News
Study Reveals the Negative Nutrition Impact of Eliminating Flavored Milk in Schools
A recent study, which included nearly 700 measurement days over 3 months at 58 elementary and secondary schools across the country, found that when low-fat flavored milk was not available in school cafeterias, many children chose not to drink milk, missing out on milk’s essential nutrients. On days when only white milk was offered, milk consumption dropped an average of 35 percent, with some schools experiencing a decline of more than 50 percent. The study also revealed that milk consumption stayed down in schools that were in their second year of eliminating or restricting flavored milks.
The researchers estimate that this decline in consumption translates to an alarming drop in nutrients, including calcium, vitamins A and D, potassium, magnesium, and protein. This includes three of the four “shortfall nutrients” of which the 2010 Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee has said both adults and children need to consume more: vitamin D, calcium and potassium. The researchers concluded it would require up to four different foods to match the nutrient contributions of milk, yet these foods would add back more calories and fat and cost up to $4,500 more annually per 100 students.
The nation’s leading health and nutrition organizations and the Dietary Guidelines for Americans recognize the valuable role that milk, including flavored milk, can play in meeting daily nutrient needs. In addition, they recognize the small amount of added sugars in flavored milk is an acceptable trade-off for the nutrients provided.
Nearly 70 percent of the milk children chose to drink in school is flavored, which offers the same nine essential nutrients as plain milk. The majority of milk offered in schools, both white and flavored, is low-fat or fat-free. Studies show that children who drink flavored milk drink more milk overall, have better quality diets, do not have higher intakes of sugar, fat or calories, and are more likely to be at a healthy weight compared to kids who drink little or no milk.1-3
The following resources provide additional information about the study and the benefits of flavored milk:
- The Impact on Student Milk Consumption and Nutrient Intakes Summary
- Important School Lunchroom News!
- Chocolate Milk: Tasty Nutrition
Impact on Student Milk Consumption and Nutrient Intakes from Eliminating Flavored Milk in Schools, conducted by Prime Marketing Group and funded by the Milk Processor Education Program, 2010.
References
1. Johnson RK, Frary C, Wang MQ. The nutritional consequences of flavored milk consumption by school-aged children and adolescents in the United States. J Am Diet Assoc. 2002; 102(6):853-856.
2. Frary CD, Johnson RK, Wang MQ. Children and adolescents’ choices of foods and beverages high in added sugars are associated with intakes of key nutrients and food groups. J Adolesc Health 2004; 34(1):56-63.
3. Murphy MM, Douglas JS, Johnson RK, Spence LA. Drinking flavored or plain milk is positively associated with nutrient intake and is not associated with adverse effects on weight status in U.S. children and adolescents. J Am Diet Assoc. 2008; 108:631-639.