United Dairy Industry of Michigan
  • About
  • Producers
    • Dairy Talk Webinars
    • Board Mentor Program
    • About UDIM
    • Dairy Promotion Grant Program
      • Grant Application
      • Grant Tips
      • Grant FAQ
      • Grant Photo Examples
      • Dairy Promotion Grant Guidelines
    • Promotion Updates from UDIM
    • Submit Materials Order Online
  • Contact
twitter iconinstagram icon
  • Food &
    Nutrition
  • Sports
    Nutrition
  • Health
    Professionals
  • Schools &
    Educators
    • Coaches
    • Educators
      • Nutrition Education
      • Breakfast and a Book
      • On the Farm STEM Immersion
      • Virtual Farm Tour
    • School Grant Programs
    • Food Service Directors
      • Dairy and School Meals
        • School Food Service Equipment
      • Behind the Kitchen
        • Continuing Education for Staff
        • School Meal Recipes
        • Food Safety
      • Marketing & Promoting School Meals
      • Michigan Food Heroes
  • Dairy
    Farming
    • Dairy’s Contribution to Sustainable Nutrition
    • The Journey of Milk
    • Day in the Life of a Michigan Dairy Farm Family
    • Meet Our Dairy Farm Families
      • Meet MI Farm Families
        • Farm Family Fun Facts
    • Michigan Dairy Facts
  • Blog
  • Recipes
  • Food &
    Nutrition
  • Sports
    Nutrition
  • Health
    Professionals
  • Schools &
    Educators
    • Coaches
    • Educators
      • Nutrition Education
      • Breakfast and a Book
      • On the Farm STEM Immersion
      • Virtual Farm Tour
    • School Grant Programs
    • Food Service Directors
      • Dairy and School Meals
        • School Food Service Equipment
      • Behind the Kitchen
        • Continuing Education for Staff
        • School Meal Recipes
        • Food Safety
      • Marketing & Promoting School Meals
      • Michigan Food Heroes
  • Dairy
    Farming
    • Dairy’s Contribution to Sustainable Nutrition
    • The Journey of Milk
    • Day in the Life of a Michigan Dairy Farm Family
    • Meet Our Dairy Farm Families
      • Meet MI Farm Families
        • Farm Family Fun Facts
    • Michigan Dairy Facts
  • Blog
  • Recipes

Home > Milk Means More Blog > Don’t Ghost Chocolate Milk!

  • Check us out
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • YouTube
  • Pinterest
  • Instagram
10/12/2020

Don’t Ghost Chocolate Milk!

Milk Means More  |  Dairy Products, Health benefits of dairy, Nutrition

October is the month when parents get creeped out by sugar that’s suddenly everywhere. But here’s some great  news: You don’t need to ghost chocolate milk!

Editor’s Note: This article originally appeared in the October issue of Metro Parent magazine.

Halloween fun often involves sugary sweets. If you fear your child is gobbling too much candy this month, could the answer to better nutrition be… more chocolate? Maybe, says Jodi Nemeth, a registered dietitian with Pediatric Associates of Livingston. Nemeth has a passion for educating children on the importance of proper nutrition and exercise. The trick to enjoying a chocolate milk treat is maintaining balance. “Like any food or beverage, moderation is key,” she says. “Drinking real dairy milk,  including chocolate milk, provides many  health benefits to kids and can be a part  of a healthy diet.”

Essential nutrients for your little pumpkins

Nemeth notes that chocolate milk has the same essential nutrients found in white milk. These include calcium and vitamin D, which are important for bone health. “As a pediatric dietitian and  mother of four, I always say ‘You only get  one chance to build your bones!’ Plus, the calcium in dairy milk is easily absorbed and used by the body,” she adds. Flavored milk offers a handy option to help kids over 5 years old get the two to three servings of dairy they need each day. “Chocolate milk may help children who do not like white milk get the dairy servings they need each day,” Nemeth says. “This allows kids to get all the health benefits of milk.” Children should also be encouraged to consume other dairy foods to meet the recommended daily servings. “Yogurt is a good source  of probiotics and cheese makes a great protein-rich snack.” Other nutrients in dairy milk, including chocolate milk, include vitamin A, B  vitamins, and protein. These are vital in promoting healthy body functions such as converting food into energy, central nervous system development, building muscle and red blood cells, and supporting a healthy immune system.

