Debate is raging on the future of chocolate milk in schools after some schools in the USA announced that they were removing it from their lunchtime menus. Chocolate milk takes many adults back to their childhood and many schools across the US have been supplying it for many years. However, nutrition experts and dentists have criticised the provision of the creamy substance on the grounds that it contains a large amount of fat and sugar.
Why is chocolate milk bad for kids?
Chocolate milk has been labelled ‘bad’ for kids because it contains a large amount of fat and sugar. Sugar contributes to dental health problems, as well as other health problems, and a diet that is rich in fat increases the risk of childhood obesity, an illness that has almost reached epidemic proportions in some countries. Obesity is linked to a host of health problems, from diabetes and an increased risk of heart disease to high blood pressure, infertility and strokes.
Nutrition experts and dentists are eager for schools to provide healthier options for kids. Even a serving of reduced fat chocolate milk has almost as many calories and as much sugar as a can of Coke. Some schools have already removed chocolate milk and replaced it with natural, organic milk, which is lower in fat and contains less sugar.
Why is obesity on the increase?
A poor diet and a lack of exercise are the main causes of obesity. In recent years, fast food has become more widely available and many people find it hard to resist the lure of a burger bar or a fried chicken stall. People are also working longer hours which means they have less time and energy to devote to preparing meals; for many, when they get home from a long day at work, the last thing they want to do is start cooking and they call a take-away or drop in at a fast food outlet on the way home. Many people are also spending much more time indoors, both during their work hours and their leisure time.
The other side of the story
The stance of dentists and nutrition experts is well-known but there is another side of the story. The change of heart will undoubtedly have a huge effect on the dairy industry and some parents are unhappy because they want their children to have the choice; some experts have also claimed that chocolate milk is preferable to some other drinks because it contains calcium, which is important for building strong bones and teeth.
In opposition to the ban on chocolate milk, the dairy industry has launched a million dollar campaign on YouTube named ‘Raise Your Hand for Chocolate Milk’. The aim of the campaign is to highlight the health benefits of drinking chocolate milk, such as high calcium content and vitamin D.
