Sam Sulek’s Chocolate Milk: Muscle Building and Strength Gains

Authors

  • Joey Sacarello University of Leicester

Keywords:

Internet, Biology, Physiology, Sam Sulek, Chocolate Milk

Abstract

YouTuber and fitness influencer Sam Sulek has brought renewed attention to chocolate milk as an effective drink for muscle hypertrophy. This paper explores the scientific evidence behind chocolate milk’s benefits in muscle protein synthesis, post-exercise hydration, and muscle recovery. While some studies suggest positive effects on muscle strength and endurance, others indicate no significant advantage over other recovery beverages. This article evaluates existing research to determine just how effective chocolate milk may be for building muscle.

References

Lefkowitz, A. (2024). Sam Sulek: Who Is the Viral Bodybuilding YouTuber and What’s His Strategy? – Tasty Edits. [online] Tasty Edits. Available at: https://www.tastyedits.com/sam-sulek-bodybuilding-youtuber-strategy/ [Accessed: 11 February 2025].

Sam Sulek (2023). Winter Bulk Day 39 - Back and Grocery Trip. YouTube Video. [Online]. Available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jxyRu6YCSoo&t=2030s [Accessed: 11 February 2025].

Yadav, K. (2024). Sam Sulek finally sets the record straight: ‘I do not drink a gallon of chocolate milk a day’. [online] Sportskeeda.com. Available at: https://www.sportskeeda.com/bodybuilding/news-sam-sulek-finally-sets-record-straight-i-drink-gallon-chocolate-milk-day# [Accessed: 11 February 2025].

Better Tomorrow (2023) just Sam Sulek drinking chocolate milk. TikTok Video [Online] Available at: https://www.tiktok.com/discover/sam-sulek-drinking-milk [Accessed: 11 February 2025].

Kroger. (2025). Kroger® CARBmaster® Ultra Filtered Skim Chocolate Milk, 59 fl oz. [online] Available at: https://www.kroger.com/p/kroger-carbmaster-ultra-filtered-skim-chocolate-milk/0001111008300 [Accessed: 11 February 2025].

Saunders, M.J. (2011). Glycogen Replenishment with Chocolate Milk Consumption. Current Sports Medicine Reports, [online] 10(6), pp.390–390. DOI: 10.1249/jsr.0b013e318237c0ed

Pennings, B., Boirie, Y., Senden, J.M.G., Gijsen, A.P., Kuipers, H. & van Loon, L.J.C. (2011). Whey protein stimulates postprandial muscle protein accretion more effectively than do casein and casein hydrolysate in older men. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, [online] 93(5), pp.997–1005. DOI: 10.3945/ajcn.110.008102

Shrimanker, I. & Bhattarai, S. (2023). Electrolytes. [online] Nih.gov. Available at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK541123/ [Accessed: 11 February 2025].

Yu-Yahiro, J.A. (1994). Electrolytes and Their Relationship to Normal and Abnormal Muscle Function. Orthopaedic Nursing, [online] 13(5), pp.38–40. DOI: 10.1097/00006416-199409000-00008

WebMD Editorial Contributor (2020). Health Benefits of Chocolate Milk. [online] WebMD. Available at: https://www.webmd.com/diet/health-benefits-chocolate-milk [Accessed: 11 February 2025].

Foster, A., Miller, T. & Khan, A. (2023). Sam Sulek – Rising Bodybuilding Star: Age, Height, Weight, Biography. [online] Fitness Volt. Available at: https://fitnessvolt.com/sam-sulek-profile/ [Accessed: 11 February 2025].

Stokes, T., Hector, A., Morton, R., McGlory, C. & Phillips, S. (2018). Recent Perspectives Regarding the Role of Dietary Protein for the Promotion of Muscle Hypertrophy with Resistance Exercise Training. Nutrients, [online] 10(2), pp.180–180. DOI: 10.3390/nu10020180

Yapici, H., Gülü, M., Yagin, F.H., Ugurlu, D., Comertpay, E., Eroglu, O., Kocoğlu, M., Aldhahi, M.I., Karayigit, R. & AL-Mhanna, S.B. (2023). The effect of 8-weeks of combined resistance training and chocolate milk consumption on maximal strength, muscle thickness, peak power and lean mass, untrained, university-aged males. Frontiers in Physiology, [online] 14. DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2023.1148494

Born, K.A., Dooley, E.E., Cheshire, P.A., McGill, L.E., Cosgrove, J.M., Ivy, J.L. & Bartholomew, J.B. (2019). Chocolate Milk versus carbohydrate supplements in adolescent athletes: a field based study. Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition, [online] 16(1). DOI: 10.1186/s12970-019-0272-0

Amiri, M., Ghiasvand, R., Kaviani, M., Forbes, S.C. & Salehi-Abargouei, A. (2018). Chocolate milk for recovery from exercise: a systematic review and meta-analysis of controlled clinical trials. European Journal of Clinical Nutrition, [online] 73(6), pp.835–849. DOI: 10.1038/s41430-018-0187-x [Accessed 11 Feb. 2025].

NHS website (2018). Lactose intolerance. [online] nhs.uk. Available at: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/lactose-intolerance/ [Accessed: 11 February 2025].

Wang, M., Yu, M., Fang, L. & Hu, R. (2014). Association between sugar‐sweetened beverages and type 2 diabetes: A meta‐analysis. Journal of Diabetes Investigation, [online] 6(3), pp.360–366. DOI: 10.1111/jdi.12309

Downloads

Published

25.02.2025

How to Cite

Sacarello, J. (2025). Sam Sulek’s Chocolate Milk: Muscle Building and Strength Gains. Journal of Interdisciplinary Science Topics, 12. Retrieved from https://journals.le.ac.uk/index.php/jist/article/view/4932

Issue

Section

Articles