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Culture & Lifestyle • Beverage

Ovaltine

Ovaltine is a malt-based milk-flavouring drink mix originally developed in Switzerland, where it was first marketed as Ovomaltine.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Ovaltine is a malt-based milk-flavouring drink mix originally developed in Switzerland, where it was first marketed as Ovomaltine. It is sold in multiple countries and has long been marketed both as a nutritional beverage and as an everyday hot or cold drink.

History

Ovaltine originated in Switzerland in the early 20th century as Ovomaltine and was later introduced in English-speaking markets under the name Ovaltine. The brand has since expanded internationally and is sold in more than 100 countries.

Product composition

The product is a malt-flavoured drink mix or flavouring made primarily with malt extract, sugar, and whey. Some versions also contain cocoa, and formulations may differ by market.

Brand ownership

The Ovaltine trademark is held by Associated British Foods and the product is made by Wander AG, a Twinings subsidiary. In the United States, Nestlé holds the rights separately.

Cultural use

Ovaltine has been promoted for decades as a nutritious beverage and has also been consumed as a comfort drink, including as a hot bedtime drink in some markets.

Key facts

  • Ovaltine was originally developed in Switzerland under the name Ovomaltine.
  • The name combines references to egg and malt in the original branding.
  • It is typically made from malt extract, sugar, and whey, with some cocoa-containing variants.
  • Associated British Foods owns the Ovaltine trademark, and Wander AG manufactures the product.
  • The brand was acquired from Novartis in 2002, while Nestlé acquired U.S. rights separately in the late 2000s.
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Canadian context

Ovaltine is available in international markets and is familiar to Canadian consumers as an imported malt beverage mix, though its ownership and manufacturing are centered outside Canada.

Frequently asked questions

What is Ovaltine?
Ovaltine is a malt-based milk-flavouring drink mix sold as a beverage powder or flavouring product.
Where did Ovaltine come from?
It originated in Switzerland, where it was first introduced as Ovomaltine in 1904.
Why is it called Ovaltine in English-speaking countries?
The English name was adopted after the product was exported to Britain; the brand was renamed Ovaltine for English-language markets.
What are the main ingredients in Ovaltine?
Common ingredients include malt extract, sugar, and whey, with some varieties also containing cocoa.
Who owns the Ovaltine brand?
Associated British Foods owns the trademark, with Wander AG manufacturing the product.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ovaltine
    Supports: Basic product description, ingredients, ownership, and rights split between ABF and Nestlé
  2. Ovomaltine — https://www.ovomaltine.com/en/about-us/our-history
    Supports: Swiss origin, introduction in 1904, and global distribution
  3. Associated British Foods — https://www.abf.co.uk/our-businesses/our-businesses-in-action/2020/from-health-drink-to-indulgent-dessert
    Supports: Brand history, Swiss origins, and ownership by ABF
  4. Twinings — https://twinings.co.uk/pages/ovaltine
    Supports: English-language branding and association with Ovaltine/Ovomaltine history