Don’t be spooked with chocolate milk at school 

Haunted by concerns of childhood obesity and worries about promoting tooth decay, some parents may think chocolate milk is better off of school menus. A 2014 peer-reviewed study found removing chocolate milk from school cafeterias may lead students to take less milk overall,  to drink less, and waste more of the white milk they do take and no longer purchase school lunch.

Keep calm, trick or  treat, and drink on

“Research doesn’t show a link between drinking chocolate milk and children becoming overweight,” Nemeth says. “Flavored milk contributes only a minimal amount of added sugar to children’s diets,” she adds. “Soft drinks  and other non-nutritive sweetened  beverages, like sports drinks, contribute  about 40% of the added sugars that kids  consume.” Surprisingly, the added calories in low-fat chocolate milk are minimal. “Chocolate milk only has an additional  40 calories than white milk,” Nemeth points out. “I see a lack of physical activity,  fast food, and consumption of soft drinks and other sweetened beverages contributing to kids being overweight.  I haven’t had to reduce the chocolate  milk in a child’s diet.”

A wickedly good recovery beverage 

Nemeth says that chocolate milk isn’t a nutritious treat just for kids. Energetic adults can benefit from working this wicked-good beverage into a healthy diet, too. Adding low-fat chocolate milk to your post-workout meal can benefit your body because it supplies many of the key nutrients needed as part of a daily training diet. Chocolate milk contains the ideal amount of carbohydrates and high-quality protein that may promote better performance the following day compared to carbohydrate-only beverages like sports drinks. “As a long-distance runner and mom of four active kids, we choose chocolate milk to refuel and rehydrate after exercising,” Nemeth says. “It has the right combination of carbohydrates and protein that your muscles need and contains electrolytes that are lost in sweat. Plus, it tastes great!”

Bottom line: Chocolate milk is terrifyingly tasty, and a totally nutritious beverage for the family.

Milk Means More
About the author

The professional team from Milk Means More created this information for your learning pleasure. Dietitians, farmers, teachers, writers, designers - all work together to bring you up-to-date dairy information!

No Comments

Leave a reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

You May Be Interested In

  • The Dairy Community Helps to Tackle Food Insecurity
  • Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month with Dairy 
  • Is It Okay To Eat Cheese?
  • Is It Okay to Eat Ice Cream?

Check Out These Recipes

  • Cachapas (Venezuelan Corn Pancakes with Cheese)
  • Sorullitos de Maiz (Puerto Rican Corn and Cheese Fritters)
  • Tropical Boba Smoothie
  • Creamy Strawberry Boba Tea

Tweets by MilkMeansMore

@MilkMeansMore on Instagram

milkmeansmore

View

Sep 27

Open
Alex Morgan or Mia Hamm? Instagram or Facebook? Better with milk - Oreos or donuts? See what Northwood soccer player @carlyboydd chooses in this edition of This or That. 

#milkmeansmore #udimathlete #thisorthat
271 0

milkmeansmore

View

Sep 26

Open
I'm sorry but you simply cannot beat 1 (ONE) ingredient homemade ice cream 🍦🍨🍫 no matter how hard you may try 😂 

(Just in case you needed another reason to keep chocolate milk around all the time...) 😜 Huge thanks to our friends @gonnaneedmilk for this life-changing dessert hack.

---

#rg • @gonnaneedmilk obsessed!! s/o to @carolinagelen for the inspo #gonnaneedmilk #chocolateicecream #homemadeicecream #milkrecipes
267 0

milkmeansmore

View

Sep 25

Open
Pumpkin cream cold foam from home 🙏🍂☕ Reporting for duty this fall, to a kitchen near you. 🫡

Our friends @un_bottled are bringing you all the cozy vibes you need to get through this "officially autumn" Monday 🎃👌

---

#RG • @un_bottled Pumpkin spice and everything nice! Where are all the fall lovers at??? Tis the season for cozy flavors and savory smells! 🎃🍂🍁 | Recipe by @brie_matthews 

#ASMR #fall #gilmoregirls #fallaesthetic #autumn #atumnvibes🍁 #iamanautumn #pumpkinspiceseason #pumpkinspice #coldfoam
585 1

milkmeansmore

View

Sep 22

Open
Check out the latest episode of the Michigan Minute and get to know the players on the @umichvball team! #milkmeansmore
312 0

milkmeansmore

View

Sep 21

Open
Chocolate milk - the official recovery drink of post-practice carpools. @carlyboydd 

#gonnaneedmilk #milkmeansmore #udimathlete
338 0

milkmeansmore

View

Sep 20

Open
Check out one of UofM gymnast @sierrabbrooks go-to workouts that you can do from home. Low-fat chocolate milk is a perfect 10, just ask Sierra. 

