COLUMBUS – Consumers and school officials have questions about chocolate and other flavored milks and whether their nutritional benefits are the same as white milk. The American Dairy Association Mideast (ADA Mideast) has launched a multi-media campaign to provide information and correct misconceptions about flavored milk.
“Flavored milk provides same nine essential nutrients as white milk, including vitamin D, calcium and potassium, which are nutrients most kids fail to get enough of,” said Scott Higgins, ADA Mideast CEO. “Research has shown that children who drink flavored milk meet more of their nutrient needs, do not consume more added sugar, fat or calories and are not heavier than non-milk drinkers.”
The leaders at ADA Mideast have launched a campaign focused on raising consumer awareness about the nutrition and health benefits of flavored milk. The campaign will be promoted through TV commercials that will air on television stations in Ohio and West Virginia in November 2011 and explain why flavored milk is as healthy as white milk and why, if kids don’t have access to flavored milk, they will miss out on key vitamins and nutrients they likely won’t get elsewhere. Online advertising that directs visitors to drink-milk.com, the ADA Mideast consumer website, also has been placed in both states.
The campaign includes unique web pages that feature an expert interactive video Question & Answer section, with a pediatrician and a dietician, answering commonly-asked questions about flavored milk. For instance, they offer responses on whether children should be allowed to drink flavored milk.
“As a mom and a dietitian, I am perfectly fine with my child choosing chocolate milk as he goes down the lunch line,” said Sally Kuzemchak, a registered and licensed dietitian. “While I know that flavored milk has a little bit of added sugar, it also contains valuable nutrients that kids need every day.”
The experts also address whether flavored milk is contributing to health problems, such as childhood obesity.
“Chocolate milk only makes up three percent of total added sugar in children’s diets—it’s a miniscule amount, “said Dr. Robert D. Murray, a pediatrician and professor of Clinical Pediatrics at The Ohio State University College of Medicine. “I want that milk in children’s diets, and, if flavored milk what it takes to get it, then a couple of teaspoons of sugar is worth it. It will not cause obesity or diabetes, but it will benefit their diet.”
In addition, the website includes many educational materials, including fact sheets, articles and studies related to flavored milk.
For more answers to questions about flavored milk and for more information about the campaign, please visit www.drink-milk.com.
Contact: Hinda Mitchell, hindam@cmabuildstrust.com or 816-556-3142.