The Facts About Chocolate Milk
Milk, flavored or not, is a good source of important nutrients. In particular, it contains significant
amounts of 3 of the 4 Nutrients of Concern that USDA has said kids are most at risk of missing1.
The fat-free chocolate milk served
in Oregon schools is made specifically for
schools (Table 1).

It has just 40 calories more than fatfree white milk.

It has 20 calories more than 1% white
milk.

It contains fewer sugars than an
equivalent amount of orange juice.

It contains the same nutrients as white
milk including protein, potassium,
calcium, and vitamin D.
Table 1: Nutrition Facts—Nutrients of Concern are highlighted in yellow
Prior to the 2011-12 School-Year, Eugene School District 4J, in Oregon, decided to cut
chocolate milk from the menu. Nutrition staff measured

Overall milk selection decreased by 10.2%. (Figure 1).

Anecdotal evidence shows that returned and discarded milk rose significantly. (not shown).

Enrollment declined 0.4%, but lunch participation dropped 6.8% (Figure 2).
Milk Selection
300
250
200
150
100
50
-
the impact2.
284
207
Meal Participation
255
381
380
350
184
300
101
Chocolate
('11)/Skim ('11)
2011
200
All Milk
203
150
Enrollment
2011
2012
Figure 1: Average Daily Milk Selection
218
250
48
1% Milk
400
ADP
2012
Figure 2: Enrollment and Average Daily Lunch Participation
1
U.S. Department of Agriculture/U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Dietary Guidelines for Americans 2010. 2010. www.dietaryguidelines.gov
B.E.N. Center—Cornell University. Summary of Findings Related to Milk Selection in Eugene School District. 2012. smarterlunchrooms.org
2
Oregon Department of Education
School Nutrition Program
http://www.ode.state.or.us/search/results/?id=207