- Does not mean don’t drink milk
- Milk products and milk alternatives are still considered protein foods
- Milk is still considered a healthy drink
Milk and unsweetened plant based beverages (alternatives) are still considered a healthy drink. Milk and unsweetened milk alternatives are a great source of Calcium and Vitamin D, especially for growing children.
What about chocolate milk?
There has been lots of discussions about chocolate milk and whether it fits within Canada’s Food Guide. Chocolate milk is made with added sugar and cocoa. It has the same nutrients as white milk, but with extra calories from the added sugar. A glass of chocolate milk can have 24 grams of sugar (roughly 10 more grams compared to white milk). Because of the added sugar and its impact on dental caries, chocolate milk should not be an “everyday food”. Health Canada recommends that the majority of total sugars consumed should come from nutritious foods such as vegetables and fruit (not juiced), and unsweetened milk.
How to promote water in schools?
- Encourage students to bring a reusable water bottle from home
- Avoid serving or selling sugary drinks at schools events
- Assess how accessible water is at your school. Are there any clean and visible water fountains? Is water available for sale in cafeterias, vending machines, or tuck shops? Is water priced comparably to sugary drinks? Are students allowed to have water on their desks during class time? The more accessible and available water is at your school, the more likely students will choose water over sugary drinks