Unveiling the Benefits of Horlicks Powder for All Ages

December 21, 2025 •

4 min read

According to a clinical study published by Unilever, regular consumption of Horlicks, with its 27 vital nutrients, was proven to positively impact a child’s growth, including increased height, muscle mass, and improved concentration. This malted beverage has long been a staple in households for its range of nutritional advantages.

Quick Summary

Horlicks is a fortified malted beverage offering essential nutrients that support strong bones, bolster immunity, improve brain function, and promote relaxation for better sleep.

Key Points

Nutrient-Rich Formulation: Horlicks contains up to 27 vital nutrients, including essential vitamins and minerals, supporting overall health and well-being across different life stages.
Supports Bone Health: Rich in calcium and Vitamin D, regular intake helps maintain strong bones and teeth, which is especially important for growing children and aging adults.
Boosts Immunity: Fortified with key vitamins and minerals like Vitamin C, D, Zinc, and Selenium, Horlicks helps strengthen the body's immune system to fight off illnesses.
Enhances Brain Function: Variants contain nutrients like Iron, Iodine, and DHA, which contribute to improved concentration, memory, and cognitive development, especially in children.
Aids in Better Sleep: The combination of milk, malt, and carbohydrates in a warm mug of Horlicks helps promote relaxation and can contribute to a better, more restful night's sleep.
Provides Sustained Energy: With its carbohydrate and protein content, Horlicks offers a steady and sustained energy release, making it an excellent choice for a morning or midday pick-me-up.
Targets Specific Needs: Horlicks offers specialized variants like Women's Plus for bone health and Growth+ for children needing to catch up on height and weight.

A Nutritional Powerhouse in a Mug

Horlicks powder, a staple for generations, is more than just a comforting beverage. At its core, it is a nutrient-dense supplement made from malted barley, wheat, and milk solids. Fortified with a wide array of vitamins and minerals, it offers a holistic approach to daily nutrition for the entire family. Different variants have been formulated to meet the specific needs of different age groups, from growing children to women and adults.

Supporting Robust Bone Health

Bone strength is a key benefit derived from consuming Horlicks regularly. It is rich in calcium and vitamin D, two nutrients critical for the maintenance of healthy bones and teeth. For children, adequate intake is vital for supporting their rapid growth and increasing bone area and density. The Women's Plus variant specifically includes Vitamin K2, along with Calcium and Vitamin D, to support bone strength in women. For adults, this mineral fortification helps in maintaining bone density as they age.

Bolstering the Immune System

Horlicks is enriched with scientifically proven nutrients known to support immune function, helping the body defend against infections. It contains a blend of antioxidants and immunity-boosting vitamins and minerals, including Vitamin A, C, D, E, Zinc, Selenium, and Copper. Regular consumption can help to strengthen the body's natural defenses, making it a valuable addition to your diet, especially during cold and flu seasons.

Providing Sustained Energy

As a source of carbohydrates from malted barley and wheat, Horlicks provides a steady release of energy throughout the day. This makes it an excellent morning drink to kickstart your day or a perfect midday snack to combat fatigue. Unlike sugary energy drinks that cause a rapid spike and crash, the balanced nutritional profile in Horlicks provides a more sustained energy boost. It is especially beneficial for active individuals and growing children who need consistent energy for their daily activities.

Enhancing Brain Function

Beyond physical health, Horlicks also offers cognitive benefits, particularly for children. Certain formulations, like Junior Horlicks, are fortified with DHA (a type of Omega-3 fatty acid) and other nutrients like Iron, Iodine, and Zinc that are essential for optimal brain development. Clinical studies have shown improvements in attention and concentration scores among children who regularly consumed Horlicks. For all ages, the B-complex vitamins found in Horlicks aid in normal mental performance and reduce tiredness.

