The Many Faces of Viva Drink
The phrase "Viva drink" does not refer to a single, universal product, but rather a collection of different beverages sold under the Viva brand name in various countries. These range from nourishing malted drink powders to light, zero-sugar seltzers and fruit cocktails. Consequently, the nutritional facts differ significantly between products, and consumers must identify the specific type to understand its health implications. This guide will cover the most common variants and their respective nutritional information.
Nutritional Profile: Viva Malted Health Drink Powder
The malted powder version of Viva is often marketed as a health supplement, particularly in markets like India, and is typically associated with the Horlicks brand. This beverage is mixed with milk or water and provides a concentrated source of energy and essential nutrients. The formulation typically includes:
- Malt extract
- Milk solids
- Vitamins (A, D, B1, B2, B6, B12, C)
- Minerals (Iron, Calcium, Phosphorus)
- Maltodextrin
According to nutritional information for this product, a 100g serving of the powder typically contains:
- Energy: 391 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 80.2g
- Protein: 9.6g
- Fat: 3.5g
- Sugar: 0g (in the base powder)
It is important to note that while the powder itself contains zero added sugar, consumers often add sugar to taste, which would increase the overall carbohydrate and calorie content of the final drink.
Nutritional Profile: VIVA Flavoured Milk (UK/Ireland)
In some regions, such as the UK and Ireland, Viva offers pre-packaged, low-fat flavoured milk drinks in flavors like chocolate, strawberry, and banana. These are explicitly advertised as containing no added sugar. Key nutritional features include:
- Made with low-fat (semi-skimmed) milk
- Fortified with Vitamin D to aid calcium absorption
- Naturally high in calcium and protein from milk solids
- Uses a sweetener like Steviol Glycosides (from Stevia)
For a typical 200ml serving, the nutritional values are as follows:
- Energy: ~92-94 kcal
- Protein: ~7.2g
- Carbohydrates: ~9.6g
- Sugars: ~9.6g (naturally occurring from milk)
- Fat: ~2.8g
- Calcium: 240mg (30% Reference Intake)
- Vitamin D: 2µg (40% Reference Intake)
Nutritional Profile: Viva Tequila Seltzer (USA)
Viva Tequila Seltzer is a distinct, ready-to-drink alcoholic beverage targeted at consumers seeking a low-calorie, low-sugar alternative to other seltzers. The nutritional profile is significantly different from other Viva products.
- Alcohol by Volume (ABV): 4.5%
- Calories: 88 kcal per can
- Carbohydrates: 0g
- Sugar: 0g
- Gluten-free: Yes
This product is made with tequila, natural fruit flavors, and light carbonation, making it a very different type of "Viva drink" from the malted powder or flavoured milk.
Nutritional Profile: Viva Cocktail Multifruit Drink
Another variant found in certain international markets is the Viva multifruit cocktail drink. As a refreshing soft drink, its nutritional makeup is quite different from the fortified or zero-sugar options. This product contains water, a blend of fruit juices from concentrate, and added sugar. A 100ml serving can contain a high amount of sugar.
- Energy: 43 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 10.8g
- Sugars: 10.8g
- Protein: 0g
- Fat: 0g
Macronutrient Comparison: Viva Drink Varieties
| Nutrient (per 100g/ml) | Viva Malted Powder (per 100g) | VIVA Flavoured Milk (per 100ml) | Viva Tequila Seltzer (per 100ml) | Viva Multifruit Drink (per 100ml) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Energy | 391 kcal | ~46 kcal | ~25 kcal | 43 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 80.2g | ~4.8g | 0g | 10.8g |
| Protein | 9.6g | ~3.6g | 0g | 0g |
| Fat | 3.5g | ~1.5g | 0g | 0g |
| Sugar | 0g (base powder) | 4.7g (natural) | 0g | 10.8g |
A Closer Look at Key Nutrients and Ingredients
Beyond the basic macronutrients, the various Viva products contain different vitamins and minerals that cater to different health needs.
- Malted Powder: The malted version is packed with B vitamins, which are crucial for energy-yielding metabolism, and iron, which supports immunity and concentration. Calcium and phosphorus are also included for bone health.
- Flavoured Milk: The UK/Ireland flavoured milk is a great source of calcium and protein for growing children. The inclusion of Vitamin D is vital for the absorption of calcium, which is especially important for bone development.
- Tequila Seltzer: This product is designed for its low-calorie, zero-sugar profile rather than for nutritional content. The simple list of ingredients (tequila, natural flavors, carbonated water) reflects its focus on refreshment rather than fortification.
- Fruit Cocktail: The fruit cocktail drink contains some Vitamin A from fruit concentrates, but the high sugar content is the most significant nutritional factor.
Making an Informed Choice
Given the wide range of products under the same brand name, making an informed choice is essential. A consumer seeking a nutritious supplement for energy should opt for the malted powder, while someone looking for a quick, low-fat, no-added-sugar dairy fix should choose the flavoured milk. Conversely, if a low-calorie alcoholic beverage is the goal, the tequila seltzer is the appropriate choice, and the multifruit drink is better suited for someone simply wanting a sugary fruit beverage.
Tip: Always read the product label carefully and understand the ingredients, as the nutritional content will dictate the product's effect on your diet and health. For specific dietary concerns, consulting a healthcare professional is always recommended before adding new nutritional drinks to your diet. A good place to verify information is the manufacturer's official product page, such as the one for VIVA flavoured milk.
Conclusion
There is no single answer to the question, "What are the nutritional facts of Viva drink?" The brand name encompasses several different beverage categories, including a malt-based health powder, no-added-sugar flavoured milk, a tequila seltzer, and a high-sugar fruit cocktail, each with a unique nutritional profile. The malted powder is a source of calories, protein, and fortified vitamins and minerals, while the flavoured milk is low-fat and contains milk's natural calcium and protein. The tequila seltzer is a low-calorie, zero-carb, alcoholic option, and the multifruit drink is high in sugar. Therefore, consumers must understand which specific Viva product they are purchasing to evaluate its nutritional value correctly.
