When it comes to nutrition, skim milk is head and shoulders above whole milk and even low-fat varieties such as 1 and 2 percent. In addition to having fewer calories than milk with a higher fat content, skim milk may also contain more calcium. Although the nutrition of organic skim is not significantly different from conventional skim, there are other variations between the two.
Organic vs. Conventional
By definition, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, USDA, states that a product must promote biodiversity, minimize pollution and prioritize agricultural and environmental health. The Wisconsin Organics organization notes that to be labeled organic, a skim milk product must have come from cows that eat organic feed, have not been treated with hormones or antibiotics and live on farms free of pesticides, fertilizers or irradiation. Conventional skim milk does not have to meet such standards.
Nutrition Facts
Organic Valley reports that 1 cup of its fat-free skim milk contains approximately 90 calories, no fat, 5 mg of cholesterol, 125 mg of sodium, 370 mg of potassium, 12 g of carbohydrates and sugars, no fiber and 8 g of protein. A cup fulfills approximately 30 percent of the recommended daily value, RDA, of calcium. In contrast, the USDA states that 1 cup of conventional skim milk has about 83 calories, 8.25 g of protein, 0.2 g of fat, 5 mg of cholesterol, 100 mg of sodium, 380 mg of potassium, 12 g of carbohydrates, 12.5 g of sugar and no fiber.
Health Benefits
From a nutritional standpoint, there are no health benefits to choosing organic skim milk over conventional. No conclusive studies have exhibited that organic products reduce the risk of disease or are healthier than conventional alternatives, though they are free of synthetic substances, chemicals and additives. Thus, both conventional and skim milk provide the same healthy amounts of protein and calcium, which ChooseMyPlate.gov reports can enhance building, growth and repair of skin, bone, muscle and blood tissue and guard against the development of osteoporosis.
Considerations
It is important to realize that in many ways, there are not significant differences between organic and conventional skim milk, according to the National Dairy Council. "Both contain the same combination of nutrients that make dairy foods an important part of a healthy diet," states the council. If you do opt for organic skim milk over conventional, better reasons than nutritional purposes are to support the environment and safe farming practices.
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