Aiding in Better Sleep

For many, a warm mug of Horlicks has long been a part of a calming bedtime routine. While it contains no sedatives, the relaxing effect is attributed to a combination of factors. The tryptophan found in the milk, combined with the carbohydrates from the malt, helps the body produce sleep-inducing neurotransmitters like serotonin and melatonin. The comforting warmth and satisfying nutrition can help you wind down and avoid nighttime hunger pangs that could disrupt sleep.

Supporting Digestion

Some Horlicks formulations contain dietary fiber and prebiotics, which are beneficial for maintaining a healthy digestive system. These ingredients help to promote the growth of beneficial gut bacteria and ensure smoother digestion.

Comparison of Horlicks Variants

To demonstrate the diversity of the Horlicks product line, here is a comparison of some popular variants:


Feature	Classic Malt Horlicks	Women's Plus Horlicks	Horlicks Growth+ (for Kids)
Target Audience	All ages	Adult women	Children aged 3-9
Key Focus	Overall family nutrition, height, strength, and sharpness for kids	Bone strength, energy, and overall health	Catch-up growth in height and weight for children
Nutrient Highlights	27 vital nutrients, including calcium, protein, iron, and various vitamins	Calcium, Vitamin D, Vitamin K2	High-quality protein, growth nutrients (Protein, Potassium, Phosphorus, Zinc)
Special Feature	Clinically proven for children's growth and development	Zero added sugar in some versions, clinically proven for bone strength	Pediatrician-designed for balanced catch-up growth
Sugar Content	Contains sugar	Available with zero added sugar	Formulated to optimize growth without causing obesity

Things to Consider for Responsible Consumption

While Horlicks offers significant nutritional benefits, responsible consumption is key due to its carbohydrate and sugar content. Individuals with specific dietary concerns, such as diabetes or a focus on weight management, should consider reduced-sugar or specialized versions like Horlicks Lite or Diabetes Plus. It is also important to note that the classic variant contains allergens like wheat, milk, and soy. Consulting a healthcare professional or nutritionist can provide tailored advice based on your specific health requirements.

Conclusion: More Than Just a Comfort Drink

Ultimately, the benefits of Horlicks powder extend beyond its comforting, malty taste. Its robust formulation of vitamins, minerals, and proteins provides genuine nutritional support across various life stages. From helping children grow 'Taller, Stronger, Sharper' to supporting adult bone health, immune function, and a good night's sleep, Horlicks continues to be a reliable addition to a balanced diet. As with any supplement, it is best enjoyed in moderation as part of a healthy, varied diet. To explore the full range of products, you can visit the official Unilever website, which features comprehensive brand information.

Visit the official Horlicks page on Unilever.com for more brand details

Frequently Asked Questions

Horlicks powder is primarily made from malted barley, wheat flour (atta), and milk solids. It is then fortified with a wide range of vitamins and minerals.

Horlicks is suitable for all age groups. While some variants, like Junior Horlicks and Growth+, target children, products like Classic Malt and Women's Plus are specifically designed to meet the nutritional needs of adults.

While it does not contain sedatives, the nutrients and warmth of a mug of Horlicks can promote relaxation and help you wind down before bed. The carbohydrates aid the body's uptake of tryptophan from milk, which supports melatonin production.

As with any caloric food, excessive consumption can lead to weight gain due to its sugar and carbohydrate content. However, a balanced intake as part of a healthy diet, particularly with targeted variants like Growth+, can support healthy weight gain when needed.

Yes, for those managing their sugar intake, there are options available like Horlicks Lite (no added sugar) and Diabetes Plus, which are specially formulated to aid blood sugar control.

Yes, Horlicks can be mixed with either hot or cold milk or water, according to personal preference. However, mixing it with milk increases its nutritional value, including protein and calcium content.

The recommended serving can vary by variant, so it is best to follow the instructions on the product packaging. Generally, it can be consumed once or twice daily as part of a balanced diet.

Horlicks includes nutrients such as Iron, Iodine, and Zinc, which are vital for healthy brain function. The DHA present in some variants like Junior Horlicks is particularly beneficial for cognitive development in children.