Flavored Milk

More than great taste.

Chocolate milk contains the same great nutrient-rich package as white milk, including vitamin D, calcium and potassium – “nutrients of concern” that most kids fail to get enough of, according to the Dietary Guidelines for Americans. Research shows that in general by the age of 4 children do not consume the recommended servings from the Milk Group

Low-fat and fat-free milk (white or flavored) contains a unique contribution of nine essential nutrients, which are important for growth and development. And on average flavored milk contributes just 3 percent of added sugars and 2 percent of calories to children’s diets. In comparison, on average carbonated soda and fruit drinks contribute 45 percent of added sugars and 9 percent of calories to kids’ diets, and many of these beverages provide few nutrients.

Studies show that children who drink flavored milk actually drink more milk overall, have better quality diets, do not have higher intakes of added sugar or fat and are just as likely to be at a healthy weight compared to kids who do not drink flavored milk (is it flavored milk or “compared to kids who don’t drink milk”?).

Drinking fat-free chocolate milk can help children get their 3 daily servings of milk as recommended by the 2010 Dietary Guidelines for Americans. Plus, when kids drink nutrient-rich flavored milk, they improve their overall diets.

Good for kids

Flavored milk, especially chocolate milk, has come under discussion in many schools across the country. The issue has triggered strong emotions as well as many myths.

Today’s milk is lower in calories than ever. In fact, when kids pick up a carton of chocolate milk with their school lunch, it is fat-free and 130 calories – the result of an ongoing commitment to improve school milk by the nation’s milk processors.

A national study showed eliminating flavored milk from elementary schools resulted in a dramatic 35% drop in milk consumption which did not rebound over time. This means many children will miss out on essential nutrients that milk provides. If milk is not consumed with the noon meal, it’s nearly impossible for children to meet their needs for calcium, vitamin D and potassium.

Check out the following downloadable resources flavored milk plays in overall nutrition.

Milk Facts: A Science-Based PowerPoint

  • When flavored milk leaves the lunchroom, essential nutrients leave with it. The milk students drink is the milk that makes them healthy. This new science-based PowerPoint on flavored milk’s role in children’s diets is designed as a tool for school nutrition professionals to use with staff, parents and administrators. This PowerPoint is available by contacting Sarah Garrison at sgarrison@westerndairyassociation.org

Fact Sheets and Copy Masters

Research Articles and Reviews