Milk, whole

The term whole milk refers to cows milk that contains at least 3.25% fat. Sometimes recipes call for whole milk rather than lower fat to help thicken the mixture (such as many custard recipes). If not specified, you can almost always substitute 2% fat milk for whole milk in most recipes to help reduce the fat and cholesterol in a dish.

As with other milk products, whole homogenized milk is fortified with Vitamin D.

Substitute For Whole Milk

If you don't have whole milk, there are several very good substitutes.  To substitute 1 cup whole milk use:

• 5/8 cup skim milk + 3/8 cup half and half
• OR - 2/3 cup 1% milk + 1/2 cup half and half
• OR - 3/4 cup 2% milk + 1/4 cup half and half
• OR - 7/8 cup skim milk + 1/8 cup heavy cream

Non-Dairy Substitutes

• Soy milk is in general the best alternative to whole milk in cooking.  It's high in protein and has a similar flavor.
• Coconut milk works well in smoothies, preparing hot cereal, and even for making a basic white sauce.