Beverages, OVALTINE, Classic Malt powder
Whole food · Beverages
Photo: Wikipedia
Ovaltine Classic Malt powder is a sweet, soluble beverage mix that dissolves into a creamy, comforting drink with a distinct, malty, and chocolatey flavor. It's a dry, granular powder designed for quick preparation, offering a nostalgic taste experience. Nutritionally, it's a concentrated source of energy, primarily from carbohydrates and sugars, with 372 kcal per 100g.
Calorie split: 0% protein · 100% carbs · 0% fat
↓ Full nutrition💚 Why it's loved
People love Ovaltine for its distinctive, nostalgic malty-chocolate flavor that evokes childhood comfort and warmth. Its versatility allows it to be stirred into milk, used as a topping, or incorporated into desserts, making it a beloved pantry staple for many.
⚠️ Watch-outs & how to enjoy it better
The high sugar content (over 63g per 100g) can contribute to rapid blood-sugar spikes, making it unsuitable for those managing diabetes or seeking low-sugar options. To counteract this, pair it with a source of protein or healthy fat (like a handful of nuts or a spoonful of nut butter) to slow sugar absorption, and practice strict portion control.
Key benefits
- Quick and convenient source of energy
- Provides a comforting, familiar flavor experience
- Fortified with vitamins and minerals in many formulations
- Easily dissolves in hot or cold milk for a creamy drink
- Offers a caffeine-free alternative to coffee or tea
🍽️ Popular dishes
🌍 Where it's eaten
💡 Did you know?
Ovaltine was originally developed in Switzerland in 1904 under the name 'Ovomaltine' (from 'ovum' for egg and 'malt'), but a clerical error on the trademark application led to the name 'Ovaltine' in English-speaking markets.
Full nutrition (USDA data · scales with serving)
| Water | 1.4 g |
| Energy | 372 kcal |
| Energy | 1555 kj |
| Protein | 0.00 g |
| Total lipid (fat) | 0.00 g |
| Ash | 5.2 g |
| Carbohydrate, by difference | 93.3 g |
| Fiber, total dietary | 0.00 g |
| Total Sugars | 63.6 g |
| Calcium, Ca | 909 mg |
| Iron, Fe | 16.4 mg |
| Magnesium, Mg | 218 mg |
| Phosphorus, P | 0.00 mg |
| Potassium, K | 0.00 mg |
| Sodium, Na | 636 mg |
| Zinc, Zn | 13.6 mg |
| Copper, Cu | 1.8 mg |
| Selenium, Se | 0.00 ug |
| Vitamin C, total ascorbic acid | 54.5 mg |
| Thiamin | 1.4 mg |
| Riboflavin | 0.00 mg |
| Niacin | 18.2 mg |
| Vitamin B-6 | 1.8 mg |
| Folate, total | 0.00 ug |
| Folic acid | 0.00 ug |
| Folate, food | 0.00 ug |
| Folate, DFE | 0.00 ug |
| Choline, total | 0.00 mg |
| Vitamin B-12 | 0.00 ug |
| Vitamin B-12, added | 0.00 ug |
| Vitamin A, RAE | 1365 ug |
| Retinol | 1365 ug |
| Carotene, beta | 0.00 ug |
| Carotene, alpha | 0.00 ug |
| Cryptoxanthin, beta | 0.00 ug |
| Vitamin A, IU | 4545 iu |
| Lycopene | 0.00 ug |
| Lutein + zeaxanthin | 0.00 ug |
| Vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol) | 12.3 mg |
| Vitamin E, added | 12.3 mg |
| Vitamin D (D2 + D3), International Units | 364 iu |
| Vitamin D (D2 + D3) | 9.1 ug |
| Vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol) | 9.1 ug |
| Vitamin K (phylloquinone) | 0.00 ug |
| Alcohol, ethyl | 0.00 g |
| Caffeine | 0.00 mg |
| Theobromine | 0.00 mg |
Fat & fatty acid profile (per 100g)
| Fatty acids, total saturated | 0.00 g |
| SFA 4:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 6:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 8:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 10:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 12:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 14:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 16:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 18:0 | 0.00 g |
| Fatty acids, total monounsaturated | 0.00 g |
| MUFA 16:1 | 0.00 g |
| MUFA 18:1 | 0.00 g |
| MUFA 20:1 | 0.00 g |
| MUFA 22:1 | 0.00 g |
| Fatty acids, total polyunsaturated | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 18:2 | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 18:3 | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 18:4 | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 20:4 | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 20:5 n-3 (EPA) | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 22:5 n-3 (DPA) | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 22:6 n-3 (DHA) | 0.00 g |
| Fatty acids, total trans | 0.00 g |
| Cholesterol | 0.00 mg |
Amino acid profile (per 100g)
Estimated from Beverages, carbonated, tonic water — USDA does not publish this profile for Beverages.
| Tryptophan | 0.00 g |
| Threonine | 0.00 g |
| Isoleucine | 0.00 g |
| Leucine | 0.00 g |
| Lysine | 0.00 g |
| Methionine | 0.00 g |
| Cystine | 0.00 g |
| Phenylalanine | 0.00 g |
| Tyrosine | 0.00 g |
| Valine | 0.00 g |
| Arginine | 0.00 g |
| Histidine | 0.00 g |
| Alanine | 0.00 g |
| Aspartic acid | 0.00 g |
| Glutamic acid | 0.00 g |
| Glycine | 0.00 g |
| Proline | 0.00 g |
| Serine | 0.00 g |
FAQ
Does Ovaltine contain caffeine?
Classic Ovaltine Malt powder is caffeine-free, as its primary ingredients are malt extract, sugar, and cocoa. However, always check the label, as some regional variants or related products might include added caffeine.
Is it suitable for a vegetarian diet?
The classic powder formulation is typically vegetarian, as it contains malt extract, sugar, cocoa, and vitamins. However, some formulations may include vitamin D3 derived from lanolin (sheep's wool), so strict vegans should verify the specific product label.
How does it differ from chocolate milk powder?
Ovaltine's key differentiator is its malted barley extract, which provides a distinctive, toasty, and slightly savory depth of flavor beyond simple chocolate. Chocolate milk powders primarily focus on cocoa and sugar without the malt component.
Nutrient density (calculated · NRF9.3)
Nutrient Rich Foods index: beneficial nutrients (protein, fiber, vitamins, minerals) minus saturated fat, added sugar & sodium, per 100 kcal.
NRF9.3 index — Fulgoni, Keast & Drewnowski, 2009. Computed from USDA nutrients.
Weight-loss friendliness (composite index)
Energy density 3.72 kcal/g · 0% calories from protein · 0.0 g fiber · 63.6 g sugar per 100 g.
Composite of energy density (Rolls et al., 1999), protein & fiber satiety, minus sugar. A calculated heuristic — ranks satiety-per-calorie, not a clinical measure.
Dietary load (calculated from USDA values)
Potential renal acid load. Positive = acid-forming, negative = alkaline-forming.
Sodium:potassium per WHO potassium guidance. Computed from USDA nutrients.