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To help the industry understand kids’ preferences in flavored milks, DMI conducted a series of taste and sensory tests using brands of flavored milks currently available in schools and the marketplace. Working with processors and flavor houses, DMI also tested prototype formulas ranging from 130 to 180 calories and 15 to 31 grams of sugar per 8-oz. serving. Nearly one hundred flavored milks were tested with 2,100 kids ages 8 to 17 in four phases of this project.

The research showed that not all formulas are created equal and, contrary to popular belief, high sugar level does not drive liking. Overall, moderate levels of added sugar and calories may be key to providing healthier milks that score high on kid appeal. Three-fourths of all traditionally sweetened products tested with 150 or fewer calories per 8-oz. serving scored at least a “very good” rating. The most well-liked strawberry products had at least 150 calories and 24 grams of sugar with the most well-liked chocolate products being a little higher in calories and sugar.

Get the full story on collaborative efforts to develop and test lower-calorie flavored milk formulations in response to tightening standards.

View seven reduced-calorie chocolate milk formulations with “very good” to “excellent” ratings from kids.