My kids have been deciding on their Halloween costumes for months (well, really since last Halloween). We’ve pulled out the decorations and made trick or treat bags, but this year we’ve also been celebrating with some great Halloween-themed chocolate milk. The Milk Processor Education Program has been promoting chocolate milk as the official beverage of Halloween for a few years, and companies have jumped on board. At the recent Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics expo, I saw at least two companies that have special Halloween-themed bottles for their chocolate milk, and there are probably more promotions and special displays out there. As a mom and as a dietitian, I am thrilled that there is a great option like chocolate milk that I don’t have to ration like we do the Halloween candy. My son thinks he’s getting a tasty treat (and he is), while I’m happy to say "yes" to a beverage with way more nutrients than a candy bar. This is a great time to remind parents about all the nutrients in a great-tasting glass of chocolate milk—the same 12 essential nutrients as in white milk. Plus, with the work being done on flavored milk lately, many chocolate milks have less fat and less added sugar than ever, while still being chocolately and creamy. Chocolate milk is getting even more convenient, too – there are more flavors and sizes of shelf-stable milk. Some of these are in eight-ounce sizes, in either boxes or bottles, which are perfect for to pack in school lunch box or to take on the trip to the pumpkin patch. There are a lot of great reasons to remind parents that chocolate milk is a tasty, yet still nutritious, option for their kids. What better time of year than Halloween?