Is flavoured milk healthy for children?
The Dietary Guidelines for Americans advise choosing plain low-fat (1%) or fat-free milk for children instead of flavored milks with added sugars. In USDA data, whole chocolate milk has 83 kcal per 100 g versus 61 kcal for plain whole milk. Flavored milk still provides calcium, but with added sugar.
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Is flavored milk healthy for kids?
The Dietary Guidelines for Americans fact sheet for kids and teens says to avoid drinks with added sugars and to choose plain low-fat (1%) or fat-free (skim) milk instead of flavored milks with added sugars. It lists low-fat or fat-free dairy, including milk, as a healthy choice in the dairy group. The NHS advises offering water or unsweetened milk to young children.
How does chocolate milk compare with plain milk?
USDA FoodData Central, per 100 g:
| Drink | kcal | Fat | Carbs | Calcium |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chocolate milk, whole (FNDDS) | 83 | 3.39 g | 10.34 g | 112 mg |
| Whole milk (SR Legacy) | 61 | 3.25 g | 4.8 g | 113 mg |
By our calculation, whole chocolate milk has 22 kcal more per 100 g and about 5.5 g more carbohydrate, with about the same calcium. We did not find a USDA added-sugar figure for a standard glass, and brands differ, so check the label.
What counts as added sugar?
The Dietary Guidelines define added sugars as sugars added to foods and drinks, foods packaged as sweeteners such as table sugar, and sugars from syrups and honey.
What is the practical choice?
If a child will only drink milk when it is flavored, compare labels and pick the one with the least added sugar. Ask a doctor, dietitian or health visitor if your child has special needs.
People also ask
Is flavored milk healthy?
It provides calcium like plain milk, but the Dietary Guidelines for Americans say to choose plain low-fat or fat-free milk for children instead of flavored milks with added sugars.
Is chocolate milk higher in calories than plain milk?
Yes. USDA lists whole chocolate milk at 83 kcal per 100 g and plain whole milk at 61 kcal per 100 g.
What does the NHS say children should drink?
The NHS says it is best to offer your child water or unsweetened milk to drink, and that sugary foods and drinks should be limited.
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