September is Better Breakfast Month, and with school back in full swing, there is no better time to shed light on the nutrition chocolate milk brings to the breakfast table.

Breakfast has long been called the most important meal of the day and for good reason. Breakfast is the first nutrition opportunity of the day and a chance to get more of several foods that may be lacking in our diets, like dairy, fruits, and whole grains. These foods pack a powerful punch of vitamins, minerals, protein, and fiber.

While Americans may be “in the know” about the nutritional need for breakfast, including boosted brainpower for kids at school, many still skip the morning meal due to lack of time. Morning schedules can make for hectic households, with families rushing out the door for work and school. This is where school breakfast comes in handy for families. Using the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, nutrition professionals develop school menus that offer the right balance of fruits, vegetables, milk (including flavored milk), whole grains, and lean protein with every breakfast and lunch served.

One of the most popular and nutritious breakfast items on the school menu is chocolate milk. Sharing evidence of the health benefits of flavored milk helps to clear up misconceptions about its place in school meals. With 13 essential nutrients, flavored milk is a key player in school nutrition. Many people may not realize that chocolate and strawberry milk offer the same vitamins, minerals, and protein as white milk.

Offering flavored milk on school menus provides students with a regular source of food to meet three nutrients that are often lacking in their diets: calcium, vitamin D, and potassium. These nutrients play a crucial role in healthy growth and development. Students whose nutritional needs are met perform better overall in school and receive higher grades.

Another myth surrounding flavored milk is that it is a major contributor of added sugar to students’ diets. However, the chocolate milk served in schools is specially formulated to contain less sugar. During the 2023-24 school year, chocolate milk contained 7.4 grams of added sugar, which is 50% less than what was served 18 years ago. Today’s school chocolate milk has just 27.7 more calories than white milk, while offering the same essential nutrients that are a key to a healthy diet.

Flavored milk offers a tasty option to help students reach their daily nutrient requirements. So, get ready to let your kids sip, savor, and shine by boosting their breakfast’s nutrition with chocolate milk!