To serve or not to serve flavored milk?

BOULDER,Co - It's a dairy dilemma in schools. To serve or not to serve flavored milk?

Ann Cooper, Director of Nutrition Services, Boulder Valley School District says,
"I do not believe chocolate milk belongs in schools where children can choose it every single day. Most chocolate milk has more than 50% more calories than white milk.""

In Boulder,CO kids have two drink choices: white milk or water.

But dairy representatives sat kids who drink chocolate milk aren't any heavier than those who drink white milk, and their diets are well rounded.

Their research shows when flavored milk was removed from schools, kids didn't turn to white milk.
"We are potentially robbing them of vitamin A, vitamin D, calcium and it's a great source of protein." says Felicia Stoler, R.D., Dairy Campaign Consultant

Some health organizations, including the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American Dietetic Association, have stated "all forms" of low-fat milk help kids meet their daily nutrient needs.

Leading nutritionists don't disagree but say it simply depends on where its served.

Teaching children how to maintain a well-balanced diet might be the real challenge.

That could be the real battle for years.