eli5: Why is there 1%, 2%, and whole milk but not any other percentage?

Question

I just feel like its weird how the percentage goes from 1-2% to whole.

Also, what do these percentages even mean? How can you turn milk into 1% or 2% milk?

In: Other

Answer 1

milk fat varies between cows and farms. Some cows have over 4%. So during the processing they separate all the fat and then put back the proper amount to make for a consistent product.

If you get raw milk from a farmer, it may have 5% milk fat or 3%.

People like consistent texture and flavor.