Healthier Full Cream Milk Or Non-Fat? This Is An Expert Explanation

Illustration of milk (Pixabay)

JAKARTA - Milk is one of the drinks rich in protein and calcium sources. However, milk is divided into several types, such as full cream milk and non-fat (non-fat) skim milk, which often reaps debate over which one is healthier.

Basically, the main difference between full cream and non-fat milk is in fat and calories. Non-fat milk usually no longer contains fat.

"Susu full cream contains about 3.25 percent milk fat, while in skim milk almost all the fat has been removed," said nutritionist Samantha Peterson, quoted from Real Simple, on Thursday, October 2, 2025.

Based on the nutritional label, both actually contain almost the same nutrition. Both full cream milk and skin milk both have protein, calcium, and almost equivalent amounts of natural sugar.

However, with the difference in fat content, full cream and non-fat milk have a significant difference in taste. Full cream milk has a creamy taste compared to non-fat milk.

In terms of taste, full cream milk is richer and creamy because the fat content is higher, while skim milk tastes lighter both in texture and taste because the fat is removed, added the head of nutrition at MyFitnessPal, Melissa Jaeger, RD.

Regarding which one is healthier between the two milks, for years many have considered that low-fat foods including skim milk are healthier than full cream ones. However, recent research shows otherwise.

Full cream milk products can protect the body from metabolic syndrome to heart disease. Milk fat contains unique fatty acids and biosctive compounds that can help balance cholesterol, reduce inflammation, and improve the way the body regulates insulin.

"The scientific evidence is not yet fully conclusive, but this finding challenges the old narrative that fat is always bad. Fat helps a person feel more full, energy lasts longer, so the desire to eat additional calories is not needed so it decreases," Samantha continued.

So, which one is healthier between full cream or non-fat milk? The answer is back to your preferences and goals to consume between the milk.

"The purpose of health and taste are two main things that need to be considered when choosing between full cream milk and skim," said Melissa.

If you want to reduce your total intake of fat and calories, then non-fat or skim milk is the main choice. However, if you are more concerned with creamy taste and want to get more energy intake, then full cream milk will be more suitable for consumption.