School Nutrition Services (SNS) Research

Publication: JAND

Date Published: June 2018

Reference: 

Student Acceptance of Plain Milk Increases Significantly 2 Years after Flavored Milk Is Removed from School Cafeterias: An Observational Study
Schwartz, Marlene B. et al.
Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, Volume 118, Issue 5, 857 - 864

Key Takeaways: An observational study examined the removal of flavored milk for plain milk. The study involved kindergarten through 8th grade, collecting data from the school over two years (2010–2011 and 2012–2013). After two years without flavored milk, students selected plain milk (72%) in the second year vs (51%) in the first year. Students on average consumed 3.4 ounces per carton to 4 ounces per carton in the first year. Leading to a significant increase in school-wide milk consumption from 2.1 ounces to 2.5 ounces. There was, however, a 16% decrease in milk selection when offered 100% fruit juices, indicating that offering juices may reduce milk consumption.

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