Flavored milk in classic glass bottles is becoming a trendy holiday item, but opinions on its appeal seem to vary widely among shoppers.
Stew Leonard’s, a grocery chain based in Connecticut with locations in New York and New Jersey, has made waves with its seasonal Christmas Cookie Milk.
In a popular TikTok video, customers can be seen grabbing the glass bottles straight from the fridge and sampling the cookie-flavored drink. Many are encouraging others to get their hands on it, riding the wave of a festive trend circulating on social media.
Such buzz has prompted thousands of responses, with many eager to taste the drink themselves. One person even remarked, “I drank it all in one day.”
Some viewers expressed disappointment about not having easy access, saying things like, “I’m so sad we don’t have this nearby.” Others were taken aback by how quickly the drink flew off the shelves.
After checking a couple of stores, one TikTok user shared, “I checked two places and they were both sold out.”
However, not everyone is buying into the hype. Some reviews suggest the flavor didn’t quite match the excitement surrounding it; one user candidly stated, “So overrated.”
As Stew Leonard’s continues to sell out, many shoppers are looking for alternatives. This has shifted attention to stores like Target and Walmart, which are now part of the trend.
Target’s offering, Sugar Cookie Milk, drew attention for its unusual brown color. Reactions were mixed—one person said, “The color alone makes me nauseous,” while others noted its potential as a coffee creamer.
Walmart’s version also aims to provide an alternative for those who can’t find Stew Leonard’s product. As one customer simply put it, “It tastes just like whole milk.”
As discussions about the various flavors unfold, nutrition experts are advising consumers to think critically about these viral drinks. Dr. Michael Edney, a medical doctor from Florida, highlighted that cookie-flavored milk should be regarded as a “dessert-style” beverage, not an everyday option.
He added that while the nutritional profile—like protein and calcium—might be similar to regular milk, these flavored varieties generally have a lot more sugar and calories. Additionally, he pointed out that versions from Stew Leonard’s, Target, and Walmart are pretty comparable in these respects, noting that Stew Leonard’s cookie milk claims not to include artificial growth hormones or antibiotics.
Sarah Hollis Leclerc, marketing manager at Stew Leonard’s, discussed this special holiday item, stating, “We don’t expect shoppers to swap regular milk for cookie milk.” For those wanting to enjoy a flavorful drink without the added calories, Dr. Edney suggested some homemade alternatives.
He recommended mixing real milk with various fruits, spices, and a protein base to balance flavors without relying on added sugars. For grocery store versions, he suggested looking for options with around “7 to 10 grams of added sugar, a step up from traditional brands.”
