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Fortified milk

Diabetes Services

Last updated: May 2026
Next review: May 2028

An Easy Way to Add Extra Calories and Protein

Fortified milk is made by adding skimmed milk powder to full-fat milk. It is a simple way to increase the calories and protein in foods and drinks without increasing portion sizes. Fortified milk can be useful for people who have a poor appetite, are losing weight, or need extra nutritional support.


What Is Fortified Milk?

Fortified milk is ordinary full-fat milk with added skimmed milk powder.

Adding milk powder increases the nutritional value of the milk, providing extra calories and protein that can help support weight maintenance and recovery.


How To Make Fortified Milk

You Will Need

  • 1 pint (600ml) full-fat milk
  • 4 tablespoons skimmed milk powder

Examples of skimmed milk powder include:

  • Marvel
  • Coffee Mate
  • Supermarket own-brand milk powder

Step 1

Mix the 4 tablespoons of milk powder with 2–3 tablespoons of milk to create a smooth, runny paste.

Step 2

Gradually add the remaining milk and mix well.

Step 3

Store the fortified milk covered in the fridge.

Step 4

Use the milk within the same day where possible.


How To Use Fortified Milk

Fortified milk can be used in many everyday foods and drinks.

Use It In:

  • Breakfast cereals
  • Custard
  • Rice pudding
  • Milk jelly
  • Instant whip desserts
  • Sauces
  • Packet soups
  • Condensed soups
  • Milkshakes
  • Hot chocolate
  • Iced coffee

Using fortified milk regularly can help increase calorie and protein intake throughout the day.


Who Might Benefit?

Fortified milk may be helpful for people who:

  • Have a poor appetite
  • Are losing weight unintentionally
  • Need extra calories and protein
  • Are recovering from illness
  • Have been advised to follow a Food First approach

If you have been given individual dietary advice by a healthcare professional, continue to follow that guidance.


Helpful Tips

  • Keep fortified milk refrigerated
  • Add it to foods and drinks throughout the day
  • Use it instead of regular milk whenever possible
  • Combine it with a balanced diet for the best nutritional support

Further Information Available

This webpage provides a summary of fortified milk guidance. For full instructions and easy-read information, please download the PDF resource.


Need Further Advice?

If you have concerns about weight loss, poor appetite, or nutritional intake, please speak to your GP, Dietitian, Nurse, or Healthcare Professional.

Telephone: 0300 124 5300

Email: sirona.hello@nhs.net

Website: sirona-cic.org.uk