Powdered milk isn't used for drinking milk that much anymore-modern refrigeration and distribution technologies mean that people can get fresh in most parts of the United States. However, it's still a common ingredient used in many recipes.

A tablespoon of nonfat powdered milk contains about 50 calories, according to information provided by the US Department of Agriculture. None of these calories are from fat.

Harvard nutritionist Walter Willett reports that what's in a food's calories is even more important than the raw numbers of calories. A tablespoon of nonfat powdered milk delivers between 10 and 15 percent of the USDA recommended levels of protein, riboflavin, vitamin B-12, phosphorus and vitamin D.

One drawback of the calories in nonfat powdered milk is the sodium content. One tablespoon contains more than 300 mg of sodium, more than 12 percent of the USDA recommended limit.