Which Milk Is Best For Weight Loss? (2024)

"I just want milk that tastes like real milk – but is also low in calories, high in protein, has adequate fat and no added sugar."

When did milk become so confusing?

Not too long ago, our milk choices were either full fat or skim. But now, the supermarket fridge is a little busier. Coconut, almond, soy, rice, hemp, oat and cashew are just some milk alternatives gaining popularity.

Choosing the right milk is no easy task, so let's look at Australia's top milk choices and unpack the pros and cons of each.


Unsweetened Almond Milk

Almond milk is the most popular milk alternative today - most likely because it has the lowest calories. One cup of almond milk has just 44 calories, which is drastically lower than regular milk which has 155 calories per cup. These days, it would be rare to find a café that didn't stock almond milk, so it's a safe bet. The downfall? It has one of the lowest protein contents of any milk alternative. So if you are drinking almond milk, ensure you are getting your protein from other sources.


Unsweetened Oat Milk

Oat milk is fast gaining popularity in the world of milk. This vegan alternative is made by blending water and oats and then straining out the liquid. It surprisingly tastes pretty close to cow's milk with a pleasantly creamy texture. Oat milk has around the same number of calories than cow's milk. However, it does come with more carbs and less protein than cow's milk. While the carborhydrates found in oats are complex carbs that are essential to your health, those on a low carb diet may want to keep a watch on their overall daily carb intake.

Oat milk is a good alternative for those with intolerances to dairy and soy. Compared to almond milk it does have 3 times more calories than almond milk and signifcantly higher carbs. So, when it comes to weight loss, almond milk may be a better choice.


*Calories, carb, fat and protein content (per cup) for popular milk and milk alternatives.

Soy Milk

Soy milk is the only milk that comes close to matching the protein content of regular milk. It's also low in saturated fat, which is beneficial when you're aiming to lose weight. However, soy is a prevalent allergen. Soy contains estrogen-like compounds called isoflavones, with some research linking these compounds with impaired female fertility and compromised thyroid function. In short, with so many milk alternatives out there, it makes sense to steer clear of soy.


Cow's Milk

Regular cow's milk ranks number one in terms of highest calories and fat. If you're having a couple of coffees a day, plus adding milk to your smoothie, you might find your daily calories are adding up quite quickly. The benefit? The higher fat content will keep you satiated and fuller for longer. So, you might find you don't need as many snacks throughout the day.


Low Fat Cow's Milk

For those who don't want to give up real milk but want to shed some extra kilos, low fat cow's milk might be your best bet. With 53 fewer calories and 5.8g less fat than regular cow's milk, transitioning to low fat might be the key to shifting those stubborn kilos.

Just keep in mind that dairy and lactose are common allergens. Lactose intolerance, in particular, is common in mums and bubs and often goes undiagnosed. If you’re noticing you’re bloated, gassy or nauseous; this could be due to lactose.

If your bub is crying for extended periods or is extremely unsettled, it could indicate that they’re intolerant. If you suspect your baby has a diary or lactose intolerance, it’s essential to seek advice from your doctor/pediatrician.


So, which milk is best for weight loss?

If you're up for transitioning to a milk alternative, almond milk has the lowest calories, by a long shot. If you're not quite ready to break up with cow's milk but have difficulty shifting weight, opt for low fat or reduce the amount of full-fat milk you're consuming.

If you’re transitioning from cow’s milk to a milk alternative, it’s vital to ensure you’re meeting your calcium requirements through other food sources. Sardines and dark leafy green vegetables and two great non-dairy options. You can also find non dairy milks fortified with calcium.

Finally, remember to always read the ingredients list when shopping for a new milk alternative; some brands have added sugar to enable a longer shelf life. Opt for alternatives with the shortest ingredient list and choose an unsweetened version to make sure your milk doesn't get in the way of your weight loss goals.

Shevi is a qualified nutritionist with a bachelor’s degree in nutrition and food sciences. As a new mum herself, she is passionate about postnatal-related nutrition. Shevi has worked alongside some of the most famous leaders and celebrities in the fitness industry throughout Australia and the UK.

Which Milk Is Best For Weight Loss? (1)

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Which Milk Is Best For Weight Loss? (6)

Which Milk Is Best For Weight Loss? (2024)

FAQs

Which Milk Is Best For Weight Loss? ›

So, which milk is best for weight loss? If you're up for transitioning to a milk alternative

milk alternative
A milk substitute is any substance that resembles milk and can be used in the same ways as milk. Such substances may be variously known as non-dairy beverage, nut milk, grain milk, legume milk, mock milk and alternative milk.
https://en.wikipedia.org › wiki › Milk_substitute
, almond milk has the lowest calories, by a long shot. If you're not quite ready to break up with cow's milk but have difficulty shifting weight, opt for low fat or reduce the amount of full-fat milk you're consuming.