#milkmeansmore #gonnaneedmilk #udimathlete
300 0

milkmeansmore

View

Sep 19

Open
We've all seen high-protein cottage cheese ice cream. How about cottage cheese pudding tho? 👀🍮😋

Grab the recipe from our friends at @undeniablydairy below 👇

.

 Three Ingredient Cottage Cheese Churro Pudding?🤩 

This super easy sweet treat comes together in no time thanks to a food processor (or blender), cottage cheese, dulce de leche and a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar. It’s indulgent AND has high-quality protein from dairy. Ya can’t really beat that...let us know in the comments if you’d try this combo! #desserts #sweetsnacks #treatyoself 

Ingredients: 
1 cup cottage cheese 
½ cup canned dulce de leche 
A sprinkle of cinnamon sugar 
 
Instructions: 
1. Combine ingredients in a food process or blender 
2. Add to a serving cup and sprinkle with cinnamon sugar 
3. Enjoy!
603 0

milkmeansmore

View

Sep 14

Open
What's the deal with the fats in cheese? 🤔🧀 Should we be cautious? 

"Sometimes saturated fats in cheese give it a bad reputation. While saturated fats are linked to an elevated risk of cardiovascular disease, it’s important to remember that not all saturated fats are alike. Current research indicates that saturated fats from dairy foods may not affect the cardiovascular system the same way as others. Those in cheese may help prevent strokes and protect against heart disease.

Ongoing studies also suggest that a polyunsaturated fat in cheese called conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) along with calcium may lower the risks of cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes. These nutrients help normalize blood sugar levels, ease inflammation and improve immune function. We still don’t know a lot about CLA. However, studies show it’s better to eat foods containing CLA than to take supplements."

Learn more in our blog post "Is It Okay to Eat Cheese?" 👉 🧀  https://www.milkmeansmore.org/is-it-okay-to-eat-cheese/
263 0

milkmeansmore

View

Sep 13

Open
What are dairy cows up to most of the time? 🐄 

Just big chillin', honestly~ 🤷 😪  That includes lots of napping, and lots of snacking. 

Producing milk might be her "job," but milking is just a small portion of a cow's day.

Learn more about how Michigan dairy farmers take care of their cows every day on our website: https://www.milkmeansmore.org/milk-local/day-life-michigan-dairy-farm-family/
268 0

milkmeansmore

View

Sep 12

Open
Taylor Swift or Beyoncé? Friends or The Office? Smoothie or Chocolate Milk? See what Michigan gymnast @sierrabbrooks chooses in this edition of This or That.

#milkmeansmore #udimathlete #thisorthat
289 0

milkmeansmore

View

Sep 11

Open
tag them below so they know September isn't too late 👇 😉 🍦
277 1

milkmeansmore

View

Sep 7

Open
Dairy farmers are adopting new technologies and changes every day to pave the way forward to a future where life on Earth comes first. 🌎 🐄  By 2050, goals set by the dairy community aim to: achieve greenhouse gas neutrality, optimize water usage, and improve water quality by optimizing utilization of manure and nutrients.

Learn more about GHG reductions and U.S. dairy's commitment to sustainability here/at the link in bio: https://www.milkmeansmore.org/how-dairy-farmers-are-reducing-methane-and-greenhouse-gas-emissions/

#sustainableagriculture #sustainability #milkmeansmore #sustainablefarming #farmlife #cowstagram #cowsmakemehappy #cowsarecool #cowsofinstagram
535 1

milkmeansmore

View

Sep 6

Open
Welcome to the Milk Means More team @keke.tholl.2. You can find her behind home plate during the UofM softball season or in the gym fueling up with her drink of choice - milk!

#milkmeansmore #gonnaneedmilk #udimathlete
307 0

milkmeansmore

View

Sep 5

Open
Is It Okay to Eat Cheese? 🤔🧀 

How indulgent, exactly, is this indulgence -- and what should we know about it before we inhale an entire block in the name of self-care?  Find out on our blog: www.milkmeansmore.org/is-it-okay-to-eat-cheese/ 😘
279 0

milkmeansmore

View

Sep 4

Open
Our latest contestant on America's Next Top Comfort Food: Cheesy Zucchini Rice Casserole! 🤗💖🧀 Ultra-creamy and so cozy, comfy, and utterly irresistible that no one will even know (or care) that there's healthy veggies in it, this recipe was made to nourish body and soul any night of the week.  Check it out at our link: https://www.milkmeansmore.org/recipe/cheesy-zucchini-rice-casserole/
260 0

