Is Chocolate Milk Good For You?

Chocolate milk has long been considered a favorite childhood drink due to its sweet and chocolatey flavor. According to WebMD, the first iteration of chocolate milk was created in Jamaica in the late 1400s, where people consumed a beverage made with boiled milk, chocolate shavings, and cinnamon. Since then, however, chocolate milk has come to be served chilled instead of hot. But is this age-old beverage actually good for you?

While chocolate milk is often thought of as unhealthy because it is made with cocoa and sugar, it's also packed full of many different nutrients. As it turns out, chocolate milk is a great source of protein, calcium, vitamin D, phosphorus, potassium, and magnesium, all of which contain many important health benefits. Unlike regular milk, however, chocolate milk contains added sugars, which may contribute to weight gain and certain medical conditions. It also may not be suitable for people who are lactose intolerant.

However, some research suggests that chocolate milk may help your body recover after a workout. According to Health, a handful of studies have found that chocolate milk can help contribute to hydration and delay fatigue or exhaustion after a workout. This is largely because chocolate milk contains electrolytes, protein, and carbohydrates, all of which are vital nutrients needed to help aid recovery after a workout by healing and nourishing the body.

That being said, chocolate milk is not the only source of these nutrients, nor is it an ideal option for everyone. Sports drinks also contain the fluids and electrolytes needed to recover after an intense workout, and people who are lactose intolerant or allergic to milk cannot drink cow's milk. In addition, experts don't recommend drinking chocolate milk on a regular basis. Even though it does contain important nutrients, the other ingredients in it (like sugar and fat) should not be consumed in excess if you're looking to lose weight or keep your blood sugar stable.