Research shows that kids have preferences when it comes to choosing a beverage. A recent School Milk Package Preference survey conducted on behalf of the National Dairy Council® (NDC) showed that when asked about drink choices at school, 51% of those surveyed said that they would choose milk over other beverage options when milk was presented in a plastic bottle. When milk was presented in a paper carton, only 24% of the students said they would choose milk over the other options.
The study, which was conducted with a total of 308 children (50% male, 50% female) in grades 4 through 12 (ages nine to 18 years), involved showing the children two samples of school milk. It was the exact same flavor, fat level and brand of milk. Even the graphics were the same. The only difference was the container: paper carton vs. plastic bottle.