But the chocolate milk controversy is bigger than just school policy.

A few school districts across the US have voted to ban chocolate milk, however in most schools it remains a staple where 70% of milk consumed in schools is flavored and low-fat chocolate is the favorite choice. By Tamara Duker Freuman , Contributor Aug. 22, 2013 By Tamara Duker Freuman , Contributor Aug. 22, 2013, at 2:35 p.m. 5 Similarly, in a U.S. study that included 49 American elementary schools that stopped offering flavoured milks there was a ~37% decrease in milk consumption. Coming soon to a school near you: The Great Chocolate Milk Debate. 5 Similarly, in a U.S. study that included 49 American elementary schools that stopped offering flavoured milks there was a ~37% decrease in milk … Chocolate milk: a red herring in the childhood obesity crisis. Drinking flavored milk, like chocolate milk, can help children improve their diet quality and meet recommended daily servings of dairy – 3 cups per day of fat-free and low-fat milk and milk products for those age nine years and older and 2 1/2 cups per day for children four to eight years. “Chocolate milk is the most popular milk choice in schools,” according to the campaign’s pitch, “and kids will drink less milk and get fewer nutrients if it’s taken away.” Chocolate milk, strawberry milk, corn dogs and chicken nuggets are on the way out of LA schools. Only 2 percent of these schools offer fat-free milk as an option. In 2010, the dairy industry's national marketing group, the Milk Processor Education Program, launched a $1 million initiative to promote chocolate milk, especially in schools (where most flavored milk is sold). In our recent study, milk consumption dropped 47% when chocolate milk was eliminated from six elementary schools in the greater Saskatoon area.
The decision offers schools flexibility in meeting student’s taste and nutrition needs. 96 percent of school districts offer flavored milk as an option. Kids who drink flavored milk …

I agree with you, if you get rid of chocolate milk, studies show that white milk consumption does not go up. When students went back to school Monday in the District of Columbia, they were served only low-fat white milk. Milk drinkers meet their needs for calcium, magnesium, potassium and vitamin A much quicker than non-milk drinkers. 3 Reasons to Keep Chocolate Milk in Schools. The same is true for low fat chocolate milk–it contains the same fat as low fat white milk. Many school boards and PTAs are embroiled in discussions about whether to remove chocolate milk from cafeterias. Chocolate milk is better than no milk at all Rachel Johnson is a dietitian at the University of Vermont in Burlington whose research has been funded by the National Dairy Council.