A classic milk flavoring product loaded with vitamins and minerals and no artificial colors or sweeteners, Ovaltine has been around for over 100 years. Nestle claims Ovaltine “makes milk work harder.” Is Ovaltine healthy, and is it ok on a gluten-free diet?
No, Ovaltine is not gluten-free. It is a malt mix and the main ingredient is malted barley, which contains wheat. Some of the best gluten-free alternatives to Ovaltine include Kate’s Farm Nutrition Shake, PediaSure Grow & Gain, Good Dee’s Sipping Chocolate Drink Mix, GFO Organic Maca Powder, Source Nutrition Coconut Milk Powder, and Bob’s Red Mill Nonfat Dry Milk Powder.
Let’s talk about Ovaltine and its nutritional values and then dive into those healthier alternatives that can provide vitamins and minerals with less sugar and no gluten. Ready to dig in?
Contents
Health Benefits of Ovaltine
Ovaltine Vitamins & Minerals
It is no doubt that Ovaltine has numerous vitamins and minerals that many of us lack in our diet today. Calcium and Vitamin D are great for bones. Vitamins A, C, and E help with oxidative damage and aging. Zinc regulates tons of enzymes. Magnesium helps you sleep. Here is a run-down of the vitamins and minerals on the nutrition label:
- Calcium Carbonate
- Magnesium Hydroxide
- Vitamin C (Sodium Ascorbate)
- Ferric Orthophosphate (Iron)
- Zinc Sulfate
- Vitamin E Acetate
- Niacinamide
- Copper Gluconate
- Vitamin A Palmitate
- Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine Hydrochloride)
- Vitamin B1 (Thiamine Hydrochloride)
- Biotin
- Vitamin D3
Many parents mix Ovaltine into their child’s milk to add vitamins and minerals. It has high magnesium levels, so it can be fed to children before bedtime to aid their sleep.
One serving of Ovaltine adds:
- 10% of the daily value of Calcium
- 10% of the daily value of Zinc
- 10% of the daily value of Iron
- 6% of the daily value of magnesium
- 10% of the daily value of Vitamin A
- 10% of the daily value of Vitamin C
- 10% of the daily value of Vitamin D
- 10% of the daily value of Vitamin E
With these numbers and the deficiencies in the standard American diet, Ovaltine has its benefits.
The downside is the amount of sugar at 7-9 grams of the mix alone. Add milk, and this jumps to 22g or more. Plus, it contains gluten.
Even if the gluten doesn’t bother you, Ovaltine should be consumed in moderation, especially if you are overweight or already suffer blood-sugar issues.
Ovaltine Ingredients and Nutrition Facts
Ovaltine Classic Malt
Ingredients:
- Sugar
- Whey
- Corn Maltodextrin
- Malt Extract
- Malted Barley
- Barley
- Caramel Color
- Soy Lecithin
- Nonfat Milk
- Caramel Color
- Beet Juice Color
- Natural Flavor
- Soy Lecithin
- Salt
- Molasses
Nutrition (per 2 tbsp mix):
- 40 Calories
- 0g Fat
- 0mg Cholesterol
- 70mg Sodium
- 9g Carbohydrates (7g Sugars)
- 0g Protein
Ovaltine Nutrition when served with 1 cup of fat-free milk:
- 140 Calories
- 5g Fat (1.5g Saturated)
- 15mg Cholesterol
- 160mg Sodium
- 22g Carbohydrates (22g Sugar)
- 8g Protein
Ovaltine Rich Chocolate Flavor
Ingredients:
- Sugar
- Alkalized Cocoa
- Beet Juice Color
- Caramel Color
- Whey
- Natural Vanilla Flavor
- Salt
- Carrageenan
- Soy Lecithin
Nutrition (per 2 Tbsp):
- 40 Calories
- 0g Fat
- 0mg Cholesterol
- 70mg Sodium
- 10g Carbohydrates (9g Sugars)
- 0g Protein
Ovaltine Chocolate Malt
Ingredients:
- Sugar
- Malt Extract
- Malted Barley
- Barley
- Caramel Color
- Soy Lecithin
- Cocoa Processed with Alkali
- Whey
- Beet Juice Color
- Salt
- Soy Lecithin
- Natural Flavor
- Molasses
- Caramel Color
Nutrition (per 2 Tbsp):
- 40 Calories
- 0g Fat
- 0mg Cholesterol
- 50mg Sodium
- 9g Carbohydrates (9g Sugars)
- 0g Protein
Alternatives to Ovaltine – For Kids
There are several substitutes for Ovaltine that are gluten-free. These substitutes are not malt-based (Carnation, Horlick’s, Milo, and other brands all contain barley and/or wheat), but they have the vitamins and minerals.
