All of the different types of powdered milk can be somewhat confusing and overwhelming. Especially when you begin to compare weight, number of calories and flavor. Whew! What is the difference between whole and full cream milk or skim and lowfat milk? How should I know which one to take with me on my trip?

About Milk Types

The main difference between different types of milk is the percentage of milk fat that the milk contains. The percentage of milk fat is the percentage of fat in grams (weight), not calories.

Full Cream & Whole Milk

These are the highest calorie milks in the bunch. Both full cream and whole milk have had no fat removed from the milk – this milk is also sometimes called “full-fat” milk for that reason. Full cream, whole milk and full-fat milk are all the same type of milk going by different names. Whole milk must contain a minimum of 3.25% milk fat and 8.25% milk solids by weight. This gives whole milk its high fat content. Whole milk derives about 50% of it’s calories from fat.

Reduced Fat Milk & Lowfat Milk

Reduced and lowfat milks are somewhere between whole milk and non-fat milk. Reduced fat milk contains 2% milk fat and derives 35% of its calories from fat. Lowfat milk contains 1% milk fat and derives 23% of its calories from fat.

Skim & Non-Fat Milk

Skim and non-fat milks have had as much fat removed from the milk as possible. These milks cannot contain more than 0.5% milk fat by weight and usually contains just 5% of its calories from fat.

What does this mean for my powdered milk options?

The nutritional content and the percentage of milk fat in powdered milk is much the same as fresh milk. Please see the chart below to get an understanding of the nutritional content contained in the milk powders that we stock.

Nutritional Comparison Chart of Powdered Milks

*30g of milk powder will make an 8oz serving of liquid milk. Although each milk powder requires 30g (weight) to make a glass of milk, 30g is actually a different volume for these milk powders.
      Nature’s First requires 2 tablespoons to make 30g of milk powder.
      Nido requires 3 tablespoons to make 30g of milk powder.
      Milkman requires 5.3 tablespoons to make 30g of milk powder.

Which powdered milk should I choose?

This really depends on what you’re looking for in your milk. Answer the questions below to help determine the milk that’s best for you.

Do you want the same type of milk you’re used to drinking at home?

If so, you may want to choose Milkman Lowfat Milk Powder. Most of us are not used to drinking whole milk at home and you may find whole milk to be a richer flavor that you are accustomed to.

Do you want to increase the number of calories that you’ll be consuming while on the trail?

Many hikers are looking to get the greatest number of calories possible from anything and everything that they consume. If you want to boost the calorie content of your morning granola or your mashed potatoes, Nature’s First and Nido milk powders are the best options for you.

I’d like to use whole milk but I’m not sure what the difference is between Nature’s First and Nido. Can you explain?

There are three major differences between these two milk powders – quantity needed, disolveability and taste.

Quantity Needed
In order to make one 8oz glass of milk, you will need 2 tablespoons of Nature’s First milk powder or 3 tablespoons of Nido milk powder. The volume needed of each milk powder is different but the weight is the same – you will need 30g of either milk powder to make one 8oz glass of milk. Why the difference? Well, read on to disolvability.

Disolvability
Although both Nature’s First and Nido are both whole milk powders, Nature’s First requires less powder to make liquid milk – one tablespoon less per 8oz glass than Nido. Because Nature’s First is more concentrated, it does take a little more stirring to fully dissolve whereas Nido dissolves almost as soon as it hits the water. 

Taste
Milk is milk is milk – right? Well, Nature’s First and Nido are both whole milk powders but they do taste a bit different. We find that Nature’s First has a much creamer taste and texture than Nido. We go for Nature’s First in coffee, smoothies and any dish where milk plays the starring role. Nido has a slightly lighter taste and, because it dissolves more readily, it’s great in recipes calling for milk. If you want the calories of whole milk but aren’t a big fan of the richer flavor, Nido would be a great option for you.

Copyright: June 2011. All rights reserved. Packit Gourmet, LLC