Full cream, skim milk and whole milk: what's the difference?

Can you tell the difference between the types of milk on the market? There are many kinds of cow's milk sold in the market, starting from its taste, shape, content, to how it is made. Then, what distinguishes the various types of milk? Find out the answer here.

Types of milk based on fat content

Based on the fat content, the types of milk are divided into:

1. Full cream

Full cream milk tastes sticky and tasty, the texture is also thick creamy . This is because one glass contains 5 grams of saturated fat which is sufficient for 20% of your daily fat needs.

This dairy drink is also high in calories, which is around 150 kcal per serving. Almost twice as much as the low-fat (skim) version. So you may need to consider carefully before including this drink in your daily menu if you are in the process of losing weight.

In addition, according to the Harvard School of Public Health, milk full cream still contains pregnancy-related hormones that come from the mother cow itself. When taken by humans, these hormones can trigger hormone-sensitive diseases such as breast cancer and testicular cancer.

Although it has not been proven 100 percent, these findings can be an early warning for you not to over drink full cream milk.

2. Skim milk

Skim milk is a version that is lower in fat and calories than milk full cream . Fat content only ranges from 0-0.5 percent and calories around 80-90 percent.

In addition, there were no significant differences in the types and amounts of other nutrients. Skim milk nutrition generally remains the same full cream . Both are rich in vitamin D, vitamin A, calcium, phosphorus, vitamin B2 and vitamin B12.

Seeing the fat and calorie content, it's no wonder skim milk used as a favorite alternative drink for people who are on a diet. Even so, skim milk not recommended for consumption by children under 5 years of age. At that age, children still need high energy intake to support their growth period.

One more thing that you need to consider is the sugar content. The skim version tends to be more sugar than that full cream . Usually skim milk thinner in texture and a little bland in taste so sugar is often added to add consistency and flavor.

So even though it is good for a diet, it is important for you to always pay attention to the sugar content in it because added sugar can also increase your daily calorie intake.

3. SKM (Thick sweet)

SKM is made from cow's milk that has been evaporated for a long time (evaporation process) to remove most of its water content. That's why SKM has a very thick texture. Besides being evaporated, the SKM will also add sugar to create a very sweet taste and a slightly brownish color.

Well, the heating process at the factory will cause the protein content to be very low, while adding large amounts of sugar will increase calories. One serving of calories (4 tablespoons) of SCM can reach 130 kcal with 19 grams of added sugar and 1 gram of protein. Meanwhile, one glass of fresh cow's milk contains 146 calories from 49% healthy fats, 30% carbohydrates, and 21% protein.

SKM is commonly used for making cakes, puddings, and as a sweetener for coffee and tea. However, because of its high sugar content, SCM is not recommended for consumption by people who suffer from diabetes, who are losing weight, or have dental problems.

Not only that. In fact, an official statement from the Indonesian Pediatrician Association (IDAI) states that SKM is also highly recommended for consumption by infants and children.

Based on the processing process…

1. UHT

UHT (Ultra High Temperature) milk is processed at high temperature up to 135º Celsius for 2-5 seconds. This high temperature heating aims to kill harmful microorganisms that may be present in the dairy products. This heating process also gives the final product a longer shelf life.

The fast heating process for UHT products is also known as pasteurization. After processing, the dairy products will be packed in sterile cartons or cans. If you have opened the packaging, the shelf life can only last 3-4 days.

2. Evaporation

Similar to SKM, evaporated milk (evaporated milk) thick texture because it is heated first until most of the moisture content is gone. However, the nutrient content is inside evaporated milk do not change. This process is also what makes it evaporated milk can be stored for a long time and does not spoil easily.

Slightly different from SKM, evaporated milk no added sugar. Therefore, you can add this creamer to the diet menu. However, if you want to consume it for diet, choose one that is labeled low in fat.

You can consume evaporated milk by diluting it with warm water. This thick creamer can also be mixed in coffee, tea, cooking, cakes, soups, or other food recipes as a sweetener.

3. Pure milk

Whole milk (fresh whole milk) is the dairy product that is not reduced or added with any ingredients. However, after being milked, it is usually filtered manually to remove dirt.

As the name suggests, the manufacturing process whole milk does not involve any process. That's why whole milk is considered to have more amino acids, vitamins, minerals and fatty acids than pasteurized (heated) milk.

Well because it is not processed, whole milk can't last long. You are advised to drink it immediately after milking and filtering.

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