Think chocolate milk is no good for your child? The truth is, chocolate milk can be part of a healthy diet for kids. Despite concerns you may have about sugar content, know that this kid favorite contributes only a small percentage of added sugars in children’s diets — just 4%. This is far less than soft drinks or fruit punches.
Plus, as the United Dairy Industry of Michigan points out on its website, chocolate milk offers the same essential nutrients as white milk, supporting bone health and overall growth.
Chocolate milk can be part of a better-quality diet
For children ages 9-18, chocolate milk offers 13 essential nutrients in every eight-ounce glass, including calcium, vitamin D, potassium and protein, all key components for growth and bone health. Research shows that kids who drink chocolate milk have better-quality diets and are just as likely to maintain a healthy weight as those who don’t.
What about the sugar in chocolate milk?
All milk naturally contains lactose, a type of sugar. When it comes to chocolate milk, there’s also a bit of added sugar to give it that delicious taste. But don’t worry — chocolate milk contributes only a small amount of added sugar to kids’ diets. Check out the facts:
- Soft drinks and sweetened beverages: 33% of added sugars in children’s diets.
- Chocolate milk: Only about 4% of added sugars.
Since 2007, schools have reduced the added sugar content in chocolate milk by about 55%. While health experts recommend cutting back on added sugars, they agree that a little sugar in a nutrient-rich drink like chocolate milk can help kids get essential nutrients they might otherwise miss.
Chocolate milk gives pregnant moms a tasty nutrient boost
Pregnant moms, did you know that your calcium and vitamin D needs are the same as they were before pregnancy? While the recommended daily amounts (1,000 mg of calcium and 600 IU of vitamin D) don’t increase, many people in the U.S., including pregnant women, fall short of these nutrients. This is why it’s important to ensure you’re getting enough and chocolate milk is a delicious and convenient way to do so!
With the same benefits as white milk, chocolate milk provides calcium and vitamin D, plus a satisfying flavor that can help with those pregnancy cravings. Adding a glass of chocolate milk to your daily routine can help keep you and your baby healthy while making sure you stay hydrated.
Try these healthy and delicious dairy treats:
- Smoothies: Blend chocolate milk with yogurt, fruit, and even a handful of spinach for a nutrient-packed snack.
- Milk First: Try adding chocolate milk to your morning coffee for a sweet, calcium-rich twist.
- Snack on Chocolate Milk: When you need a sweet treat, chocolate milk offers the nutrition of white milk with an extra boost of flavor!
Say yes to chocolate milk
Saying yes to chocolate milk means saying yes to a nutrient-packed, delicious option that supports your child’s health, athletic performance and bone development. Plus, it’s good for adults, too – especially pregnant mothers or anyone needing to add more calcium, vitamins and protein to their diet.
So if you or your child craves chocolate milk, go ahead and pour a glass! It’s not just delicious, in moderation, it’s healthy too.
For more information on the benefits of chocolate milk, recipes and kids’ nutrition tips, visit Milk Means More. Find more resources from Metro Parent for getting kids to eat healthy.
