Leading Chocolate Milk Brand Launches New Formula With Less Added Sugar

DALLAS, Jan. 31, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Dean Foods (NYSE: DF) has introduced a reformulation of its popular brand of chocolate milk, TruMoo^®. The new product, which hit shelves in January 2013, contains 35 percent less total sugar than the leading chocolate milk competitor, and has 40 percent less sugar than its previous formula (see table below for nutrition information). TruMoo, the nation's leading ready-to-serve chocolate milk, 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. And with 40 percent less sugar added than the prior formulation and no high fructose corn syrup, it's no wonder TruMoo has become one of the largest milk brands in the country.

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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. 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 percent 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:

To learn more about TruMoo milk and its nutrition information, visit www.TruMoo.com, Facebook or Twitter.

The Dean Foods family of brands making TruMoo regionally with local fresh white milk include:

TruMoo milk in California will differ slightly in nutrition composition due to different regulatory requirements for dairy in that state.

*1,000 interviews with moms of kids in grades K through 12 between March 9, 2012 and March 14, 2012. Conducted by KRC Research for MilkPEP.

ABOUT DEAN FOODS
Dean Foods is a leading food and beverage company in the United States. The Company's Fresh Dairy Direct segment is the nation's largest processor and direct-to-store distributor of fluid milk marketed under more than 50 local and regional dairy brands and private labels. Fresh Dairy Direct also distributes ice cream, cultured products, juices, teas, bottled water and other products. Dean Foods also holds a majority interest in The WhiteWave Foods Company, which produces and sells an array of nationally and internationally branded plant-based foods and beverages, coffee creamers and beverages, and premium dairy products. WhiteWave brands - including Silk®, Horizon Organic®, International Delight®, and LAND O LAKES® - are category leaders and consumer favorites. Alpro is the pan-European leader in branded soy food and beverage products with the Alpro® soya and Provamel® brands. For more information about Dean Foods, visit www.deanfoods.com.

SOURCE Dean Foods