Does chocolate milk come from brown cows? Sadly, seven percent of Americans think so.
A survey conducted by the Innovation Center for U.S. Dairy uncovered the fact that some Americans are pretty disconnected from how their food travels from the farm to their table.
In fact, about half of 1,000 people polled said they weren’t sure where chocolate milk comes from.
To help reconnect people to where their food comes from, the Innovation Center for U.S. Dairy, in partnership with America’s dairy farmers and importers, has launched “Undeniably Dairy,” which showcases the joy of dairy in everyday life, while spotlighting farmers’ innovations and positive contributions to their communities.
The campaign has also debunked a few other popular consumer misconceptions:
Myth: Chocolate milk is not as nutritious as white milk.
Fact: No matter what the flavor, milk will always be the same delicious and nutritious beverage that provides nine essential nutrients. The major difference between white and flavored milk is the higher carbohydrate and calorie content due to the addition of sweeteners. While some have concerns about sweeteners in milk, leading health and nutrition organizations have recognized that the small amounts of added sugars that can be used in nutrient-dense foods, like chocolate milk. For some people, the calories from sugar in flavored milk are a worthwhile trade-off for all of the nutrients milk provides.
In fact, dairy companies have come together to lower sugars in flavored milk available in schools by 38 percent. This lower-sugar, fat-free option has an average of 134 calories per 8 oz., which is only about 30 more calories than white milk.
Myth: Drinking chocolate milk causes weight gain.
Fact: A study of more than 7,000 children and adolescents revealed that drinking flavored or white milk was not related to an increase in body mass index, when compared to children and adolescents who did not drink milk. The key to anyone wanting to maintain a healthy body weight is to balance calories consumed with calories expended by physical activities.
Myth: The added sugars in chocolate milk will make my child hyper.
Fact: According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, there is no scientific basis that sugar and other sweeteners cause hyperactivity.
