10 Reasons to Add Chocolate Milk to Your Fridge

Whether you’re trying to recover from a brutal workout or please the taste buds of your family members, there are plenty of reasons chocolate milk is the all-star in your fridge.

1. Kids Favor the Flavor

Data shows that students choose flavored milk 70% of the time. A recent study showed that when schools remove or limit flavored milk, milk consumption drops 35% on average. Consequently, when milk intake drops, so does the intake of important nutrients. Kids and adults can enjoy the great taste of chocolate milk!

2. #DairyAmazing Nutrition

Milk contains nine essential nutrients, including high-quality protein. With hard-to-match nutrition, chocolate milk gives you all that nutrition plus the taste appeal that keeps you coming back for more.

3. It’s a Bargain

Dairy tends to be readily available and affordable. Chocolate milk is a tasty, budget-friendly choice to stock up on.

4. Ideal Recovery Combo

Chocolate milk has the perfect combination of carbs and protein, which makes it a great post-workout choice. The unique ratio allows for faster muscle recovery. Need more info on why (and how) to recover with chocolate milk? We’ve got you covered.

5. 3 Every Day

Physicians and dietitians agree that it should be a family goal to drink three servings of dairy each day. Drinking a glass of chocolate milk is one delicious way to make it happen.

6. Happy Bellies

Not only does chocolate milk taste great, it’s also easy on the bellies for those who have lactose intolerance! Just like regular milk, you can find lactose-free chocolate milk in your dairy aisle. It’s the same great taste and nutrition, without the lactose.

7. Quench Your Thirst Deliciously

It’s summer, which means lots of time spent outdoors. Whether your kids are outside playing, or you’re going for a run, hydration is key when the temps are soaring. Reach for a cold glass of chocolate milk; studies show that deliciously flavored beverages like chocolate milk (which is also full of natural electrolytes) make it easier to stay hydrated.

8. Rethink Your Drink

All milk, whether it’s white or chocolate, has naturally occurring sugar called lactose. There is some sugar added to flavored milk, but it’s still less than other sugar-sweetened beverages. One 8-ounce glass of chocolate milk has less than 3 teaspoons of added sugar, compared to regular soda, which has 8 teaspoons per 12-ounce can. To learn more about flavored milk, click here.

9. Up Your Smoothie Game

Summer time often means smoothie time. Up your smoothie game by adding chocolate milk as a base. Need some inspiration? Check out this Dark Chocolate-Covered Strawberry Smoothie (or switch it up by adding chocolate milk as your base).

10. Up Your Popsicle Game, Too

Freeze chocolate milk and sliced fruit (I prefer sliced strawberries or bananas) in your Popsicle molds for a deliciously nutritious treat that’s sure to keep you as cool as your personality.

By Sarah Ryan, MS, RDN, LD

Sarah is a registered dietitian nutritionist and foodie. She has a special interest in sports nutrition and is certified in food allergy training. When she isn't working, you can find her in the kitchen baking delicious cakes and beautiful pies. Learn more about Sarah

Get Content Like This in Your Inbox.