Chocolate Milk — Nutrients, Health Benefits, and Shopping Tips
Written by Listonic Team
Last update on September 5, 2024
Nutrients
Nutrition facts
Amount per 100 g
Calories
🔥 83 kcal
| Nutrients per: 100 g | Value | % Daily Value* |
|---|---|---|
| Carbs | 10 g | 3.64% |
| Fiber | 1 g | 3.57% |
| Sugars | 10 g | 20% |
| Glycemic Index | 34 | - |
| Protein | 3 g | 6% |
| Sodium | 60 mg | 2.61% |
| Total Fat | 3 | 3.85% |
*The % of Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
34
🟢 Low Glycemic Index
3 g
🥕 Low Fat Content
Key takeaways
Health benefits
- Rich in protein, essential for muscle growth, repair, and overall body function.
- High in calcium, important for strong bones and teeth, reducing the risk of osteoporosis.
- Provides quick energy from carbohydrates, making it a good post-workout recovery drink.
- Contains essential vitamins and minerals such as Vitamin D, potassium, and magnesium, which support overall health and well-being.
- Enhances mood by stimulating the production of endorphins and serotonin.
Health risks
- High sugar content particularly in commercial chocolate milk, which can contribute to weight gain, tooth decay, and increased risk of diabetes.
- High calorie content which can lead to weight gain if consumed frequently or in large portions, especially when made with whole milk.
- Potential for lactose intolerance symptoms such as bloating, gas, or diarrhea in individuals sensitive to dairy products.
- Risk of allergic reactions particularly in individuals with dairy allergies, causing symptoms like itching, swelling, or difficulty breathing.
How to choose chocolate milk
Choose chocolate milk that features milk as the first ingredient, followed by cocoa and natural sweeteners. The consistency should be creamy and smooth, not watery or overly thickened with additives.
Avoid chocolate milk products that rely heavily on artificial flavors or preservatives. Good quality chocolate milk should taste naturally sweet and chocolaty, without a chemical aftertaste.
How to store chocolate milk
Chocolate milk should be refrigerated right after you buy it or make it. Store it in its original packaging or move it to a sealed container. When kept properly, chocolate milk can remain good for up to a week if unopened. Once opened, it should be consumed within 3-5 days.
Leaving chocolate milk out of the fridge can lead to quick spoilage. Light exposure can diminish its quality, so it’s best to keep it in a cool, dark area. Make sure the container is securely closed to preserve its freshness and avoid contamination.
✅ Extra Tip
How long does it last?
Chocolate milk can last for 1 week in the refrigerator when unopened. Once opened, it should be consumed within 3-5 days. Always check the expiration date on the packaging for the best quality.
What to do with leftovers?
Leftover chocolate milk can be used in a variety of ways. Use it as a base for a milkshake by blending it with ice cream and your favorite mix-ins, or freeze it into popsicles for a cool treat. Chocolate milk is also great when added to coffee for a mocha twist.
Use chocolate milk in baking, such as adding it to cake or brownie batter for extra richness. If you have a lot of chocolate milk, consider using it in a hot chocolate recipe by heating it with extra chocolate and a touch of vanilla. Chocolate milk can also be mixed into pancake or waffle batter for a sweet, chocolatey breakfast. For a quick snack, mix chocolate milk with a scoop of protein powder for a post-workout shake, or use it as a base for a smoothie with bananas and peanut butter.
👨⚕️️ Medical disclaimer
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Listonic Team
Fact-checked
Our editorial team checked this article to make sure it was accurate at the time of publishing it.
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