Is Chocolate Milk Healthy?

This article was written by Megan Maisano, MS, RDN

Chocolate milk can be a nutritious choice for kids. Both flavored and unflavored milk provide essential nutrients that support physical and cognitive growth through each life stage, and research shows flavored milk can help children drink more milk and meet daily nutrition needs.

Chocolate Milk vs. Regular Milk

Both chocolate milk and regular milk offer the same 13 essential nutrients, including high-quality protein along with calcium, vitamin D and potassium - nutrients many children don’t get enough of.

Chocolate milk contains some added sugar, but it can still fit into a healthy, balanced diet. The American Academy of Pediatrics notes that small amounts of added sugars can help make nutrient-dense foods like milk more appealing to children.

Importantly, national nutrition data show that flavored milk contributes only about 5% of added sugars in kids’ diets. In comparison, sugar-sweetened beverages like soda, fruit drinks and sports drinks contribute up to 38% of added sugars.

Is Chocolate Milk Nutritious For Kids?

A growing body of research shows that kids who drink flavored milk tend to have higher overall diet quality, greater intake of key nutrients like calcium, potassium and vitamin D, and no consistent differences in body weight compared to non-drinkers.

When flavored milk replaces sugar-sweetened beverages - which are often nutrient-poor - it can help improve overall nutrition while supporting healthy growth. Research suggests this substitution may be linked to healthier weight gain and more favorable body composition as part of a balanced diet.

Kids also like it. A review of 53 studies found that flavored milk received the highest taste ratings among children and was linked with higher total milk intake, helping them meet daily nutrient recommendations that support growth and development. 

Flavored Milk in Schools

School meals play a vital role in supporting children’s diets and are often one of the best sources of nutrition during the day, thanks to National School Meal Programs.

Studies have found that removing flavored milk from schools can reduce overall milk intake and increase milk waste. This means fewer children may be getting essential nutrients important for healthy growth and development.

At the same time, flavored milk options at schools are improving. Through efforts like the Healthy School Milk Commitment, added sugars in flavored milk sold at schools have decreased by nearly 60% since 2006, with about 7 grams of added sugar per serving today. Ongoing innovation continues to reduce added sugars while maintaining the taste kids enjoy with the nutrients they can benefit from.

The Bottom Line: Is Chocolate Milk Good for You?

Whether flavored or unflavored, milk provides essential nutrients to kids that support their brains, bones and bodies. As a part of a balanced diet, chocolate milk can be a smart, practical, and enjoyable choice for growing kids.