Is Ovaltine Good to Drink Every Day?

December 6, 2025 •

3 min read

In recent years, the average daily consumption of added sugar has been a significant concern for health professionals, impacting beverages like Ovaltine. While many remember this malted milk powder as a cozy childhood treat, the question of whether it is good to drink every day deserves a modern look at its nutritional profile.

Quick Summary

Ovaltine offers essential vitamins and minerals, such as calcium and B vitamins, but it is also high in added sugars. While beneficial as a nutritional supplement during times of poor appetite, daily consumption requires moderation, especially for those monitoring sugar intake.

Key Points

Moderate Intake: While fortified with vitamins and minerals, Ovaltine's high sugar content means it is best consumed in moderation rather than daily.
High in Added Sugar: The main health concern with regular Ovaltine consumption is the significant amount of added sugar, which can lead to various health problems.
Source of Essential Nutrients: Ovaltine is fortified with key vitamins and minerals like Calcium, Vitamin D, and B vitamins, contributing to overall health.
Potential Sleep Aid: Its magnesium content and comforting nature have historically linked Ovaltine with improved sleep, especially when consumed warm.
Better Alternatives Exist: For a truly healthy daily beverage, unsweetened cocoa powder mixed with milk or a plant-based milk and an alternative sweetener offers a comparable flavor with zero added sugar.
Nutritional Context Matters: How healthy Ovaltine is depends on the rest of your diet; if you have other sources of high sugar, it's best to limit intake.

Ovaltine: The Nutritional Upsides

For decades, Ovaltine has been marketed as a nutritious and comforting beverage, a reputation built on its fortification with essential vitamins and minerals. When consumed in moderation, its nutrient content can provide several health benefits.

Rich Source of Vitamins and Minerals

One of the main draws of Ovaltine is its impressive vitamin and mineral content. A single serving can contribute significantly to your daily intake of several key nutrients. These include:

Calcium and Vitamin D: Crucial for bone health and preventing conditions like osteoporosis. When mixed with milk, Ovaltine can substantially boost your intake of these bone-building nutrients.
B Vitamins: Excellent sources of B-vitamins like B6, niacin, and thiamin, which are essential for energy metabolism, converting food into usable energy for the body.
Vitamin A: Important for vision, immune function, and maintaining healthy skin.
Copper and Zinc: Essential trace elements that support immune function and help fight oxidative stress.

Potential for Improved Sleep

Ovaltine has long been regarded as a natural sleep aid, especially for children, due to its magnesium content. Studies suggest that malted milk beverages may help increase total sleep time in older adults and that magnesium can help relieve insomnia symptoms. The warm, calming nature of the drink can be a relaxing addition to a bedtime routine.

The Downside: High Added Sugar Content

Despite its fortified nutrient profile, the primary concern with drinking Ovaltine every day is its high added sugar content. This is a critical factor to consider, particularly for adults and children who are already consuming significant amounts of sugar through other foods.

Health Risks of Excessive Sugar

High intake of added sugars is linked to several chronic health issues, including:

Weight gain and obesity: Sugary drinks contribute extra calories without promoting satiety.
Type 2 diabetes: Excessive sugar consumption can increase the risk of insulin resistance.
Heart disease: Studies have linked high sugar intake to increased risk of heart disease.
Dental problems: Frequent consumption of sugary foods and drinks can lead to tooth decay.

Comparison: Ovaltine vs. Unsweetened Cocoa Mix

To highlight the sugar issue, let's compare a serving of Ovaltine (mixed with water) with a homemade, sugar-conscious alternative using unsweetened cocoa powder.


Feature	Ovaltine (2 tbsp mixed with water)	Unsweetened Cocoa Mix (2 tbsp cocoa, stevia)
Added Sugar	9 grams	0 grams (using a non-sugar sweetener like stevia)
Calories	40 calories	Approx. 25 calories (cocoa only)
Vitamins/Minerals	Fortified with 12 essential nutrients	Varies; cocoa contains iron and magnesium
Preparation	Mix with water or milk	Mix with water or milk (add alternative sweetener)
Flavor	Malt and chocolate	Rich chocolate

This comparison shows that for those strictly monitoring sugar intake, a DIY alternative is a more controlled choice. Even when mixed with milk, Ovaltine retains its 9 grams of added sugar per serving.

Can you drink Ovaltine every day?

While not inherently dangerous, drinking Ovaltine daily is a matter of moderation and overall dietary context. A person with an otherwise low-sugar, nutrient-rich diet might find a daily cup acceptable, but for most people, it's wiser to treat it as an occasional treat. The nutritional benefits, while present, are offset by the added sugar, which should be limited according to health guidelines. Ovaltine can be beneficial as a temporary nutritional supplement, for example, during periods of illness or poor appetite.

Conclusion

So, is Ovaltine good to drink every day? The answer is nuanced. On one hand, it's fortified with a range of vitamins and minerals, and its malted profile can offer relaxing properties that aid sleep. On the other hand, its significant added sugar content poses health risks, especially with daily consumption. Ultimately, a balanced approach is best. Instead of a daily habit, enjoy Ovaltine as a flavorful treat on occasion while focusing on whole foods for your primary source of nutrition. For those concerned about sugar, exploring lower-sugar or homemade alternatives can offer a similar experience without the added health concerns.

For more detailed nutritional information on Ovaltine and comparisons with other foods, visit Healthline's Ovaltine nutrition breakdown.

Frequently Asked Questions

Ovaltine and many other chocolate drink mixes contain comparable levels of added sugar. However, Ovaltine is often more fortified with vitamins and minerals than basic cocoa powder mixes, though homemade versions allow for complete sugar control.

Yes, Ovaltine has been associated with aiding sleep due to its magnesium content, a mineral linked to regulating sleep patterns. The calming routine of a warm beverage can also help.

Yes, a single serving of Ovaltine contains a notable amount of added sugar. Health organizations recommend limiting daily intake of added sugars, so regular daily consumption should be carefully considered.

Ovaltine is fortified with calcium and vitamin D, both of which are essential for maintaining strong, healthy bones. When mixed with milk, it provides a powerful boost of these nutrients.

Due to its high added sugar content, diabetics should exercise caution and consult a doctor before making Ovaltine a daily habit. Limiting or avoiding sugary beverages is typically recommended for managing blood sugar.

Ovaltine contains B-vitamins that help the body convert food into energy. However, its high sugar content also provides a quick energy boost, which is not ideal for sustained energy levels.

To make a healthier drink, you can prepare Ovaltine with water instead of milk or use a non-dairy, unsweetened milk alternative. Always be mindful of your serving size to control sugar intake.