Thirsty Thursday: What's up with flavored milk?

Is flavored milk as nutritious as white milk?
Yes, flavored milk contains the same nine essential nutrients as white milk. Flavored milk provides calcium, protein, vitamin D, vitamin A, vitamin B12, potassium, phosphorus, riboflavin and niacin. In comparison, beverages like soda and fruit drinks provide little more than calories and sugar.

Is flavored milk packed with sugar, which is associated with hyperactivity?
A soda or fruit drink contain nearly twice as much sugar as flavored milk. Furthermore, the American Medical Association, the American Academy of Pediatrics and the Food and Drug Administration have found no link between sugar and behavioral problems in children.

Is flavored milk high in fat and calories?
Flavored milk comes in many varieties, including reduced fat, lowfat and fat free. For example, a 1 cup serving of lowfat flavored milk has only 2.5 grams of fat per serving, the exact amount as in white milk.

Does flavored milk cause cavities?
The ingredients in chocolate milk are much less likely to cause cavities than soft drinks and sticky snack foods. Liquids such as flavored milk clear the mouth faster. Some studies suggest that the cocoa in chocolate milk may actually protect against cavities.

Is chocolate milk high in caffeine?
No. The amount of caffeine in chocolate milk is similar to the amount found in decaffeinated drinks. An 8-ounce serving of chocolate milk contains between 2 mg and 7 mg of caffeine. Cola, on the other hand, may contain up to 10 times more caffeine than chocolate milk. According to recent evidence, the amount of caffeine in chocolate milk is too small to have a detrimental effect on a child's behavior.

Isn't flavored milk just for kids?
Absolutely not! Flavored milk is a great way to satisfy that sweet tooth while increasing your intake of calcium and eight other essential nutrients.