Chocolate Milk Faces Potential Ban in School Cafeterias

The US Department of Agriculture is considering banning flavored milk in elementary and middle schools due to concerns about added sugars and childhood obesity. The decision will affect the roughly 30 million students who participate in the government’s school-meals program, as well as the dairy ind

May 16, 2023 . 3:19 PM

1 min read

US Department of Agriculture is considering a ban on flavored milk in elementary and middle schools due to concerns about added sugars.
Supporters say restricting flavored milk has added sugars that contribute to childhood obesity and establish preferences for overly sweet drinks.
Opponents, including the dairy industry and many school districts, say removing it will lead to children drinking less milk and missing out on essential nutrients.
Flavored skim milk was the top source of added sugars in both school breakfasts and lunches.
The decision will affect the roughly 30 million students who participate in the government’s school-meals program, as well as the dairy industry which sells about $2 billion of milk to schools annually.