Recover with carbs, protein and fluids.
After a tough practice, game, or workout, your body needs nutrition to help restore the energy you’ve used, repair muscle, and replace fluids. Chocolate milk provides carbohydrates, high-quality protein, fluid and electrolytes, all in one convenient drink. Research suggests it can be an effective recovery beverage following exercise.
Why it works
Carbohydrates help replenish glycogen, the carbohydrate muscles store and use for energy. Replenishing with carbohydrates gets you ready for your next workout.
High-quality protein provides amino acids needed for muscle repair and rebuilding. Chocolate milk is a complete protein, naturally providing all nine essential amino acids your body needs. Sports nutrition guidance supports consuming high-quality protein after strenuous exercise to stimulate muscle protein synthesis.
Carbs + protein make a powerful recovery combination. Chocolate milk has the right 3:1 carb-to-protein ratio, scientifically shown to refuel exhausted muscles after strenuous exercise.
Fluid + electrolytes help rehydrate and replenish the critical nutrients lost in sweat. Milk is about 87% water and naturally provides electrolytes including potassium, sodium, and magnesium. Research has shown that milk hydrates better than plain water or traditional sports drinks.
When does it make sense?
After demanding practices, games, strength training or endurance exercise, especially when your next meal isn’t happening right away. Chocolate milk is a quick, convenient, natural source of nutrients for recovery.
Explore the Research
Chocolate Milk & Hydration:
British Journal of Nutrition
The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition
PubMed: Applied Physiology, Nutrition, and Metabolism
Chocolate Milk & Recovery:
European Journal of Clinical Nutrition
PubMed: Medicine and Science in Sports Exercisex
Journal of Nutrition and Metabolism