Your substitute will depend on what you are using the powder for. Many parents use Ovaltine to get their children to drink milk. In that case, adding a little sweetener to the milk might help, or choose one of these nutrition shakes geared for kids. Some use Ovaltine in baking, and in that case, you’ll want to skip to the maca powder, coconut milk powder, or dry milk powder sections.
Bare Necessities Kids Nutritional Protein Shake (Vanilla Bear Flavor)
It is made with all organic ingredients and contains digestive enzymes. While it is labeled gluten-free, dairy-free, and non-GMO, on the label, it states that it is manufactured in a facility that also handles wheat. It is designed to be added to dairy-free milk. There is also a Coco Loco flavor.
Ingredients:
- Pea Protein (Organic)
- Acacia Gum Organic
- Coconut Sugar Gran (Organic)
- Vanilla Powder
- Natural Flavor
- Guar Gum
- Stevia Rebaudioside (A leaf extract)
- Sodium Chloride
- Monk Fruit Extract
Nutrition (per Scoop):
- 90 Calories
- 5g Fat (1g Saturated, .5g Polyunsaturated)
- 11g Carbohydrates (5g Dietary Fiber, 5g Sugars)
- 10g Protein
- 30mg Sodium
- Plus, between 1 and 2500% (Vitamin B12) of many vitamins and minerals
Kate’s Farm Nutrition Shake
Appropriate for kids or adults, these are made without dairy or gluten. They come in Chocolate, Vanilla, or Coffee flavors. This is a premade shake, not a powder.
Ingredients in Chocolate Flavor:
- Purified Water
- Organic Agave Syrup
- Organic Pea Protein
- Organic Brown Rice Syrup Solids
- Organic Agave Inulin
- Organic High Linoleic Sunflower Oil
- Organic Dutch Cocoa Powder (Processed with Alkali)
- Organic Coconut Oil
- Vitamin & Mineral Blend (28 listed)
- Organic Chocolate Flavor
- Natural Flavors
- Organic Cocoa Extract
- Organic Flaxseed Oil
- Organic Sunflower Lecithin
- Organic Rosemary Extract
- Organic Spectra Phytonutrient Blend (17 listed
Nutrition (per 325ml carton):
- 330 Calories
- 12g Fat (5g Saturated)
- 360mg Sodium
- 38g Carbohydrates (5g Dietary Fiber, 20g Sugars)
- 16g Protein
- Between 15 and 90% of 28 vitamins and minerals
Nestle Boost Kid Essentials
This is a source of 28 vitamins and minerals. It has no artificial flavors, colors, or sweeteners, is gluten-free and is suitable for lactose-intolerant people. It is available in premade containers in Chocolate Craze or Vanilla Vortex flavors.
Ingredients in Vanilla Vortex flavor:
- Water
- Brown Rice Syrup
- Canola Oil
- Milk Protein Concentrate
- Sugar
- Vitamin, Mineral, and Nutrient Blend (with 28 different nutrients listed)
- Cellulose Gel and Gum
- Salt
- Natural Flavor
- Carrageenan
Nutrition (per 237ml carton):
- 240 Calories
- 7g Protein
- 32g Carbohydrates (9g Sugars)
- 9g Fat (1g Saturated)
- 150mg Sodium
- Between 8 and 35% of 25 vitamins and minerals
PediaSure Grow & Gain
PediaSure is a dry mix with protein, probiotics, DHA, antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. It is non-GMO, kosher, lactose-free, and gluten-free. The shake mix comes in vanilla, strawberry, and chocolate flavors. It adds 23 vitamins and minerals and needs to be combined with water. PediaSure also makes this in premade bottles if you don’t want to mix it yourself.
Ingredients in Vanilla flavor:
- Corn Syrup
- Sugar
- Blend of Vegetable Oils (Canola, High Oleic Sunflower, Sunflower)
- Milk Protein Concentrate
- Corn Maltodextrin
- Soy Protein Isolate
- Short-chain Fructo-oligosaccharides
- Medium chain Triglycerides
- Soy Lecithin
- Potassium Citrate
- Sodium Citrate
- Potassium Phosphate
- Artificial Flavor
- Calcium Phosphate
- Potassium Chloride
- Magnesium Chloride
- Calcium Carbonate
- Salt
- Magnesium Phosphate
- Choline Chloride
- Ascorbyl Palmitate
- Taurine
- Ascorbic Acid
- Inositol
- Cohnii Oil
- Potassium Hydroxide
- Ferrous Sulfate
- L-Carnitine Tartrate
- Lactobacillus Acidophilus
- Mixed Tocopherols
- Zinc Sulfate
- dl-Alpha-Tocopheryl Acetate
- Niacinamide
- Calcium Pantothenate
- Thiamine Hydrochloride
- Manganese Sulfate
- Pyridoxine Hydrochloride
- Riboflavin
- Copper Sulfate
- Vitamin A Palmitate
- Folic Acid
- Potassium Iodide
- Chromium Chloride
- Sodium Selenite
- Phylloquinone
- Sodium Molybdate
- Biotin
- Vitamin D3
- Vitamin B12
Nutrition (per 1/3 cup powder mixed with ¾ cup water):
- 220 Calories
- 9g Fat (1.5g Saturated, 2g Polyunsaturated, 4.5g Monounsaturated)
- 10mg Cholesterol
- 130mg Sodium
- 29g Carbohydrates (less than 1g Dietary Fiber, 12g Sugars
- 6g Protein
- 8-45% recommended daily value of many vitamins and minerals
Simpler Alternatives to Ovaltine
Cocoa Powder
For the chocolate taste, various cocoa powders are available. Many brands like Nestle, Nesquik, and Ghirardelli list wheat as an allergen. The ingredients do not contain wheat, but there could be cross-contamination in the manufacturing process.
