
Reduced-fat milk and skim milk have fewer calories and higher amounts of vitamins than whole milk (thanks to fortification).

Skim milk contains 8 grams of protein, 10 percent of your daily value of potassium, and 29 percent of your daily value of calcium.Reduced-fat milk contains 8 grams of protein, 9 percent of your daily value of potassium, and 29 percent of your daily value of calcium.Whole milk contains 8 grams of protein, 9 percent of your daily value of potassium, and 27 percent of your daily value of calcium.Here is a breakdown of the amount of protein, potassium and calcium found in a single serving (one cup) of each type of milk.

Vitamins A and D, which are fat-soluble, are added back through fortification. Reduced-fat and skim milk retain roughly the same amount of protein as whole milk but lose some of their vitamin content during processing and fat removal. Milk provides several key dietary requirements, but the levels of nutrients in each milk type can vary slightly. According to the Cleveland Clinic, not only do grass-fed cows make milk with significantly more beneficial omega-3 fatty acids, but because they are less stressed than conventionally raised cows, they also tend to produce more milk and richer milk. Some milk producers have started offering rBST-free milk that comes from grass-fed, free-range cows to address these concerns. In addition, the practice of giving cows added growth hormones (rBST) to aid in milk production is also contentious. Most producers then fortify their milk with solids to restore vitamins and thickness, although fortification is controversial. Reduced-fat and skim milk lose nutritional benefits when processed. This processing lowers calories and slightly alters the milk's taste.

The milk retains its fat (about 3.5 percent) and is slightly thick.

Whole milk is cow’s milk that hasn’t had its fat content stripped.When milk is processed, different levels of fat can be taken out (or skimmed). Nearly every store carries whole, reduced-fat and skim milk, but some might not know what those terms really mean. But what type of cow's milk is best for you? It depends on what you want and need in your diet. The USDA recommends about three cups of milk a day for adults and children age 9 and older to help meet daily dietary needs for nutrients such as bone-strengthening calcium and vitamin D. So, what’s the skinny on milk? What are the Basics of Cow Milk? The many options can seem overwhelming when all you want is something to pour over your morning cereal or put in your coffee. We've come far from the days of simply choosing plain or chocolate. Whole, non-fat, reduced, skimmed, almond, soy, rice - the grocery store milk aisle keeps expanding.
