Locations:
Search IconSearch

Should You Drink Chocolate Milk After a Workout?

The short answer from a sports nutrition expert

Is Chocolate Milk Your Best Option After a Workout?

Q: Is chocolate milk your best option for muscle recovery after a hard workout?

A: A liquid recovery drink is usually a good idea, including chocolate milk. Liquids are quickly digested and absorbed, which helps enhance recovery. Chocolate milk has the required ratio of 3-4 grams carbohydrate to 1 gram protein. And as a complete protein, it provides the essential amino acids your body can’t make.

Advertisement

Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. Policy

But you have other options besides chocolate milk when it comes to similar recovery fuel:

  • 1-2 cups chocolate soy milk. This option is helpful when avoiding lactose. (Cow’s and soy milk are complete proteins. Almond and coconut milk are not.)
  • Homemade smoothie. Try 4 ounces of plain Greek yogurt (10 grams protein) + 1 cup strawberries +½ banana +1 teaspoon honey with ice, with or without water.
  • Bowl of cereal. Top 1 cup whole-grain cereal with 1 cup cow’s milk or soy milk.

— Dietitian Kate Patton, MEd, RD, CSSD, LD.

Advertisement

Learn more about our editorial process.

Related Articles

Wooden bowl of white yogurt next to wooden spoon of white capsules
January 30, 2025/Nutrition
When Should I Take Probiotics for Best Results?

Taking your probiotics in the morning with food is a great strategy — but consistency is key

Happy person holding cup of coffee up to mouth, about to enjoy the drink
January 29, 2025/Nutrition
Is Coffee Good for Your Liver?

That cup of joe may help decrease inflammation and remove damaged cells in the vital organ

Two people using resistance bands at a gym
January 24, 2025/Exercise & Fitness
Why Do Some People Gain Weight After Starting a Workout Program?

Your body may temporarily add a few pounds as it adjusts to new demands and grows stronger

Bright red jelly beans in crystal container with lid on black background
January 23, 2025/Nutrition
Why Has Red Dye 3 Been Banned?

This synthetic food dye must be removed from all foods by 2027 and from all medications by 2028 for health concerns

Hand pouring capsules out of white bottle into other hand
January 23, 2025/Digestive
How Probiotics Support Healthy Weight Loss

There’s little evidence that probiotics cause weight loss, but having a healthy gut microbiome may set the stage for it

Person doing yoga bridge pose in living room by sofa
January 22, 2025/Orthopaedics
Try These Exercises if You’ve Got Knee Arthritis

Arthritic knees can benefit from bridging, mini squats, balancing exercises and other stretches

Person bent down looking into a refrigerator filled with foods
January 16, 2025/Rheumatology & Immunology
What Should You Eat (or Avoid) if You Have Lupus?

Heart-healthy foods and low-fat dairy are smart choices when you’re living with this autoimmune disease, but watch out for sugary and processed foods

Child drinking a glass of milk at breakfast
January 15, 2025/Infectious Disease
Can Bird Flu Be Passed Through Milk?

Pasteurized milk is considered safe, but there are concerns about avian influenza spreading through raw, unpasteurized milk

Trending Topics

Person in bed sleeping on their side, covers off
Breathing Problems? Try These Sleep Positions

If you’re feeling short of breath, sleep can be tough — propping yourself up or sleeping on your side may help

A couple looking at skyline, with one person slightly behind the other, head bent down
What Is Anxious Attachment Style — and Do You Have It?

If you fear the unknown or find yourself needing reassurance often, you may identify with this attachment style

Glasses and bottle of yellow-colored prebiotic soda, with mint, lemon and ginger garnish
Are Prebiotic Sodas Good for You?

If you’re looking to boost your gut health, it’s better to get fiber from whole foods

Ad