milkmeansmore

View

Aug 30

Open
🍤🧀🍝 When it comes to adding that creamy touch to a dish, milk's got the magic in this Cheesy Summer Shrimp & Veggie Pasta recipe!  From cow to kitchen, the journey of dairy turns ordinary ingredients into extraordinary delights. It's not just pasta – it's that lip-smacking satisfaction you've been craving. 🤤🌼 So grab that apron, put on your milk mustache, and let the magic unfold! Recipe at our link: https://www.milkmeansmore.org/recipe/cheesy-summer-shrimp-veggie-pasta/
260 1

milkmeansmore

View

Aug 29

Open
@jake_vedder is back for another season on the Milk Means More team of athletes! Keep up with him all year long as he trains, competes and fuels his performance with milk on his journey to the 2026 Winter Games. 

#milkmeansmore #gonnaneedmilk #udimathlete
322 0

milkmeansmore

View

Aug 29

Open
If you're a little lacking in the "able to digest lactose" department, Ken, the good news is that anywhere with lactose-free milk you'd be a 10. 🎵 🤷  

Lactose-free milk and other dairy products have lactase enzymes already added to them (or have the lactose filtered out) before you pick them up.  Lactase can break down the lactose for you, so you don't have to worry about it!  💃

Anyways, you ever think about death? 😅

#iamkenough #kenough #barbie #barbiemovie #lactosefree #lactoseintolerant #barbiememes #memes
528 0

milkmeansmore

View

Aug 27

Open
🍎📚 Whatever you prefer, don't diss the tray lunch!  School meals are a fantastic choice to keep our little learners fueled and focused throughout the day. 🧠💪

With veggies, lean proteins, wholesome grains, and less sugar than many similar options, these meals are carefully crafted to provide the right nutrients for growth and development. 🥦🍗🍚

If you're feeling the lunchbox stress, give school meals a try!  Schools in Michigan are now able to provide FREE balances lunches to K-12 students, so, what do you have to lose? 🎒🥪✨ Give it a shot -- let's support our kids' (and our own) well-being by letting them enjoy delicious, nutritious meals right from their school.

Let us know in the comments: were you a tray lunch kid or a packed lunch kid? 👀
280 2

milkmeansmore

View

Aug 26

Open
Are you making the most of this summer? 🌞 🎢 🌽 

If a wonderful season in your book includes savoring the best fresh produce this time of year has to offer, then this recipe is for you! 😋  Juicy blueberries, grilled corn, and yummy zucchini join forces to create this vibrant medley of tastes and textures. 🥗  Get our recipe for this perfect grill-side side dish, Grilled Summer Corn, Blueberry, and Zucchini Salad, at our link: https://www.milkmeansmore.org/recipe/grilled-summer-corn-blueberry-and-zucchini-salad/
262 0

milkmeansmore

View

Aug 24

Open
Grilling isn't just for meat, you know... 🍄🌶️ But it may just be enough to get those summer barbecue lovers excited to eat their veggies!

If you haven't grilled up a rainbow yet this summer, you're in for a treat. 🍢🥗 Zucchini, summer squash, mushrooms, onions, and peppers unite with a creamy, delectably flavorful homemade Green Goddess dressing to bring a joyful, healthy surprise to your next barbecue or weeknight meal.  Get the recipe at our link: https://www.milkmeansmore.org/recipe/grilled-vegetable-skewers-with-green-goddess-dressing/
257 0

milkmeansmore

View

Aug 23

Open
We all know electrolytes are important, but why, exactly, is that the case? 🤔 

Since electrolytes are essential components that help our bodies maintain fluid balance and regulate nerve and muscle activity, losing electrolytes through sweat without replenishing them can lead to: dehydration, fatigue, muscle cramping and spasms, headaches, dizziness, and more. 😵💧 

Luckily, in addition to being the ideal post-workout recovery drink due to its carb-to-protein ratio, chocolate milk also contains essential electrolytes that every active body needs to stay hydrated and perform at its best. 💪 🍫 🥛
281 0

milkmeansmore

View

Aug 23

Open
We’re excited to welcome University of Michigan gymnast @sierrabbrooks back to the Milk Means More team for her final collegiate season. Whether it’s getting ready for competition or the classroom, Sierra fuels up each day with protein-rich chocolate milk. 

