Chocolate Milk

Common questions

Is Chocolate Milk healthy?

Chocolate Milk scores 75/100 on Scout's independent analysis of ingredients, additives, and lab results — a fair-to-good score — solid, with tradeoffs. This chocolate milk is made with organic ingredients, including reduced fat milk and cocoa, which are beneficial for health.

How processed is Chocolate Milk?

Chocolate Milk is NOVA Group 3: Processed Foods.

Which ingredients drive Chocolate Milk's score?

In Scout's ingredient-by-ingredient analysis, Organic grade a reduced fat milk, Organic cocoa, Sea salt count in its favor; Organic cane sugar, Carrageenan are flagged as ingredients of concern. The full breakdown, with why each one matters, is in the Key ingredients section on this page.

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Chocolate Milk

Kirkland Signature
75 Good

Analysis updated September 2026 · How Scout scores

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Near you

Kirkland Signature is carried at Costco stores. Find one within 25 miles.

At a glance

Beneficial ingredients 4
Harmful ingredients 2
Owned by Costco
Category Milk
Summary

This chocolate milk is made with organic ingredients, including reduced fat milk and cocoa, which are beneficial for health. However, it contains carrageenan, a controversial additive linked to potential digestive issues. The product is moderately processed, which limits its score despite the use of organic components.

Key ingredients 9

Organic grade a reduced fat milk
Good

Organic reduced fat milk is a good source of protein and calcium, essential for bone health. Being organic, it is free from synthetic hormones and antibiotics. The reduction in fat content makes it suitable for those monitoring their fat intake.

Benefits

Provides essential nutrients like calcium and protein, supporting bone and muscle health.

Organic cocoa
Good

Organic cocoa is rich in antioxidants and flavonoids, which can support heart health. Being organic, it is free from synthetic pesticides and fertilizers. Cocoa also contains minerals like magnesium and iron.

Benefits

Rich in antioxidants and minerals, supporting cardiovascular health and providing anti-inflammatory benefits.

See more about Organic cocoa →
Sea salt
Good

Sea salt is a natural source of sodium and trace minerals, minimally processed. It enhances flavor and provides essential electrolytes. Unlike refined salt, it retains beneficial minerals.

Risks

Excessive sodium intake can lead to high blood pressure and cardiovascular issues.

Benefits

Provides essential electrolytes and enhances flavor naturally.

See more about Sea salt →
Vitamin d3
Good

Vitamin D3 is essential for calcium absorption and bone health. It is the most bioavailable form of vitamin D, effectively raising blood levels. Fortification helps maintain adequate vitamin D levels, especially in areas with limited sunlight exposure.

Benefits

Enhances calcium absorption and supports bone health, preventing deficiencies.

See more about Vitamin d3 →
Organic flavor
Neutral

Organic flavor is used to enhance the taste of the product without synthetic additives. The organic certification ensures it is free from artificial chemicals. However, the specific composition is not disclosed, limiting detailed analysis.

Benefits

Enhances flavor naturally without synthetic additives.

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Organic vanilla flavor
Neutral

Organic vanilla flavor is used to impart a vanilla taste without synthetic additives. The organic certification ensures it is free from artificial chemicals. However, the exact composition is not specified, limiting detailed analysis.

Benefits

Adds natural vanilla flavor without synthetic additives.

See more about Organic vanilla flavor →
Vitamin a palmitate
Neutral

Standard formulation ingredient — neither beneficial nor harmful at typical use.

Risks

Excessive intake can lead to hypervitaminosis A, but this is rare with normal consumption.

Benefits

Supports vision and immune health, preventing vitamin A deficiency.

See more about Vitamin a palmitate →
Organic cane sugar
Bad

Processed additive flagged under Scout's ingredient doctrine.

Risks

Excessive consumption of added sugars can lead to health issues such as obesity and diabetes.

Benefits

Provides a natural source of sweetness with minimal processing compared to refined sugars.

See more about Organic cane sugar →
Carrageenan
Bad

Carrageenan is used as a thickener and stabilizer in food products. It is derived from red seaweed but has been linked to potential digestive issues and inflammation in some studies. Its use is controversial due to these potential health concerns.

Risks

May cause digestive issues and inflammation in sensitive individuals.

Benefits

Provides texture and stability to food products, improving mouthfeel.

See more about Carrageenan →

Processing

Group 3 · Processed

Processed Foods

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