Dean Foods Launches New Chocolate Milk Formula with Less Added Sugar

The new TruMoo product, which hit shelves in January 2013, has 40% less sugar than its previous formula.

Source: Dean Foods news release

Dean Foods today announced it has introduced a lower-sugar reformulation of its popular brand of chocolate milk, TruMoo®.

The new product, which hit shelves in January 2013, contains 35% less total sugar than the leading chocolate milk competitor, and has 40% less sugar than its previous formula (see table below for nutrition information). TruMoo, a ready-to-serve chocolate milk product, is made with fresh white milk – sourced from regional dairies around the country – pure cocoa and just enough natural sugar to make it taste great. One serving of TruMoo chocolate milk contains just 30 more calories than plain low-fat white milk. TroMoo has has 40% less sugar added than the prior formulation and no high fructose corn syrup.

"TruMoo Chocolate Milk is more than just a tasty treat; it's a nutritious choice for the whole family, and one that can be served every day," Dean Foods says. "Nutrition and public health experts agree that milk is an important part of a healthy diet."

Like regular milk, TruMoo provides eight essential nutrients: calcium, protein, vitamins A, D and B12, riboflavin, phosphorus and potassium. In a 2012 MilkPEP survey of more than 1,000 moms of school-aged children, 85% report feeling positively about the benefits chocolate milk provides their children.

"Together, these nutrients help strengthen bones and build and repair muscles," said Willow Jarosh MS, RD of C&J Nutrition. "And a low-fat chocolate milk with no high fructose corn syrup and very little added sugar is a practical way to get kids the nutrients they need without all the sugar they don't, and from a source moms can trust."

TruMoo has received high praise from parents and school nutrition directors across the country. The fat-free variety of TruMoo served in schools contains only 120 calories per serving and 6 grams of added sugar, compared to other chocolate milk formulas, which can contain high fructose corn syrup and up to 140 calories and 12 grams of added sugar. With some regional variations, most TruMoo milk available at major retailers is lowfat (1%) with 140 calories and contains only 6 grams of added sugar.

"When we launched TruMoo back in 2011, our chocolate milk contained 15-20% less sugar than other brands of chocolate milk on the market," said Greg Schwarz, Senior Director of Marketing, Dean Foods. "But we are constantly focusing on how we can make our products even better. The new TruMoo reformulation is another step in that direction. Kids will love the same great taste of TruMoo, and moms can feel even more confident serving it to them."

The original TruMoo flavor is chocolate sold as 1% low-fat milk in retail and fat-free in schools. Depending on regional and retailer variations, other varieties include strawberry and vanilla and are available in gallons, half gallons, quarts and single serve (10-, 12-, 14- and 16-ounce) bottles. TruMoo milk is offered in school and foodservice settings in half-pint containers.

Here is a nutritional comparison of milk products showing the increased benefits of newly reformulated TruMoo: