The Tale of Two Brands: Milo's Tea vs. Nestlé Milo
Two different brands with similar names cause confusion regarding whether Milos is decaf. Milo's Tea Company, founded in 1946, produces iced teas and lemonades. Nestlé makes a chocolate and malt powder beverage called MILO®, invented in Australia in 1934 and sold globally. This name similarity leads people to question the caffeine content of both products.
Is Milo's Tea Decaf? Yes, a Specific Variety Is
Milo's Tea Company offers Milo's Decaf Sweet Tea. This beverage is brewed with decaffeinated tea leaves, ensuring only trace amounts of caffeine. It has three ingredients: filtered water, pure cane sugar, and fresh-brewed decaffeinated tea. This product provides the sweet tea flavor without the stimulant effects.
Milo's Tea Company sells other teas that contain caffeine, including their Famous Sweet Tea and Unsweet Tea. The caffeine content in these products is stated on the Milo's Tea Company website.
Does Nestlé Milo Powder Have Caffeine? Yes, from Cocoa
The Nestlé brand MILO® is not decaffeinated. It has a small amount of caffeine from its cocoa. The amount of caffeine is less than in coffee, but it is not caffeine-free. According to Nestlé Australia, MILO® powder contains between 0.011g and 0.024g of caffeine per 100g of powder. This is equal to about 92 cups of MILO® to equal the caffeine content of a single espresso shot. This information is crucial for those sensitive to caffeine.
Ingredients in Nestlé MILO® include:
- Malted barley
- Milk solids
- Sugar
- Cocoa
- Vitamins and minerals
Comparing Milo's Decaf Sweet Tea and Nestlé MILO®
| Feature | Milo's Decaf Sweet Tea | Nestlé MILO® Chocolate Malt Powder |
|---|---|---|
| Product Type | Ready-to-drink iced tea | Powdered drink mix |
| Decaffeinated? | Yes | No (contains small, natural caffeine) |
| Source of Caffeine | None (trace amounts possible) | Cocoa and malt |
| Primary Ingredients | Filtered Water, Pure Cane Sugar, Decaffeinated Tea | Malted Barley, Milk Solids, Sugar, Cocoa |
| Company | Milo's Tea Company (USA) | Nestlé (Global) |
Understanding the Decaffeination Process
The term "decaffeinated" does not mean "caffeine-free." The process of decaffeination removes most caffeine, but trace amounts often remain. For Milo's Decaf Sweet Tea, the caffeine level is negligible, but it is not a zero-caffeine product. This is common practice for any decaffeinated tea or coffee product.
Naturally caffeine-free beverages, like herbal teas, contain no caffeine from their ingredients. Consumers who want to avoid caffeine should note this difference and check the label.
The Final Word on Milos Decaf
The question "is Milos decaf" highlights the need for brand clarity. To be sure you consume a low-caffeine beverage, confirm the brand and product. If you want decaffeinated tea, look for the Milo's Tea Company product. If drinking the chocolate malt powder, be aware of its caffeine content. The official website for the tea product is a great place to check for details, including the decaf version.
To ensure you get the decaf version:
- Look for the Milo's brand from the Milo's Tea Company, not Nestlé's MILO® powder.
- Check the label specifically for the words "Decaf" or "Decaffeinated."
- For true caffeine-free options, consider herbal teas instead of decaffeinated teas.
