How does whole milk compare to semi-skimmed nutritionally?

Whole milk has 66 kcal and 3.7 g of fat per 100 ml, while semi-skimmed has around 46 kcal and 1.8 g of fat. Protein and carbohydrate are nearly identical. The extra fat in whole milk provides fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E) and may increase satiety, but adds roughly 40 extra calories per glass.

Is whole milk fattening?

Whole milk is not inherently fattening. At 66 kcal per 100 ml (132 kcal per glass), it is moderate in calories. Research suggests that full-fat dairy may not increase obesity risk and can support satiety. What matters is overall calorie balance — a glass or two of whole milk fits comfortably within most diets.

Is whole milk ultra-processed?

No. Plain whole milk is classified as NOVA 1 (unprocessed or minimally processed). Pasteurisation and homogenisation are minimal processes that do not alter the fundamental nutritional composition. Only flavoured or fortified milk drinks with additives would be considered ultra-processed.

Glucose: LowNOVA 1

Nutritional Information for Whole Milk

Whole milk provides around 66 kcal per 100 ml with a balanced profile of fat (3.7 g), protein (3.5 g) and carbohydrate (4.7 g). All of the sugar in plain whole milk is naturally occurring lactose — there are no added sugars. It is a NOVA 1 unprocessed food with a low glycaemic index of around 27.

Nutrition per 100g

Nutrient	Per 100g	Per serving
Energy	66 kcal / 276 kJ	132 kcal
Protein	3.5g	7g
Carbohydrates	4.7g	9.4g
of which sugars	4.7g	—
Fat	3.7g	7.4g
of which saturated	2.4g	—
Fibre	0g	—
Salt	0.11g	—

Serving size: 200ml (one glass) · Source: Tesco product page, October 2025

Glucose impact

Glycemic Index

Low

Glucose risk

Whole milk has a low GI of approximately 27. The 4.7 g of sugar per 100 ml is entirely lactose, which is digested more slowly than sucrose. The fat and protein content further slows glucose absorption.

Processing level

NOVA 1 (unprocessed)

Plain whole milk is pasteurised and homogenised but otherwise unaltered. It contains a single ingredient (whole milk) with no additives, making it a NOVA 1 food. UHT (longlife) milk undergoes higher-temperature processing but is still classified as NOVA 1.

Whole Milk at Tesco

Source: Tesco product page, October 2025

Tesco British Whole Milk 568Ml, 1 Pint

£0.85*NOVA 1 (unprocessed)

Tesco British Whole Milk 1.13L, 2 Pints

£1.20*NOVA 1 (unprocessed)

Tesco British Whole Milk 2.272L, 4 Pints

£1.65*NOVA 1 (unprocessed)

Tesco Filtered Whole Milk 2 Litre

£2.10*NOVA 1 (unprocessed)

Tesco British Whole Milk Longlife Uht 1 Litre

£1.25*NOVA 1 (unprocessed)

*Prices were correct at the time of collection and may have since changed. Check Tesco.com for current pricing.

What to watch for when shopping

All 4.7 g of sugar per 100 ml in plain whole milk is naturally occurring lactose — not added sugar. Flavoured milks (chocolate, strawberry) can contain 10–12 g of sugar per 100 ml with added sweeteners, pushing them to NOVA 4. Check labels on milk-based drinks carefully.

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