What Does Drinking Horlicks Do? Unpacking Its Health Benefits

November 21, 2025 •

3 min read

Invented in 1873 by British brothers James and William Horlick, this malted milk powder was originally intended for infants and invalids. Over a century later, people still ask: what does drinking Horlicks do for their health and well-being? This article explores its wide range of benefits for different life stages.

Quick Summary

Horlicks provides essential nutrients, such as vitamins, minerals, and proteins, that support immunity, strengthen bones, and offer an energy boost. It is a fortified supplement suitable for various age groups and comes in multiple variants.

Key Points

Supports Bone Health: Horlicks is fortified with calcium and Vitamin D to aid in the development and maintenance of strong bones.
Boosts Immunity: Key nutrients like Zinc and Vitamins C and D help strengthen the body's immune system, assisting in its fight against infections.
Provides Energy: The malted barley and B-vitamins in Horlicks help provide a sustained energy boost, fighting fatigue.
Aids Child Development: Specialized versions are clinically proven to assist in children's growth, muscle strength, and concentration.
Offers Variant Options: A range of products exists, including variants specifically formulated for women, diabetics, and those looking to reduce sugar intake.
Consider Sugar Content: Be mindful of the high sugar content in classic Horlicks, especially if you are managing blood sugar levels.

The Nutritional Foundation of Horlicks

Horlicks is a malted milk powder made from a wholesome blend of malted barley, wheat, and milk solids. This classic formulation is fortified with a range of essential vitamins and minerals to enhance its nutritional profile. A typical serving can contain a unique combination of nutrients, including vitamins A, B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B12, C, D, and E, as well as calcium, iron, folic acid, and zinc. The specific ingredients and fortification levels can vary between product versions and regional markets, so it is always wise to check the packaging for the exact details.

Key Benefits of Consuming Horlicks

Drinking Horlicks, especially as part of a balanced diet, can contribute to overall health and wellness. The benefits are largely driven by its comprehensive nutrient mix.

Supports Bone Health

Horlicks is a source of calcium and Vitamin D, two critical nutrients for strong, healthy bones. Calcium is a primary building block of bone tissue, while Vitamin D is essential for the body to properly absorb calcium. This makes it particularly beneficial for growing children and women, who are at a higher risk of losing bone density with age.

Boosts Immunity

The presence of immunity-supporting vitamins and minerals is a significant benefit. Vitamins C and D, along with Zinc, are key nutrients known to help strengthen the body's immune system, assisting in its fight against infections.

Provides Energy and Fights Fatigue

For those needing a sustained energy boost, Horlicks can be a good option. The malted barley and B-vitamins work to help the body break down food and convert it into energy, reducing feelings of tiredness and fatigue.

Aids Growth and Development (Children)

Many Horlicks products, particularly those targeted at children, are clinically proven to support key aspects of growth. This includes increasing bone area, building stronger muscles (by increasing lean tissue), and improving attention and concentration.

Improves Brain Function

Nutrients like iron and iodine within the Horlicks formula contribute to better brain function. Iron helps in oxygen transport to the brain, which is vital for mental alertness and development, especially in children.

Exploring Different Horlicks Variants

Horlicks has developed a range of products to meet specific nutritional needs. The table below provides a comparison of some popular variants:


Feature	Classic Malt	Women's Plus	Diabetes Plus
Target Audience	All ages	Adult women	Diabetics/blood sugar control
Key Nutrients	Vitamins, minerals, protein, calcium	Calcium, Vitamin D, Vitamin K2	Vitamins, minerals, micronutrients
Main Goal	Overall growth and nutrition	Support bone health and address micronutrient gaps	Assist in blood sugar management and weight control
Sugar Content	Can be high in sugar	Lowered sugar compared to classic	Specially formulated to be sugar-free

Potential Downsides and Considerations

While Horlicks offers numerous nutritional benefits, it is important to be aware of potential downsides. The classic version is known to be relatively high in sugar, which can cause blood sugar spikes in many individuals, as evidenced by studies using continuous glucose monitoring. Frequent spikes can increase the risk of insulin resistance over time. For those monitoring blood sugar levels or trying to reduce sugar intake, a sugar-free or reduced-sugar version is a better choice.

Conclusion: A Nutritious, Balanced Choice

In summary, drinking Horlicks can be a great way to supplement your diet with essential nutrients that support bone health, boost immunity, and provide a much-needed energy lift. Whether you enjoy it as a morning beverage or a soothing nightly ritual, it remains a nutritious and convenient option. The wide array of product variants means there is a Horlicks suitable for almost any dietary need. However, as with any fortified food product, it is crucial to consume it in moderation and be mindful of the sugar content in certain versions. Ultimately, for those seeking a quick and easy way to add vitamins and minerals to their daily intake, Horlicks offers a time-tested solution. For more information on the history and various products, you can visit the official Unilever's Horlicks page.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, drinking Horlicks daily is generally considered safe and can provide a steady source of essential nutrients. However, moderation is key, especially if you are sensitive to sugar, so a sugar-free variant might be preferable.

While Horlicks is not a sedative, the warmth of the drink and its nutritional content can help promote a cozy, relaxed feeling that can assist in winding down for a better night's sleep.

Horlicks can be enjoyed at any time of the day. Many prefer it as an energy-boosting drink in the morning or as a soothing beverage in the evening before bed.

Standard Horlicks, which is high in sugar, can cause blood sugar spikes. It is best for individuals with diabetes to consult a doctor before consumption or to choose a specialized, sugar-free variant like Horlicks Diabetes Plus.

Yes, Horlicks can be mixed with either hot or cold milk or water. It is known to dissolve more smoothly in hot liquids, but a good stir will work for cold preparations as well.

Yes, some versions like Horlicks Mother's Plus are specifically designed to support pregnant and breastfeeding women, fortified with vital nutrients such as folic acid.

The classic Horlicks formula includes malted barley, wheat flour, and milk solids, in addition to the various vitamins and minerals added for fortification.