#milkmeansmore #gonnaneedmilk #udimathlete
278 0

milkmeansmore

View

Aug 22

Open
Milk is a powerful drink to cool you and your family down in the summer, providing the carbs, electrolytes, and more that a body of any size needs to get and stay hydrated. ☀️ 💧 

Did you know that milk actually hydrates better than water? 😳  It's true -- thanks to those nutritional components that help keep our cells and our bodies properly balanced with fluids and running smoothly! 💪 🥛 #stayhydrated #hydrate
265 0

milkmeansmore

View

Aug 18

Open
#ICYMI Have you ever wondered what a day in the life of a dairy cow is like? 🐄 Spoiler alert! They rest and eat the majority of the day. How great does that sound? 

The other few hours are spent socializing with other cows, walking to and from the milking parlor, and receiving quality care from dairy farmers.

#MilkMeansMore #UndeniablyDairy #dayinthelife #dairycows #cowsofig #farmanimals #animalcare
273 1

milkmeansmore

View

Aug 16

Open
Announcing the newest member of the Milk Means More team of athletes - @carlyboydd. Originally from Oxford, MI, Carly is kicking off her sophomore season with the Northwood University soccer team. We’re excited to partner with her all season long to share how milk fuels her performance both on and off the field. 

#milkmeansmore #gonnaneedmilk #udimathlete
312 4

milkmeansmore

View

Aug 15

Open
Comfy cows = happy farmers! 🐄 ❤️ 🤗 

Dairy farmers are constantly taking on new tech projects (like installing these cow brushes!) to improve cow well-being.  Other tools and tech many Michigan dairy farmers are embracing include robotic milking systems, cow monitoring devices to track each cow's activity and health, and innovative dry bedding like sand or recycled fiber from waste.

---

#Repost from @UndeniablyDairy

Dairy farmers use the latest tools and tech to ensure the comfort, health and well-being of their cows. Read more about it at our #linkinbio. #UndeniablyDairy #NationalDairyMonth
264 1

milkmeansmore

View

Aug 14

Open
Your local farmer's market more than likely has all the produce you need to make this cheesy, dreamy Summer Vegetable Gratin a reality. 🍅 🥒 🥔  Conveniently, your favorite grocery store is also stocked with the local dairy products that bring it all together. 🥛 🧀 😋  That makes this the perfect summer dish to source from farms in or near your community! 

Check your milk gallon for a 26 at the beginning of its 5-digit code, which lets you know it came from a Michigan farm! ✋ 🚜 🌾 🐄  Then check out the recipe at our link: https://www.milkmeansmore.org/recipe/summer-vegetable-gratin/
258 0

milkmeansmore

View

Aug 10

Open
Who said summer desserts don't get to be decadent? 👀 The rich, creamy filling of this No-Bake Frozen Blackberry Pie from @goboldwithbutter will satisfy your sweet tooth, while remaining balanced with a refreshing berry burst. ☀️🍰🤤

---

#RG • @goboldwithbutter A perfectly sweet dessert without having to turn on the oven? Count us in! This No Bake Frozen Blackberry Pie is delicious and refreshing, perfect for those hot summer days. Get the recipe in the link in our bio.
.
.
.
.

#betterwithbutter #blackberry #blackberrypie #frozen #nobake #pies #pieinspo #goboldwithbutter #butter #realbutter #realbutter #desserts #dessertinspo #summer #summerrecipes #recipe #recipeinspo #yummy #tasty #delicious #instagood #instayum #foodie #yum #eat #hungry #baking
269 1

milkmeansmore

View

Aug 8

Open
🌏 Join the program that has impacted 1+ MILLON students across the globe! The Adopt a Cow program is a free, year-long experience for your classroom. After pairing you with a calf from a dairy farm in Michigan, you’ll receive progress about her growth and other activities throughout the year – including photos, video updates, activity sheets, suggested lessons that follow Common CORE standards, and even opportunities to write letters to your calf!

➡️ Learn more: discoverdairy.com/adopt
257 0
FOLLOW US
Back to Top
Milk Means More logo
2163 Jolly Road
Okemos, Michigan 48864 517-349-8923

Receive nutrition tips, dairy fun facts, fresh recipes and more delivered to your inbox!

  • Dairy Farming
  • Food & Nutrition
  • Recipes
  • Blog
  • For Dairy Producers
  • Schools
  • Sports Nutrition
  • Health Professionals
  • About UDIM
  • Contact

© 2023 UDIM. All Rights Reserved.

  • Sitemap
  • Privacy Policy