Dairy & eggs

Milk, reduced fat, fluid, 2% milkfat, with added nonfat milk solids and vitamin A and vitamin D

FDC 170870cup (245 g)

Source: USDA FoodData Central · Public domain

Original analysis by NutriVerdict

Density 70 · +35 vs Dairy & eggs median

This vitamin-fortified 2% milk scores 70 of 100, a Good band result and rank 3 of 60 in Dairy & eggs. Its one clear standout is calcium at 10% DV, a modest but reliable contribution from a glass of milk.

A cup (245 g) is the standard pour for a glass with breakfast or cereal, and at 51 calories and 1.92 g of fat per 100 g it sits between whole and skim milk in richness. Beyond calcium it doesn't post any other standout nutrient here, so it functions more as a steady daily staple than a concentrated source of any one nutrient.

See how this score is calculated, build a plate around milk, reduced fat, or compare it with another food.

Source: USDA FoodData Central · Public domain

Fig. 1 · Macronutrient composition
Protein 3.5 g · 27%Carb 5 g · 39%Fat 1.9 g · 34%

Percent of calories derived by NutriVerdict from USDA grams

Nutrition facts

NutrientAmount% DV
Calories51 kcal3%
Total fat1.9 g2%
Saturated fat1.2 g6%
Cholesterol8 mg3%
Sodium52 mg2%
Carbohydrate5 g2%
Dietary fiber0 g0%
Sugars-
Protein3.5 g7%
Potassium162 mg3%
Calcium128 mg10%
Iron0.05 mg0%
Magnesium14 mg3%
Vitamin C1 mg1%
Vitamin A56 µg6%
Vitamin E-

Source: USDA FoodData Central · Public domain

FDC 170870

Original analysis by NutriVerdict

What it is rich in

Nutrients supplying at least 10% of the Daily Value per 100 grams. 20% or more is an excellent source.

Calcium10% DV

Original analysis by NutriVerdict

Versus the dairy & eggs median

Nutrient density70 vs 35 median
Protein / 100 g3.5 vs 9 median
Fiber / 100 g0 vs 0 median
Sodium / 100 g52 vs 162 median

Original analysis by NutriVerdict

More nutrient-dense swaps

Foods in the same category that score higher on nutrient density.

Yogurt, Greek, plain, nonfatDensity 70 vs 70Nutritional supplement for people with diabetes, liquidDensity 90 vs 70

Original analysis by NutriVerdict

In the kitchen and how to use it

This is standard 2% reduced-fat milk fortified with extra nonfat milk solids, which gives it a slightly creamier body and more pronounced milky flavor than plain 2% milk while still being lighter than whole milk. It is the everyday milk used for pouring over cereal, stirring into coffee or tea, and as the liquid base for pancake batter, mashed potatoes, cream sauces, and baked goods where a fuller texture than skim milk is wanted without the richness of whole milk. Its balance of body and lightness also makes it a common choice for drinking on its own.

Keep milk refrigerated at all times and check the sell-by date, since it spoils faster than shelf-stable dairy alternatives once opened. A cup at 245 g has just 51 calories and 3.48 grams of protein, along with 10 percent of the daily value for calcium in that same serving. With only 52 milligrams of sodium and under 2 grams of fat, it is a low-calorie way to add calcium and a bit of protein to a glass, a bowl of cereal, or a recipe calling for milk.

Frequently asked questions about milk, reduced fat

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

A 245 g cup has 51 calories and 3.48 grams of protein.

Is 2% milk a good source of calcium?

Yes, a cup provides about 10 percent of the daily value for calcium along with added vitamin A and vitamin D.

What is this milk commonly used for?

It is used for drinking, pouring over cereal, and as the liquid base in recipes like pancakes, mashed potatoes, and cream sauces.

View the USDA source record