1% Milk
Milk with the fat reduced to 1 percent. It is lighter than 2% in body and flavor while still tasting like milk rather than water.
| Category | Milk & Cream |
|---|---|
| Maker / Origin | United States |
| Storage | Refrigerate at about 38°F in its sealed carton, not in the door. |
| Shelf life | About 5 to 7 days after opening, and by the date on the carton. |
| Best uses | Drinking, cereal, smoothies, coffee, and light cooking. |
| Substitutes | 2% milk, or skim milk with a spoonful of half & half per glass. |
| Pairings | Cereal, smoothies, coffee, and tea. |
| Last checked | October 18, 2026 |
About it
Low-fat milk at 1 percent is close to skim in fat but keeps a little more body. Schools and hospitals adopted it widely as a middle step between whole milk and skim, and it remains a standard cafeteria milk.
Storing it
Keep sealed against odors. It freezes for up to 3 months; thaw in the fridge and shake, as separation is common with low-fat milks.
Using it
Use 1% milk for drinking, cereal, and smoothies. For custards and cream sauces, whole milk or a splash of cream gives better body.
Swaps & pairings
2% milk is the nearest step up in body. Skim plus a little cream rebuilds 1% closely for cooking.
More from this maker: United States