Group · Dairy
Chocolate milk
Chocolate milk, also called milk chocolate drink or drinking milk chocolate, is a sweetened dairy drink flavoured with cocoa. It comes in several forms: made at home with cocoa powder, ready to drink in cartons, or reconstituted from chocolate powder. Enjoyed by children and adults alike, it combines the nutritional base of milk (calcium, protein) with the indulgence of cocoa. At around 72.8 kcal per 100 g, it provides 3.42 g of protein, 11 g of carbohydrates and 1.58 g of fat. It is a treat drink that can fit into a balanced diet, as long as you keep an eye on its added sugar and include it in moderation day to day.
Macronutrient breakdown
Nutrition table per 100 g
| Calories | 73 kcal |
| Kilojoules | 307 kJ |
| Protein | 3,5 g |
| Carbohydrate | 11 g |
| Fat | 1,6 g |
| Fibre | 0,5 g |
Micronutrients per 100 g
All measured nutrients, ranked by share of the daily reference intake.
- Copper0,15 mg15 %
- Calcium114 mg14 %
- Phosphorus96,3 mg14 %
- Vitamin B20,16 mg11 %
- Iodine15,4 µg10 %
- Potassium160 mg8 %
- Vitamin B50,34 mg6 %
- Magnesium20,1 mg5 %
See the other 13 nutrients
- Zinc0,49 mg5 %
- Vitamin B10,04 mg3 %
- Vitamin B120,08 µg3 %
- Selenium1,62 µg3 %
- Iron0,35 mg3 %
- Vitamin B60,03 mg2 %
- Vitamin D0,08 µg2 %
- Vitamin B93,2 µg2 %
- Vitamin B30,15 mg1 %
- Total omega-30,02 g1 %
- Manganese0,01 mg1 %
- Vitamin E0,05 mg0 %
- Omega-6 LA0,02 g0 %
Anses Ciqual 2025. Source: Anses, 2025, Ciqual food composition table
Tips
Chocolate milk is often drunk at breakfast or as an after-school snack, alongside toast or cereals. A standard portion is a large glass (200 to 250 ml), which provides around 170 to 210 kcal depending on the recipe. To limit sugar, make it yourself with semi-skimmed milk and a spoonful of unsweetened cocoa: that way you control the amount of added sugar, which is often high in shop-bought versions.
Nutrition facts and benefits. Chocolate milk inherits the strengths of milk: calcium, phosphorus, B vitamins and good-quality protein. The cocoa adds some interesting compounds and a flavour people enjoy. Its carbohydrates (11 g per 100 g) come from the natural lactose in milk and from added sugars. Its glycaemic index remains moderate thanks to the protein and fat, which slow absorption.
- Choice of milk: opt for semi-skimmed milk for a good compromise, or skimmed milk if you are watching your fat intake.
- Storage: use soon after opening and keep it in the fridge.
- Pairings: it goes well with a piece of fruit or a slice of wholemeal bread for a filling snack.
Tips for active people. Chocolate milk is a well-known recovery drink among athletes: it combines carbohydrates (to replenish glycogen stores) and protein (for muscle repair), in a useful ratio after exercise. Drunk within the window after a workout, it supports recovery while rehydrating you. To go further, discover our ideas for protein snacks and the principles of nutrition for fitness. If you want a more concentrated source of protein, a drinking yoghurt can also work as a snack.
Weight control. The main point to watch remains added sugar: shop-bought versions can contain a lot, which increases calorie density. If you are watching your waistline, limit portions, favour a lightly sweetened homemade version and keep this drink as an occasional treat rather than a daily habit. To compare with other products, see the dairy products family or the calorie table. Well integrated, chocolate milk remains an indulgent drink that is compatible with a balanced diet.