Calories in 2% Milk: Full Nutrition Breakdown

2% milk, also known as reduced-fat milk, strikes a balance between the richness of whole milk and the leanness of skim. It retains much of the creamy taste while cutting the fat content by roughly 38% compared to whole milk. Here is a complete breakdown of 2% milk nutrition by serving size.

Calories by serving size:

2% milk is an excellent source of calcium, phosphorus, and riboflavin. Like whole milk, it is typically fortified with vitamins A and D in the United States, providing about 120 IU of vitamin D per cup.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How many calories are in a cup of 2% milk?

One cup (244 g) of 2% reduced-fat milk contains approximately 122 calories. Of those calories, about 35% come from fat, 40% from carbohydrates, and 25% from protein. This makes it a moderately caloric beverage that still provides substantial nutrition.

How does 2% milk compare to whole milk?

2% milk has about 27 fewer calories per cup than whole milk (122 vs 149) and roughly 3 grams less total fat. However, both types provide nearly identical amounts of protein (about 8 grams) and calcium (about 276-293 mg). The taste of 2% milk is slightly lighter than whole milk but still noticeably creamy.

Is 2% milk good for weight loss?

2% milk can be a reasonable choice for weight loss since it provides fewer calories than whole milk while still offering satisfying richness and high-quality protein. The 8 grams of protein per cup help promote fullness and preserve lean muscle during calorie restriction. For even lower calorie intake, skim milk at 83 calories per cup is the leanest option.

How much protein is in 2% milk?

A cup of 2% milk provides about 8.1 grams of complete protein containing all essential amino acids. This is virtually the same protein content found in whole milk and skim milk, since fat removal does not affect protein levels. Two cups of 2% milk deliver roughly 16 grams of protein, comparable to two eggs.

Is 2% milk fortified with vitamin D?

In the United States, nearly all commercial 2% milk is fortified with vitamin D, typically providing about 120 IU (3 mcg) per cup. This fortification helps the body absorb calcium more effectively and supports bone health. Vitamin A is also added back to reduced-fat and skim milk varieties since it is naturally lost when milkfat is removed.