Leading Chocolate Milk Brand Gets A Calcium Boost

DALLAS, Jan. 19, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Grab a straw because the drink you enjoyed as a kid is getting even more nutritious! Dean Foods Company (NYSE: DF) is introducing new TruMoo Calcium Plus low-fat chocolate milk to its line of delicious dairy products. Like regular TruMoo, the nation's leading ready-to-serve refrigerated chocolate milk,* TruMoo Calcium Plus milk contains no high fructose corn syrup, no artificial growth hormones and no artificial sweeteners – and is made with 50 percent more calcium per serving than regular low-fat white milk.

According to the National Institutes of Health, more than 50% of boys ages 9-13, girls ages 9-18, women over 50 and men over 70 are failing to meet their daily calcium requirements from diet alone.** With the same great chocolatey TruMoo taste, TruMoo Calcium Plus is a delectable way to incorporate more calcium into your diet – and just in time for resolution season.

"Calcium is one of the most important minerals for the human body," said Katherine Brooking, MS, RD, Appetite for Health. "Not only is calcium essential for building strong, healthy bones, it also helps muscles, nerves and hormones function optimally. With 50 percent more calcium per serving than regular low-fat milk, TruMoo Calcium Plus chocolate milk is an easy and delicious way to help you and your family meet daily calcium needs."

There are many other reasons to incorporate TruMoo Calcium Plus into your daily regimen:

Chocolate Milk is a Nutrient Powerhouse: TruMoo Calcium Plus provides eight essential nutrients – potassium, protein, vitamins A, D, and B12, riboflavin and phosphorus, and that extra boost of calcium.

Chocolate Milk Helps Build Bone Mass: According to the National Institutes of Health, bones increase in size and mass during periods of growth in childhood and adolescence, reaching peak bone mass around age 30. The more bone you have at the time of peak bone mass, the less likely you are to break a bone or develop osteoporosis later in life.*** Consuming foods and drinks rich in calcium, like TruMoo Calcium Plus milk, can help build strong, healthy bones and, as part of a well-balanced diet, may reduce the risk of osteoporosis.

Chocolate Milk is a Great Workout Recovery Drink: Recent studies have shown that, compared to juice, water or some sports drinks, low-fat chocolate milk's unique blend of carbohydrate and protein is ideal for replenishing tired muscles. Its high water content replaces fluids and electrolytes that are lost during exercise. And unlike water or most sports drinks, TruMoo Calcium Plus chocolate milk packs the additional benefit of calcium and includes a great balance of sodium and sugar – which may help you stay hydrated longer and regain energy.**** 

"We are constantly striving to develop delicious products that provide nutritional benefits to our consumers and their families," said Greg Schwarz, Vice President of Marketing, Dean Foods. "TruMoo Calcium Plus allows kids and adults to get important nutrients that they need – all in a tasty treat."

TruMoo Calcium Plus milk is available now in the dairy case at grocery and convenience stores nationwide in half gallon bottles with an SRP of $4.49.

To learn more about TruMoo Calcium Plus and other TruMoo milk varieties, please visit www.TruMoo.com

About Dean Foods

Dean Foods® is a leading food and beverage company in the United States and is the nation's largest processor and direct-to-store distributor of fluid milk. Headquartered in Dallas, Texas, the Dean Foods portfolio includes TruMoo®, the leading national flavored milk brand, and DairyPure®, the first and largest fresh white milk national brand, along with well-known regional dairy brands such as Alta Dena®, Berkeley Farms®, Country Fresh®, Dean's®, Garelick Farms®, LAND O LAKES® milk and cultured products*****, Lehigh Valley Dairy Farms®, Mayfield®, McArthur®, Meadow Gold®, Oak Farms®, PET®******, T.G. Lee®, Tuscan® and more. In all, Dean Foods has more than 50 local and regional dairy brands and private labels. Dean Foods also makes and distributes ice cream, cultured products, juices, teas, and bottled water. Approximately 17,000 employees across the country work every day to make Dean Foods the most admired and trusted provider of wholesome, great-tasting dairy products at every occasion. For more information about Dean Foods and its brands, visit www.deanfoods.com.

*Source: IRI MULO+C Store, volume and dollar share, YTD ending December 6, 2015
**NIH Office of Dietary Supplements, Health Professional Fact Sheet – Calcium
***NIH Office of Dietary Supplements, Health Professional Fact Sheet – Calcium; National Osteoporosis Foundation, Bone Basics
****USDA Agriculture Research Service - "Low-Fat Chocolate Milk – The New Sports Drink?"  Henry C. Lukaski, PhD., FASCM; "Milk Can Do Wonders for an Exercised Body", Eric Ultus
*****The LAND O LAKES brand is owned by Land O'Lakes, Inc. and is used by license.
******PET is a trademark of The J.M. Smucker Company and is used by license.

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SOURCE Dean Foods Company