Affiliate links on this page — disclosure. As an Amazon Associate, CJ Affiliate, and AWIN publisher we earn from qualifying purchases.
Whole Milk vs Semi-Skimmed Milk: Calories Compared
Semi-Skimmed Milk is lower in calories (50 vs 61 per 100g). Whole Milk has 3.1g protein per 100g versus 3.3g in Semi-Skimmed Milk.
Per typical serving, Whole Milk provides 149 kcal (based on a 244g portion) versus Semi-Skimmed Milk at 122 kcal (244g). The average adult needs around 2,000 calories per day, so whole milk contributes 7.4% and semi-skimmed milk contributes 6.1% of that daily target per serving. Getting these numbers right for your own portions starts with a digital kitchen scale.
Full nutrition comparison (per 100g)
| Nutrient | Whole Milk | Semi-Skimmed Milk |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 61 kcal | 50 kcal |
| Protein | 3.1g | 3.3g |
| Carbohydrates | 4.8g | 4.8g |
| of which Sugars | 5g | 5.1g |
| Fat | 3.2g | 2g |
| of which Saturates | 1.9g | 1.3g |
| Fibre | 0g | 0g |
| Sodium | 43mg | 47mg |
| Potassium | 132mg | 140mg |
| Calcium | 113mg | 120mg |
| Iron | 0mg | 0mg |
| Vitamin C | 0mg | 0.2mg |
| Vitamin A | 46µg | 55µg |
| Selenium | 4µg | 2µg |
| Riboflavin (B2) | 0.2mg | 0.2mg |
Nutrient-by-nutrient breakdown
- Calories: Whole Milk has more (61kcal vs 50kcal per 100g) — a difference of 11kcal. Semi-Skimmed Milk is the lower-calories option if that is your priority.
- Protein: Semi-Skimmed Milk has more (3.3g vs 3.1g per 100g) — a difference of 0.2g. Semi-Skimmed Milk is the stronger source of protein here.
- Carbohydrates: both foods contain the same amount (4.8g per 100g).
- Sugars: Semi-Skimmed Milk has more (5.1g vs 5g per 100g) — a difference of 0.1g. Whole Milk is the lower-sugars option if that is your priority.
- Fat: Whole Milk has more (3.2g vs 2g per 100g) — a difference of 1.2g. Semi-Skimmed Milk is the lower-fat option if that is your priority.
- Saturated fat: Whole Milk has more (1.9g vs 1.3g per 100g) — a difference of 0.6g. Semi-Skimmed Milk is the lower-saturated fat option if that is your priority.
- Fibre: both foods contain the same amount (0g per 100g).
- Sodium: Semi-Skimmed Milk has more (47mg vs 43mg per 100g) — a difference of 4mg. Whole Milk is the lower-sodium option if that is your priority.
- Potassium: Semi-Skimmed Milk has more (140mg vs 132mg per 100g) — a difference of 8mg. Semi-Skimmed Milk is the stronger source of potassium here.
- Calcium: Semi-Skimmed Milk has more (120mg vs 113mg per 100g) — a difference of 7mg. Semi-Skimmed Milk is the stronger source of calcium here.
- Iron: both foods contain the same amount (0mg per 100g).
- Vitamin c: Semi-Skimmed Milk has more (0mg vs 0mg per 100g) — a difference of 0mg. Semi-Skimmed Milk is the stronger source of vitamin C here.
- Vitamin a: Semi-Skimmed Milk has more (55µg vs 46µg per 100g) — a difference of 9µg. Semi-Skimmed Milk is the stronger source of vitamin A here.
- Selenium: Whole Milk has more (4µg vs 2µg per 100g) — a difference of 2µg. Whole Milk is the stronger source of selenium here.
- Riboflavin (b2): both foods contain the same amount (0mg per 100g).
Live serving-size calculator
Enter any amount for each food — every figure below recalculates instantly, with % of daily value shown for each nutrient (based on a standard 2,000-calorie reference diet).
| Nutrient | Whole Milk | % DV | Semi-Skimmed Milk | % DV |
|---|
* % Daily Value based on a 2,000-calorie reference diet, the same basis used on nutrition labels in the US and UK. Figures update live as you change the amounts above — no page reload.
Substituting one for the other
In baking and cooking, dairy substitutions usually work best when fat content is similar — swapping a higher-fat dairy product for a lower-fat one can affect texture, moisture and how a recipe sets, even when the flavour is close.
Useful for comparing these foods
As an Amazon Associate and affiliate partner we earn from qualifying purchases and other referrals. Disclosure ›
Which should you choose?
If your priority is fewer calories, Semi-Skimmed Milk is the lower-calorie option at 50 kcal per 100g. If you need more protein, Semi-Skimmed Milk provides more at 3.3g per 100g. For lower carbohydrates, Whole Milk has fewer carbs at 4.8g per 100g.
Both whole milk and semi-skimmed milk can form part of a healthy, balanced diet. The best choice depends on your individual goals — whether that is weight management, muscle building, or simply hitting your daily nutritional targets. A meal prep container set makes it easy to portion whichever you choose.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which has more calories, Whole Milk or Semi-Skimmed Milk?
Whole Milk has 61 calories per 100g while Semi-Skimmed Milk has 50 calories per 100g. Whole Milk is higher in calories by 11 kcal per 100g.
Which has more protein, Whole Milk or Semi-Skimmed Milk?
Whole Milk contains 3.1g of protein per 100g. Semi-Skimmed Milk contains 3.3g of protein per 100g. Semi-Skimmed Milk has more protein.
Is Whole Milk healthier than Semi-Skimmed Milk?
Whole Milk has 61 kcal, 3.1g protein, 4.8g carbs and 3.2g fat per 100g. Semi-Skimmed Milk has 50 kcal, 3.3g protein, 4.8g carbs and 2g fat per 100g. Which is healthier depends on your goals — higher protein, lower calorie and lower fat foods are generally preferred for weight management.
Which has more fibre, Whole Milk or Semi-Skimmed Milk?
Whole Milk contains 0g of fibre per 100g, and Semi-Skimmed Milk contains 0g per 100g. Whole Milk has more fibre. Fibre supports digestion and helps with feeling fuller for longer.
How many calories per serving — Whole Milk vs Semi-Skimmed Milk?
A typical 1 glass of whole milk (244g) is around 149 calories. A typical 1 glass of semi-skimmed milk (244g) is around 122 calories — a difference of 27 kcal per serving in favour of semi-skimmed milk.
Can I substitute Whole Milk for Semi-Skimmed Milk in recipes?
In baking and cooking, dairy substitutions usually work best when fat content is similar — swapping a higher-fat dairy product for a lower-fat one can affect texture, moisture and how a recipe sets, even when the flavour is close.
Track both accurately
As an Amazon Associate and affiliate partner we earn from qualifying purchases and other referrals. Disclosure ›
Calorie Tracking Journal
Write down what you actually eat — it doubles the chance of hitting your goal.
Check Price →Last updated:
Figures per 100g from the USDA FoodData Central database (CC0 1.0).