How much protein is in 20g of Horlicks?

November 23, 2025 •

3 min read

For a standard Classic Malt version, a 20g serving of Horlicks contains approximately 2.7 grams of protein, although this can vary significantly depending on the specific product variant. Many consumers check nutritional labels to understand how common food items, like Horlicks, contribute to their daily protein intake.

Quick Summary

This guide breaks down the protein content in a 20g serving across different Horlicks products, including Classic and Protein Plus. It examines how adding milk affects the final protein amount and contrasts Horlicks with other protein sources.

Key Points

Classic Horlicks: A 20g serving of the standard Classic Malt Horlicks contains roughly 2.7 grams of protein, based on average values.
Protein Plus Variant: The Horlicks Protein Plus offers a higher protein amount, delivering approximately 6.8 grams in a 20g serving of the powder.
Total Protein with Milk: Mixing Horlicks with milk significantly increases the total protein, as milk is a major protein source.
Not a Primary Protein Source: Standard Horlicks is a nutritional malted beverage, not a high-protein supplement like whey powder.
Check the Label: To get the most accurate information, always read the nutritional label on your specific Horlicks product, as values can differ by variant and region.
High in Sugar: Be mindful of the sugar content, especially in classic variants, which can be high.

Understanding Horlicks Variants and Protein Content

The amount of protein in 20g of Horlicks is not a single, fixed number, as it depends on the specific variant of the product. Horlicks offers several formulations, each with a different nutritional profile tailored to different consumer needs. The protein content per 100g, and thus per 20g, varies significantly. Knowing which version you are consuming is crucial for accurate calculation. For example, a high-protein version, Horlicks Protein Plus, is specifically formulated to contain more protein than the classic malt variety.

Protein in Classic Malt Horlicks (per 20g)

The Classic Malt Horlicks is the traditional version many people are familiar with. The protein content can differ slightly by country, but based on common nutrition data, it is not primarily a protein supplement.

Protein per 100g (varies): Searches show values ranging from approximately 9.1g to 13.5g per 100g depending on region and formulation.
Calculation for 20g: Using the 13.5g per 100g value, a 20g serving would contain: (13.5g / 100g) * 20g = 2.7g of protein.

Protein in Horlicks Protein Plus (per 20g)

For those seeking a higher protein intake, Horlicks offers a Protein Plus variant, which is specifically fortified to contain more protein. This product uses a blend of whey, soy, and casein proteins.

Protein per 100g: According to Horlicks and Amazon product details, this version contains approximately 34g of protein per 100g.
Calculation for 20g: A 20g serving would therefore contain: (34g / 100g) * 20g = 6.8g of protein.

How to Calculate the Protein in Any 20g Serving

To determine the protein content for any variant, follow these simple steps:

Locate the Nutritional Label: Find the 'Nutrition Facts' or 'Nutritional Information' on the Horlicks container. This label typically lists the protein content per 100g of the dry powder.
Identify the Protein Value: Read the number of grams of protein listed for the 100g serving size.
Perform the Calculation: Divide the protein value for 100g by 5. This will give you the protein content for 20g, as 20 is one-fifth of 100.

For instance, if the label shows 11g of protein per 100g, a 20g serving would be 11 divided by 5, which equals 2.2g of protein.

The Impact of Adding Milk on Total Protein

The protein content in your final Horlicks beverage will increase significantly when you mix the powder with milk. This is because milk is a naturally rich source of protein. A standard glass of milk adds several extra grams of protein to your drink. For example, a 200ml serving of semi-skimmed milk contains a notable amount of protein, which combines with the protein already present in the Horlicks powder. Some products even provide nutritional information for the powder when mixed with milk to give a more accurate picture of the final beverage's nutritional value.

Horlicks vs. Other Protein Sources

For context, it is helpful to compare the protein in Horlicks with other common sources. While it adds protein to a diet, it is not a dedicated high-protein supplement like whey protein powder.


Source	Serving Size	Approximate Protein Content	Notes
Horlicks (Classic Malt)	20g powder	2.7g	Lower protein content; primarily a malted beverage.
Horlicks (Protein Plus)	20g powder	6.8g	Enhanced protein formula, but still lower than whey.
Whey Protein Powder	20g powder	~15-18g (can vary)	Specifically designed for high protein intake.
Chicken Breast	100g cooked	~31g	A dense, whole-food protein source.
Greek Yogurt	100g	~10g	A dairy source with more protein per serving than standard Horlicks.

It is clear that dedicated protein supplements and whole foods contain a significantly higher concentration of protein. Horlicks serves a different purpose as a nourishing malt drink, not a primary tool for achieving high protein targets.

Conclusion: Horlicks as a Part of a Balanced Diet

In summary, the amount of protein in 20g of Horlicks depends entirely on the specific variant. A serving of Classic Horlicks provides a small amount, typically around 2.7 grams, while the Protein Plus variant offers a more substantial 6.8 grams. However, it's important to remember that Horlicks is fundamentally a malted drink and should be considered a nutritional supplement rather than a high-protein source like whey powder. Adding milk will boost the overall protein content of the beverage. For individuals with specific dietary requirements or fitness goals, always consult the nutritional label of your specific Horlicks product and balance it with other high-protein foods in your diet.

For more information on general nutritional guidelines, a helpful resource is the NHS guide to balanced eating.

Frequently Asked Questions

A 20g serving of Classic Malt Horlicks powder contains approximately 2.7 grams of protein, based on a nutritional value of 13.5g per 100g found in some formulations.

Horlicks Protein Plus contains significantly more protein. A 20g serving of the Protein Plus powder provides about 6.8 grams of protein, compared to around 2.7 grams in the Classic Malt version.

No, Horlicks is not a suitable replacement for a dedicated protein shake, especially for athletes or bodybuilders. While it contains some protein, its concentration is much lower compared to products like whey protein powder.

The amount of protein added by milk depends on the type and quantity used. For example, 200ml of semi-skimmed milk can add over 7g of protein, substantially increasing the total protein content of your Horlicks drink.

Horlicks can contribute to a child's protein intake, but it should not be their sole source. Unilever, the parent company, has other products specifically for children, and a balanced diet with whole food sources remains essential for their nutritional needs.

Yes, absolutely. The nutritional information, including protein content, varies significantly between different Horlicks variants such as Classic Malt, Protein Plus, and Lite. Always check the label for the specific product you are consuming.

No, Horlicks Protein Plus is not gluten-free. It contains ingredients like cereal extract and malted barley, which contain gluten.