Carnation Instant Breakfast is a quick and convenient alternative for busy people who would otherwise skip breakfast. The no-added-sugar version comes in powdered drink mix packets that you can mix with skim milk. It provides the nutrients and calories you need to start your day, without extra fat and sugar. You can choose either the Classic French Vanilla or Rich Milk Chocolate flavors.

One serving of Carnation Instant Breakfast contains between 150 and 220 calories. The French vanilla flavor with 1 cup of skim milk only contains 150 calories. The chocolate flavor with one cup of skim milk contains 220 calories. Using 2 percent or whole milk will add calories. The average adult should consume around 2,000 calories per day, so this beverage gives you about 10 percent of your daily calories. Keep in mind that calories are a measurement of energy, so too few calories in the morning will leave you feeling sluggish.

Both flavors of sugar free Carnation Instant Breakfast drinks are low in fat. They each contain 1 gram of fat per serving. Half of that gram is saturated fat, and they contain no trans fats. Saturated fats and trans fats can raise your cholesterol level, putting you at risk for heart disease.

Both flavors of sugar free Carnation Instant Breakfast contain between 25 and 50 percent of your recommended daily allowance, or RDA, of essential vitamins and minerals. Some of those vitamins and minerals, such as calcium, come from mixing the powder with skim milk. The powder alone contains 25 percent of your RDA of calcium. When mixed with skim milk, the beverage contains 50 percent of your RDA of calcium.

Both flavors contain 120 mg of sodium. Healthy adults should consume no more than 2,300 mg of sodium per day, or about 1 teaspoon of salt. If you are watching your sodium intake, remember to check processed foods such as Carnation Instant Breakfast drinks for their sodium content.

Sugar free Carnation Instant Breakfast contains 5 grams of protein, or about 9 percent of your RDA. When you mix the powder with a cup of skim milk, it gives you 26 percent of your RDA. Many people get their protein from high fat foods like red meat. It is a good idea to search out low fat sources for your daily protein requirements.