Chocolate Milk Nutrition

Depending on what kind of chocolate milk you drink, depends on the amount of calories. Eight ounces of whole chocolate milk contains approximately 210 calories, reduced fat milk contains between 160-170 calories, and skim milk contains 160 calories approximately per eight ounces. When comparing these different kinds of milk, it’s important to look into information regarding the type of milk used when mixing a chocolate milk drink and its nutritional benefits.

There are four types of dairy milk derived on the market: whole, 2%, 1%, and skim. But there are also other types of milk that are non-dairy like soy milk, rice milk, and goat’s milk that is often fortified with the same ingredients as regular cow’s milk. Looking into select two product’s nutritional information, it gives a broader range of benefits, including those who may be lactose-intolerant or choose not to consume animal derived products, such as vegans.

Cow’s Milk

Cow’s milk, what is most commonly referred to just as milk, is widely carried throughout stores. It comes in powder form, liquid form, and even stored in cans. The variety of different types from whole milk, reduced fat milk—both 1% and 2%– and nonfat or skim milk are what make up the construction of milk and its nutritional informational varies depending on the type. When drinking regular whole milk it automatically contains Vitamin D and Calcium which is a key component in building strong bones.

Cow’s milk has also been shown to rank above soy milk and other plant-based derived non-dairy products because of its lower calorie level or lack of lactose and whey. These two ingredients are essential building blocks in the body that help the muscles build and recover. Due to soy milk’s lack of these two ingredients derived specifically from dairy products, it makes it superior to the drink. But studies show that those who are lactose-intolerant will receive the same vitamins and nutrients needed to help the body restore, but in different proportions than found in regular milk.

Soymilk

Most soy milk is vitamin fortified, but even so it contains less protein than regular cow’s milk. The added protein will still help aid in recovery if you are lactose-intolerant or do not drink regular milk. The fortified vitamins in the milk give you an added benefit that would not come from water the same way. Soymilk has been shown to have just as much nutritional benefit as regular milk because it is plant-based and is less hard on your digestive system.

Companies like Silk offer an already mixed drink of chocolate milk as well as a light or lower in calorie version that can be found in most stores in the dairy section. Soymilk also comes in aseptic containers that allow it to be stored on shelves and will not spoil, but once opened must be refrigerated and used within three to four days.

Many people look at soymilk as a vegan or vegetarian option or shun it because they are used to regular milk. But soymilk often contains fewer calories than regular milk and is actually healthier for your digestive tract because it allows you to obtain soy protein, as well as a source of vegetables. Soy milk is fermented soy beans and is can be flavored for vanilla or chocolate. Adding regular chocolate syrup or cocoa powder to plain soymilk will change its nutritional content to turn in your favor.

Adding Chocolate

Chocolate has long been studied for its ability to release phenylethylamine that triggers your brain to feel happy and is released when we are in love. But chocolate has also been known to improve brain function and health according to research conducted at the United Kingdom’s Northumbria University. Research shows that flavanol in the chocolate helped improve concentration and reduce tiredness when people were asked to perform arithmetic tests involving math.

Adding chocolate to your milk has substantial benefits apart from adding calcium and protein as your daily nutrients. It also aids in concentration, increase in happiness, and in reduction of fatigue or tiredness. It’s no wonder so many research is done on chocolate when it is such a common favorite of both men and women in North America.