Chocolate milk drink
Common food
Photo: Wikipedia
A sweet, creamy beverage made by blending cocoa or chocolate syrup with milk, offering a comforting, smooth texture with a rich chocolate flavor. Nutritionally, it's a light treat at 49 kcal per 100g, primarily providing quick energy from its 10.68g of carbohydrates, including 8.68g of sugar. While modest in protein (0.64g) and very low in fat (0.4g), it serves as a palatable way to increase fluid and some nutrient intake, especially for children.
Calorie split: 5% protein · 87% carbs · 7% fat
↓ Full nutrition💚 Why it's loved
People love it for its nostalgic, comforting sweetness and the classic combination of creamy milk and rich chocolate flavor. It's a versatile, kid-friendly drink that doubles as a quick snack, a post-activity refuel, or a base for milkshakes and smoothies.
⚠️ Watch-outs & how to enjoy it better
The high sugar content (8.68g per 100g) can cause rapid blood-sugar spikes, making it less ideal for those managing diabetes or seeking low-sugar diets. To mitigate this, pair it with a source of protein or healthy fat (like a handful of nuts or a piece of cheese) to slow sugar absorption, or opt for a smaller portion. It also contains lactose, which can be problematic for the lactose intolerant.
Key benefits
- Provides quick energy from natural and added sugars.
- Offers a palatable source of hydration, especially for children.
- Contains calcium and some protein from the milk base.
- Can be a comforting, mood-boosting treat due to chocolate's compounds.
- Fortified versions can contribute to daily vitamin D and calcium intake.
🍽️ Popular dishes
🌍 Where it's eaten
💡 Did you know?
In the U.S., chocolate milk is sometimes used by endurance athletes as an effective post-workout recovery drink because its carbohydrate-to-protein ratio helps replenish glycogen and repair muscle.
Full nutrition (USDA data · scales with serving)
| Water | 87.6 g |
| Energy | 49.0 kcal |
| Protein | 0.64 g |
| Total lipid (fat) | 0.40 g |
| Carbohydrate, by difference | 10.7 g |
| Fiber, total dietary | 0.60 g |
| Total Sugars | 8.7 g |
| Calcium, Ca | 100 mg |
| Iron, Fe | 0.33 mg |
| Magnesium, Mg | 11.0 mg |
| Phosphorus, P | 24.0 mg |
| Potassium, K | 79.0 mg |
| Sodium, Na | 91.0 mg |
| Zinc, Zn | 0.16 mg |
| Copper, Cu | 0.07 mg |
| Selenium, Se | 0.70 ug |
| Vitamin C, total ascorbic acid | 2.0 mg |
| Thiamin | 0.01 mg |
| Riboflavin | 0.05 mg |
| Niacin | 0.11 mg |
| Vitamin B-6 | 0.01 mg |
| Folate, total | 1.0 ug |
| Folic acid | 0.00 ug |
| Folate, food | 1.0 ug |
| Folate, DFE | 1.0 ug |
| Choline, total | 3.3 mg |
| Vitamin B-12 | 0.06 ug |
| Vitamin B-12, added | 0.00 ug |
| Vitamin A, RAE | 60.0 ug |
| Retinol | 60.0 ug |
| Carotene, beta | 0.00 ug |
| Carotene, alpha | 0.00 ug |
| Cryptoxanthin, beta | 0.00 ug |
| Lycopene | 0.00 ug |
| Lutein + zeaxanthin | 1.0 ug |
| Vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol) | 0.01 mg |
| Vitamin E, added | 0.00 mg |
| Vitamin D (D2 + D3) | 1.3 ug |
| Vitamin K (phylloquinone) | 0.10 ug |
| Alcohol, ethyl | 0.00 g |
| Caffeine | 1.0 mg |
| Theobromine | 50.0 mg |
Fat & fatty acid profile (per 100g)
| Fatty acids, total saturated | 0.31 g |
| SFA 4:0 | 0.01 g |
| SFA 6:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 8:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 10:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 12:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 14:0 | 0.01 g |
| SFA 16:0 | 0.14 g |
| SFA 18:0 | 0.14 g |
| Fatty acids, total monounsaturated | 0.05 g |
| MUFA 16:1 | 0.00 g |
| MUFA 18:1 | 0.05 g |
| MUFA 20:1 | 0.00 g |
| MUFA 22:1 | 0.00 g |
| Fatty acids, total polyunsaturated | 0.01 g |
| PUFA 18:2 | 0.01 g |
| PUFA 18:3 | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 18:4 | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 20:4 | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 20:5 n-3 (EPA) | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 22:5 n-3 (DPA) | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 22:6 n-3 (DHA) | 0.00 g |
| Cholesterol | 0.00 mg |
Amino acid profile (per 100g)
Estimated from Snacks, granola bars, soft, coated, milk chocolate coating, chocolate chip — USDA does not publish this profile for Chocolate milk drink.
| Tryptophan | 0.07 g |
| Threonine | 0.23 g |
| Isoleucine | 0.27 g |
| Leucine | 0.47 g |
| Lysine | 0.29 g |
| Methionine | 0.11 g |
| Cystine | 0.06 g |
| Phenylalanine | 0.29 g |
| Tyrosine | 0.24 g |
| Valine | 0.34 g |
| Arginine | 0.24 g |
| Histidine | 0.10 g |
| Alanine | 0.22 g |
| Aspartic acid | 0.48 g |
| Glutamic acid | 1.1 g |
| Glycine | 0.18 g |
| Proline | 0.39 g |
| Serine | 0.25 g |
FAQ
Is chocolate milk just milk with chocolate syrup added?
Commercially, it's often a blend of milk, sugar, cocoa, and sometimes stabilizers or vitamins. Homemade versions are simply milk mixed with cocoa powder and a sweetener.
Is chocolate milk healthy for kids?
It can be part of a balanced diet as a source of calcium and vitamin D, but its high sugar content means it should be consumed in moderation, not as a primary milk source.
Can I make a lower-sugar version at home?
Yes. Blend unsweetened cocoa powder with milk and a small amount of a natural sweetener like honey or maple syrup. You can also use ripe banana for sweetness and added fiber.
Nutrient density (calculated · NRF9.3)
Nutrient Rich Foods index: beneficial nutrients (protein, fiber, vitamins, minerals) minus saturated fat, added sugar & sodium, per 100 kcal.
NRF9.3 index — Fulgoni, Keast & Drewnowski, 2009. Computed from USDA nutrients.
Weight-loss friendliness (composite index)
Energy density 0.49 kcal/g · 5% calories from protein · 0.6 g fiber · 8.7 g sugar per 100 g.
Composite of energy density (Rolls et al., 1999), protein & fiber satiety, minus sugar. A calculated heuristic — ranks satiety-per-calorie, not a clinical measure.
Dietary load (calculated from USDA values)
Potential renal acid load. Positive = acid-forming, negative = alkaline-forming.
Sodium-to-potassium ratio: 1.15 (lower is better — aim for ≤ 1)
Sodium:potassium per WHO potassium guidance. Computed from USDA nutrients.