Experts in the field of sports nutrition have been raving about the benefits of chocolate milk as a recovery food for years, and it's become a staple in many college gyms and weight rooms as a post-workout snack for athletes bringing their game to the next level.
Sports nutritionists like chocolate milk because it has protein, and the right amount of it. Following an intense workout – like a college athlete's practice, lift, or competition – it's generally recommended for an athlete to consume between 15 and 25 grams of protein.
Related: Why Athletes Need Protein: Muscle Repair and Growth
The typical cup of chocolate milk contains roughly 8 to 11 grams of protein, but its ratio of 3-4 grams of carbohydrates to every gram of protein has been proven to be a “near-perfect ratio” for recovery.
Similar ratios can be found in a lot of other foods too, including one of America's favorite candies: peanut M&Ms.
If a person were to consume a cup of peanut M&Ms (a lot, we know!) following a training session, they would be getting a whopping 16 grams of protein, and the ratio of carbohydrates to protein would equal roughly 6.4:1.
The ratio is slightly less ideal, but some would argue they're also more than slightly tastier!
Peanut M&Ms also provide potassium, calcium, sodium, and sugar, all of which help athletes' bodies recover by retaining water and storing energy.
No, completely replacing your post-workout snack with candy may not be the best option for getting the best recovery. But, pairing a cup of chocolate milk with a handful of colorful peanut M&Ms can have some real benefits.
For more snack ideas to help to train and recover better, check out our list of favorites here. Happy snacking!
* Originally published on March 4, 2022, by Peyton Wright
