Chocolate Milk
Milk flavored with cocoa and sweetener, usually made from whole or 2% milk. It ranges from lightly chocolaty drinking milk to thick, dessert-like versions.
| Category | Milk & Cream |
|---|---|
| Maker / Origin | United States |
| Storage | Refrigerate at about 38°F in its sealed carton, not in the door. |
| Shelf life | About 5 to 7 days after opening, and by the date on the carton. Shake before pouring, as cocoa settles. |
| Best uses | Drinking, post-exercise recovery, lunchboxes, and milkshakes. |
| Substitutes | Plain milk plus chocolate syrup, stirred in the glass. |
| Pairings | Peanut butter sandwiches, cookies, and post-workout snacks. |
| Last checked | October 18, 2026 |
About it
Chocolate milk is often made from partly skimmed milk with cocoa and sweetener, and large dairies recover the cocoa that settles by agitating the carton before pouring. Its mix of fluid, sugar, and protein is why sports studies keep testing it as a recovery drink.
Storing it
Keep sealed; the added sugar does not extend its life. Chocolate milk freezes acceptably for up to 2 months, with some separation on thawing.
Using it
Serve chocolate milk very cold and shake the carton first. It also makes a quick milkshake base blended with ice cream or frozen banana.
Swaps & pairings
Milk with chocolate syrup is the same drink mixed at home. For cooking, plain milk and cocoa powder keep the sugar under your control.
More from this maker: United States