BetterBody Foods Organic Cacao Powder
Cacao is a non-GMO, gluten-free superfood with antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. This brand is organic and keto-friendly. You can add it to smoothies or shakes, cakes, muffins, or oatmeal bars. Cacao Powder is not sweet on its own, so if you add it to a glass of milk, you may need to add honey, sugar, or molasses.
Ingredients:
- Organic Cacao Powder
Nutrition (per 1 Tbsp):
- 20 Calories
- 0g Fat
- 0mg Cholesterol
- 0mg Sodium
- 3mg Carbohydrates (2g Dietary Fiber)
- 1g Protein
- .4mg Iron
- 100mg Potassium
- 30mg Magnesium
- 5mg Vitamin C
Good Dee’s Sipping Chocolate Drink Mix
This is cocoa with sweeteners added can be enjoyed hot or cold mixed with milk; it has no sugar added and is gluten-free, soy-free, dairy-free, and vegan. It also says it’s keto-friendly with 1.5g Net Carbs).
Ingredients:
- Good Dee’s Signature Sweetener Blend (Allulose and Monk fruit)
- Soluble Tapioca Flour
- Unsweetened Cocoa Powder with Alkali
Nutrition (per 3 Tbsp dry mix):
- 30 Calories
- 0mg Cholesterol
- 0mg Sodium
- 24g Carbohydrates (9g Dietary Fiber)
- 1g Protein
- 6mg Calcium
- 85mg Potassium
Maca Powder
Another superfood can be added to smoothies, yogurts, or granola bars. Add cocoa powder, a sweetener, and vanilla for a nice sweet hot drink when making hot chocolate. Maca is derived from the root of a plant and is naturally gluten-free. It is often used for energy and is packed with nutrients. Sources say it’s suitable for kids as well.
FGO Organic Maca Powder
This brand is sourced from Peru, organic, and non-GMO.
Ingredients:
- Certified Organic Maca Powder from Peru (Lepidium meyenii)
Nutrition (per 1 tsp):
- 10 Calories
- .5g Fat
- 0mg Sodium
- 2g Carbohydrates (.5g Sugar)
- .5 Protein
- 13mg Calcium
- 82mg Potassium
Coconut Milk Powder
Coconut milk powder can be used to mix plant-based milk, can be added to coffee as a creamer, or used as a substitute in recipes calling for malted milk powder. It is vegan, dairy-free, and gluten-free.
Source Nutrition Organic Certified Coconut Milk Powder
This brand is soy-free, non-GMO, and entirely plant-based.
Ingredients:
- Organic Coconut Milk
- Organic Tapioca
- Maltodextrin
- Organic Gum Acacia
Nutrition (per 1 Tbsp):
- 60 Calories
- 6g Fat (5g Saturated)
- 0mg Sodium
- 2g Carbohydrates (1g Sugar)
- Less than 1g Protein
- 2mg Calcium
- 110mg Potassium
Dry Milk Powder
Dry Milk Powder can be used in place of Ovaltine in recipes, added to coffee for a creamy texture, or combined with cocoa powder, sugar, and salt for a chocolate milk mix. It is gluten-free.
Bob’s Red Mill Nonfat Dry Milk Powder
Ingredients:
- Nonfat Dry Milk
Nutrition (per 3 Tbsp):
- 90 Calories
- 0g Fat
- 100mg Sodium
- 13g Carbohydrates (1g Dietary Fiber)
- 8g Protein
- 310mg Calcium
- 410mg Potassium
Related Questions
What are Other Substitutes for Ovaltine in Recipes?
Other possibilities include soy milk powder, vanilla powder, quinoa milk powder, and rice milk powder.
What can I use to Sweeten Milk to Get my Kids to Drink it?
Try adding molasses, honey, sugar, or vanilla extract.
Is Ovaltine Powder Vegan?
No, Ovaltine contains whey and nonfat milk. Also, if you are lactose intolerant, you may need to consider other alternatives. Ovaltine can be mixed with water or plant-based milk, but it will not be vegan.