OMAHA, Neb. -- The strength coach at the University of Nebraska-Omaha has switched his athletes to chocolate milk from sports drinks, a move supported by mounting research that shows the childhood standby drink provides superior muscle recovery, KETV in Omaha reported.

Dave Noonan knows it's all about recovery.

"By the time they quit sweating, we want them to get something in their body, because if you wait longer, within 10 to 20 minutes, it takes a lot longer to recover."

With its protein and sugar content, chocolate milk has been shown to rebuild muscles and replenish the body after strenuous workouts.

In the past, UNO athletes have chugged pricey, carbohydrate-packed drinks after workouts.

Now, Roberts Dairy supplies 1,600 cartons of chocolate milk a week at a low price.

"It's good for your stomach, it's good for your bones and it tastes good. I like it," said UNO track and field athlete Madison Haugland.

Depending on the size of the athlete, she or he gets two to three cartons immediately after a workout, Noonan said.

He has noticed a change, he said. Athletes seem to be recovering more quickly. Most of them enjoy drinking it -- out of 350 athletes, only two can't stomach it.

"I was like, 'Oh no, I don't even like chocolate,'" said UNO football player Kenney Franklin.

Noonan said the milk costs quite a bit less than sports drinks.

Will the football coach get doused in a chocolaty shower after the next big win?

"No, no -- just water," Franklin said. "Maybe Gatorade, if we get lucky."