Mommy, why is my milk blue?

If you've taken a close look at your supermarket dairy case lately it might surprise you. It is filled with dozens of milk products and varieties, many of which consumers may be encountering for the first time. "Today's new milk products appeal to consumers of varied ages and tastes--from kid-friendly flavors to low-fat varieties for health-conscious adults," indicates Dick Robinson, chairman of the National Fluid Milk Processor Promotion Board. "As a result, it has never been easier and more convenient to get the recommended three glasses of milk each day."

Many of the new varieties have influenced what kind of milk people are drinking. While per person sales of whole milk have dropped more than 60% in the last decade, skim, 1%, and 2% milk have gained in popularity. Compared to whole milk (which contains eight grams of fat per eight-ounce serving), 2% milk has nearly 40% less fat (five grams), while 1% has almost 70% less (2.5 grams).

While chocolate remains the most popular flavored milk in the U.S., others are gaining ground. Blueberry, strawberry, banana, and black raspberry are finding niches in families with children. Industry trend watchers note that fruit-flavored milks already are considered a staple in some school lunch-rooms around the country.

In addition to fruit flavors, some of the varieties with a special appeal for kids (especially at birthday parties and other celebrations) include chocolate peanut butter cup, chocolate cherry, chocolate caramel, chocolate marshmallow...