According to reports, 7% of Americans wrongly believe that this milk comes from brown cows. By 2024, the global chocolate market is estimated to reach a value of $9.31 billion, with an annual growth rate of 3.6%.

The top five choco milk brands in the US are:

• Nestle Nesquik
• Carnation
• Hiland
• Prairie Farms
• Ovaltine

Origin of chocolate milk

The exact origin of chocolate milk is not known. However, according to the Natural History Museum in Britain, the credit for the discovery of this drink belongs to an Irish botanist named Sir Hans Sloane. Sloane spent a while in Jamaica during the early 17th century. Local people in Jamaica gave him cocoa to drink, but he couldn’t tolerate it, so he experimented by mixing it with milk and enjoyed it. He later took this new mixture back to England, where it was sold as a medicine for years.

According to historian Jame Delbougo, Jamaicans had been brewing a form of choco milk as far back as 1494. Humans have also known about chocolate since 350 BC. Therefore, it is not impossible for someone before Sir Hans Sloane to have added milk to chocolate. Furthermore, Europeans have known about chocolate since 1502. No matter its origin, chocolate milk remains a popular beverage in the world today.

Nutrition

In a serving size of 250g, there are:

There are some health benefits associated with this drink, which include:

• This beverage provides fluid and electrolytes that hydrate the body.
• It is a good source of protein for muscle repair.
• Choco milk is generally suitable for kids and young people.
• This drink may be able to help you recover after a workout.

However, this drink also has its side effects. First of all, it has a lot of added sugar and excess consumption of these sugars can lead to diabetes and heart disease. Additionally, this milk also contains lactose, which not everyone can digest. People who are lactose-intolerant may experience cramping and diarrhea when consuming this beverage.

Commercial production

A choco milk product of industrial standard is usually comprised of:

• 6.3% sugar
• 0.65% cocoa powder
• 93% milk
• 0.05% carrageenan

The typical industrial procedure for this drink involves the dry blending of sugar, carrageenan, and cocoa powder. Then, the blended mixture is added to cold milk with vigorous agitation. Pasteurization is the last stage involved. The final drink will contain around 1% or 2% of fat.

Application

Choco milk is easy to make at home. All you need is milk, unsweetened cocoa powder, and powdered sugar.

• First, add the milk to a glass. Gradually pour the cocoa powder into the milk while blending with an immersion blender.
• Next, pour in the powdered sugar and mix well.
• Finally, you can place the drink in the refrigerator to chill.

If you freeze this drink, it can be safely stored for several months. Although in the refrigerator, it can only last for about one week. If you want to refrigerate it, be sure not to store it in the refrigerator door. This place is prone to fluctuation and often has the highest temperature in the refrigerator. 

For best results, store this drink in the colder areas of the fridge or in the freezer. Furthermore, don’t leave this milk out of the refrigerator for more than three hours, as it will go bad. If you notice a sour smell in this drink, dispose of it because it has likely gone bad.

Chocolate milk recipes

This creamy beverage is well-liked by people everywhere. Here are some popular recipes:

• Chocolate Milk
• Homemade Cocoa Milk
• Homemade Choco Milk
• Choco Milk with Less Sugar
• Almond Milk Chocolate

FDA regulation

The Food and Drug Administration regulates cocoa, chocolate, and their related products. The body oversees the preparation, production, labeling, and packaging of these products. The FDA also has standards of identity for various types of milk and cream. The organization monitors the production, flavoring, processing, and labeling of these products, as well. 

References

Jason. “Can You Freeze Chocolate Milk? – The Complete Guide.” Foodsguy.com, Foodsguy blog, 10 June 2020, foodsguy.com/freeze-chocolate-milk/.

Petre, Alina. “Chocolate Milk: Nutrition, Calories, Benefits, and Downsides.” www.healthline.com, Healthline Media, 3 Apr. 2019, www.healthline.com/nutrition/chocolate-milk.

“CFR – Code of Federal Regulations, Title 21.” accessdata.fda.gov, U.S Food & Drug Administration, 1 Apr. 2019, www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cdrh/cfdocs/cfcfr/CFRSearch.cfm?CFRPart=163.