What is the healthiest milk for weight loss? ›

Which milk is best for weight loss? According to an National Institutes of Health study, unsweetened almond milk has the fewest calories and aids in a low-carb diet. Almonds also contain a high content of monounsaturated fatty acids that are considered helpful in weight loss and weight management.

What is milk good for weight loss? ›

Milk contains a variety of components that may contribute to weight loss and prevent weight gain. For example, its high-protein content helps you feel full for a longer period of time, which may prevent overeating ( 30 , 31).

What is the healthiest milk to drink? ›

Low-fat, skim or 1% cow's milk are healthier options compared to 2% or whole milk. They contain less fat. “If you can't have cow's milk, soy milk and rice milk are often the healthiest milk for gut health – especially for people with celiac disease, an autoimmune disease that can cause inflammation,” Park said.

Is milk or almond milk better for weight loss? ›

240 ml of almond milk contains only 30-35 calories, but the same amount of dairy milk contains 150 calories. It is also low in sugars, containing only 2-3 grams of sugar per cup of almond milk. If you replace dairy milk with almond milk, it will reduce your calorie intake and eventually result in faster weight loss.

What milk is good for weight loss shakes? ›

The best milk for weight loss is almond milk. That's because it's one of the lowest-calorie milk you can put in your smoothie. By eating lower-calorie foods, you can encourage your body to be in a calorie deficit, which has been shown to significantly aid in weight loss.

Is oat milk or almond milk better for you? ›

Depends. If you're aiming to lose weight or are diabetic, almond milk with its lower sugar and calorie content might be right for you. On the other side, oat milk is high in fiber and nutrients, which boosts heart health and immunity, and helps muscle grow.

Should I cut out milk to lose weight? ›

Weight loss

Eliminating dairy can help with weight loss. Milk, plain yogurt, and other unsweetened dairy products contain lactose, a natural sugar, while other dairy products may contain added sugar. If you're trying to lose stubborn belly fat, eliminating added sugar can really help.

What milk has the lowest calories? ›

Because whole milk has the most fat, it also has the most calories. On the flip side, skim milk is the lowest in calories because all of the fat has been removed.

Why shouldn't I drink milk in the morning? ›

Cow's milk leans towards being acidic. Consuming it first thing when your stomach is empty might exacerbate the acidity levels in your gut, possibly leading to conditions like acid reflux, heartburn, and other uncomfortable digestive problems.

Which is No 1 best milk? ›

Amul is considered India's No. 1 milk brand.

Which milk has best benefits? ›

Dairy milks typically have the most nutritional value. Among the plant options, soy milk comes closest to the nutritional profile of cow's and goat's milks. Many plant-based milks are lower in saturated fat and calories than cow's milk.

What milk has the least sugar? ›

Milk and milk alternatives: Nutrition comparison per 8 fluid ounces
CaloriesSugars
Cow's milk (skim)8012 g
Almond milk (unsweetened)400 g
Soy milk (unsweetened)801 g
Rice milk (unsweetened)12010 g
3 more rows

What kind of milk is good for losing belly fat? ›

So, which milk is best for weight loss? If you're up for transitioning to a milk alternative, almond milk has the lowest calories, by a long shot. If you're not quite ready to break up with cow's milk but have difficulty shifting weight, opt for low fat or reduce the amount of full-fat milk you're consuming.

Is there a downside to almond milk? ›

Almond milk poses the most significant risk to people with an almond allergy. The beverage may also contain less-than-desirable ingredients, even for people without a nut allergy.

Which milk is best for weight loss toned milk? ›

Both types of milk are great for weight loss as both of them have less fat and calories. But skimmed milk is a better than toned milk in aiding weight loss, as skimmed milk has more protein than double toned milk.

What is the least fattening milk alternative? ›

Almond milk is typically lower in calories than other milks, as long as it's unsweetened. It's also free of saturated fat and is naturally lactose-free. Per cup, unsweetened almond milk has: about 30 to 60 calories.

What type of milk should you choose to avoid weight problems? ›

While milk isn't high in fat (even whole milk is four per cent fat, putting it in the 'medium' category), if you have it frequently, it adds up. The good news is that it's easy to switch to lower-fat milk. If you're used to whole milk, switch to semi-skimmed first, which has about half as much fat as whole.

What can I drink with milk to lose weight? ›

A milk and banana smoothie is a great source of protein, calcium, fiber, and potassium. These nutrients help to keep you satiated. Milk is an excellent source of vitamin B12, magnesium, and zinc, all of which are great for weight loss, in addition to protein and calcium.

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