Impact of the removal of chocolate milk from school milk programs for children in Saskatoon, Canada

Abstract

Studies in the United States report inclusion of flavoured milk in the diets of children and youth improves nutrient intakes. No research has investigated the contribution of flavoured milk to overall milk intake or the milk preferences of Canadian children. The objective of the study was to measure milk consumption (plain milk and flavoured milk) by children in an elementary school environment and investigate factors contributing to milk choice. A mixed-method research design was applied across 6 schools for 12 weeks. Milk waste was measured in grades 1-8 for 12 weeks. Weeks 1-4 (phase 1) and 9-12 (phase 3) provided both plain milk and flavoured milk as chocolate milk while weeks 5-8 (phase 2) provided plain milk only. Beverage Frequency Questionnaires were used in each phase (in grades 5-8 only) to assess usual beverage consumption. Statistical nutrient modelling was conducted to determine the effects of removing chocolate milk during phase 2 as a milk choice. Later, focus groups were conducted with students in grades 5-8 to determine what influences them to choose/not choose to drink milk. Total milk intake decreased by 12.3% when chocolate milk was removed from the schools (26.6% ± 5.2% to 14.31% ± 1.6%, p < 0.001). Milk choice was influenced by environmental factors as well as taste, cost, convenience, and variety. Total milk intake was associated with location (p = 0.035) and cost (p < 0.001), with rural students and/or those students receiving free milk drinking the greatest amount of milk. Nutrient modelling revealed chocolate milk is more cost-efficient and convenient at providing nutrients than alternative food/drink combinations.Key words: flavoured milk, students, milk replacement, focus groups, nutrient modelling, plate waste. Résumé :Des études aux États-Unis rapportent que l'introduction de lait aromatisé dans le régime alimentaire des enfants et des adolescents améliore l'apport en nutriments. Il n'y a pas d'études sur la place du lait aromatisé dans la consommation totale de lait ou sur les préférences en matière de lait chez les enfants au Canada. Cette étude se propose de mesurer la consommation de lait (lait nature et lait aromatisé) chez les enfants en milieu scolaire élémentaire et d'examiner les facteurs contribuant au choix du type de lait. On utilise un devis mixte de recherche dans 6 écoles sur une période de 12 semaines. On mesure aussi les déchets de lait durant 12 semaines dans les classes de 1 re à la 8 e année. Durant les semaines 1 à 4 (phase 1) et 9 à 12 (phase 3), on fournit du lait nature et du lait aromatisé au chocolat; durant les semaines 5 à 8 (phase 2), on ne fournit que du lait nature. On utilise un questionnaire sur la fréquence de consommation de boissons à chaque phase (classes 5 à 8 seulement), et ce, pour évaluer la préférence habituelle de consommation. On applique une modélisation statistique des nutriments pour évaluer les effets lorsqu'on retire l'option du lait au chocolat durant la phase 2. Plus tard, on anime des groupes de discussion avec des élèves...

Barriers and Facilitators to Intake of Dairy Products in Adolescent Males and Females With Different Levels of Habitual Intake

“…This may be due to reasons such as the close proximity to rural farm land and the strong agricultural influence on the city, both of which can increase milk consumption. 34,50 Racial or ethnic breakdown was not measured in this study, so the specific demographics of the subjects are unknown. In general, Guelph is a relatively fast growing, rural-influenced, prosperous city in southern Ontario.…”

Flavored Milk Consumers Drank More Milk and Had a Higher Prevalence of Meeting Calcium Recommendation Than Nonconsumers

“…12,32,33 The total consumption of milk could decrease as much as 48% with no adaptation to drinking plain milk. 13 Moreover, it would be important to elucidate the difference in effects on total milk consumption over varying time periods to see whether the drops are permanent or if children become accustomed to drinking plain milk. One study found a substantial reduction in milk consumption following complete elimination of flavored milk from schools in a shorttime period.…”

“…10,11 Previous studies have shown that children who drank flavored milk consumed more total milk overall compared with children who consumed white milk [4][5][6] and there was significantly less wastage of milk. 12,13 Despite the nutritional benefits flavored milk has in the diets of children, some school districts are removing flavored milk from the lunchrooms. What has fueled the debate is that chocolate milk can contain up to twice as much sugar as white milk and as a result may contribute to total energy and added sugars intake.…”

Sensory and nutritional properties of peanut‐based beverages: a promising solution for undernutrition in Malawi and possibly beyond

“…The importance of flavor in foods cannot be overemphasized. For instance, a study in Canada found that when chocolate‐flavored milk was not an option, many children were not drinking milk . The flavor of food could be natural or artificial.…”

“…For instance, a study in Canada found that when chocolate-flavored milk was not an option, many children were not drinking milk. 21 The flavor of food could be natural or artificial. Artificial flavorings are mostly used in beverages to impart a flavor of choice, to modify an already existing flavor, or as a way of masking some undesirable flavor.…”