needs to be strictly skimmed, then check the lactose content and the quantity you’ll need separately. According to the DGCCRF, skimmed milk contains no more than 0.5% fat by mass, compared with 1.50% to 1.80% for semi-skimmed milk.
| Criteria | What to check | Who is it for? |
|---|---|---|
| Skimmed category | The ‘skimmed milk’ description and the ‘fat’ figure in the nutritional information. | If you want to serve milk that meets the skimmed category, the fat threshold comes before other criteria; around 42% of consumers would make it their priority. |
| Brunch uses | The milk category and its fat content, particularly if you’re considering semi-skimmed. | If you’re planning to serve milk with coffee and cereal and use it in recipes, you may be happy with semi-skimmed rather than insisting on skimmed; around 25% of consumers would prioritise this flexibility. |
| Lactose | An explicit ‘lactose-free’ claim and the stated lactose content, as well as the skimmed category if that matters to you. | If lactose content guides your choice, the word ‘skimmed’ alone won’t meet your needs; around 17% of consumers would make lactose their main criterion. |
| Pack size | The total volume, the date shown and the storage instructions after opening. | For a one-off brunch, you’ll want enough milk without opening more cartons than necessary; around 16% of consumers would put pack size and the risk of waste first. |
Common mix-ups to avoid
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Confusing ‘skimmed’ with ‘lactose-free’
The skimmed category refers to fat content, not lactose content. Standard skimmed milk may therefore not be suitable if you’re looking for lactose-free milk.
Look for a ‘lactose-free’ claim and the stated lactose content, then check the milk category separately.
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Choosing semi-skimmed when you need skimmed
According to the DGCCRF, semi-skimmed milk contains 1.50% to 1.80% fat by mass, compared with a maximum of 0.5% for skimmed milk.
Read the milk description and compare the fat figures in the nutritional information.
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Buying too many cartons for one brunch
The storage life of unopened UHT milk doesn’t determine how long you can use a carton once it’s been opened.
Estimate how much you’ll need and check the after-opening instructions for each product you buy.
Cartons left open beyond the amount you use can lead to waste.
Brands to know
Lactel
Lactel offers a range of UHT skimmed milk, including a version enriched with vitamin D and an organic option.
- According to Lactel, its organic skimmed milk contains 0.1 g of fat per 100 ml.
- These details apply to specific products, so check the nutritional information on the carton you choose.
Candia
GrandLait semi-skimmed and Candia+ lactose-free skimmed milk meet two different needs.
- Candia states that its Candia+ lactose-free skimmed milk contains less than 0.1 g of lactose per 100 ml.
- GrandLait semi-skimmed isn’t a substitute for skimmed milk when you specifically need that category.
Carrefour Classic'
The product reviewed is sterilised UHT skimmed milk.
- Carrefour lists ‘sterilised UHT skimmed milk’ among the ingredients for this product.
- Check the pack size and nutritional information for the product you choose.
Auchan Solidaires / Cultivons le Bon
Auchan’s range includes UHT skimmed milk in a 1 L carton.
- The 1 L pack size can be compared with the amount you’re planning for brunch.
- Check the label on the product you choose, particularly if you’re also looking for a lactose-free option.
E.Leclerc / Delisse
The Delisse product reviewed is semi-skimmed milk in a pack of 6 × 1 L.
- Its product information lists 1.6 g of fat per 100 ml, making it easy to compare against your fat-content requirements.
- It isn’t suitable if you need to choose from the skimmed milk category.
Skimmed milk selected on Joybuy
This product suits anyone looking for a multipack of skimmed milk for brunch. If lactose is also a consideration, check the claim on the packaging before you buy.
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MATIN LÉGER skimmed milk, 6 × 1 L
If you want skimmed milk for brunch, check that six 1 L cartons are the right amount for your plans, and follow the storage instructions after opening.
Frequently asked questions
What fat content defines skimmed milk?
In France, skimmed milk contains no more than 0.5% fat by mass, according to the DGCCRF. Semi-skimmed milk contains between 1.50% and 1.80% by mass.
Is skimmed milk always lactose-free?
No: ‘skimmed’ describes its fat content, not its lactose content. If lactose matters to you, look for an explicit ‘lactose-free’ claim and check the stated figure for the product you buy.
How should you store milk after brunch?
Once opened, follow the instructions on the carton or bottle you’ve bought. Before opening, the Ministry of Agriculture says UHT milk can be stored at room temperature for up to three months. For some of its skimmed milk products, Lactel recommends refrigeration at a maximum of 6 °C and consumption within three days of opening.
Is lactose-free milk free from milk allergens?
No: a claim about lactose doesn’t mean that a milk is free from milk allergens. Check the ingredients list; the DGCCRF states that allergenic ingredients must be highlighted on the label.