5 Reasons to Love Chocolate Milk & Chocolate Milk Nutrition
February is the season of love. There is plenty to love in this world, but chocolate milk may be one of those simple pleasures in life that people of all ages can agree upon—the love for chocolate milk is a true, lifelong love. Let us count the ways!
And while we could go on and on about milk, we will focus on 5 big reasons to love chocolate milk.
Chocolate Milk Nutrition and Flavor
Drinking chocolate milk after exercise helps replenish muscle protein. One 8-ounce serving of milk has 8 grams of protein, which helps you build muscle, stay active, and recover as part of your active lifestyle. Once you finish your workout, reach for chocolate milk to help you stay strong.
Chocolate milk can be enjoyed by many. Chocolate milk is sometimes better tolerated than unflavored milk for those with lactose sensitivity. And if that is not the case for you, don’t worry! Lactose-free chocolate milk is widely available, so your beloved chocolate milk will not betray you. Lactose-free milk still has the same benefits as regular milk, which means lactose-free chocolate milk will let you sip on as many glasses as you want without the unwanted side effects.
When chocolate milk is an option, kids are more likely to drink milk and get the nutrients they need. We all have personal preferences, especially in our preferred flavor of milk. While adults appreciate a tall glass of milk, let’s face it, childhood is not about complexity. Kids want sweet, and chocolate milk can satisfy their sweet tooth while helping them obtain the nutrients they need. Rest assured, parents! Flavored milk like chocolate milk contributes only 4% of added sugars to the diets of children ages 2 to 18 years, while soft drinks and non-carbonated sweetened beverages contribute 40% of the added sugars. Studies also show that the consumption of flavored milk is associated with higher total milk consumption and better overall diet quality without any adverse impact on weight. With great-tasting milk, we can all be on our way to achieving balanced nutrition.
Chocolate milk’s fluid and electrolytes—like calcium, potassium, magnesium, and sodium—rehydrate and replenish critical nutrients lost in sweat. That’s another reason to take chocolate milk to the gym!
Chocolate milk tastes great! Like “plain” milk (really, there isn’t anything plain about it), chocolate milk can be enjoyed in a variety of beverages. What is not to love about chocolate and milk? You can enjoy chocolate milk on its own, in your smoothie, or even heat it up for a cozy hot chocolate! For some tasty ways to incorporate chocolate milk into your day, check out our Dairy Recipes.
During this season of love, proudly show your love for chocolate milk.