Despite the plunge in dairy drink consumption in recent decades, milk—both flavored and plain—continues to have a fairly positive reputation in the area of nutrition and health. Chocolate milk, for instance, has been associated with muscle recovery after exercise. Researchers at Indiana University compared the beverage to plain milk, water and other sports drinks. They found it has double the carbohydrate and protein content, to replenish tired muscles, as well as a high water content to replace fluids lost in perspiration, in addition to calcium and little sodium or sugar. However, the drinks have a reputation for added sugar content that has concerned parents and foodservice staff in schools and institutions.

In response to those worries, Borden Foodservice has developed a new reduced-sugar line of fat-free, flavored milks. The line is available in chocolate, strawberry and vanilla, each with nine essential nutrients for children’s health, growth and development. These include calcium, niacin, potassium, phosphorous, protein, riboflavin, and vitamins A, D and B12. What is more, the beverages promise no artificial growth hormones, preservatives or high-fructose corn syrup.

As Robert Smith, Borden Dairy Company’s senior vice president of foodservice, explains, “We understand that school meal decision-makers are under a lot of pressure to keep costs down, while still meeting government guidelines for nutrition, plus make choices that keep kids happy. Our new Reduced-Sugar flavored milks were developed with that in mind. ”

While chocolate milks in schools generally weigh in with around 130 calories and 21g of sugar per serving, the Borden variety cuts calories down to 110 and sugar content to 18g, while also trimming carbohydrates by 5g and sodium by 20mg per 8oz serving.

Borden developers retooled the cocoa content and added other natural flavors to provide a richer chocolate flavor, the company notes.