Ovaltine Malt Drinks

Ovaltine x Anya Hindmarch

The Ice Cream Project IV

In August 2025, Ovaltine proudly joined Anya Hindmarch’s iconic Ice Cream Project, where a line-up of cult favourite brands were transformed into unexpectedly delicious ice creams and sorbets. Our limited-edition Ovaltine flavour quickly became a crowd favourite, showcasing nostalgic malted richness in a fresh, playful way.

There were new flavours – with a few return cameos – which celebrated Anya Hindmarch’s favourite cult food brands. Think store cupboard essentials, vintage beverages, favourite biscuits and even classic condiments.

For over a century, Ovaltine has been a cherished companion across British households. And, beause it's totally caffeine free making it the ideal evening treat.

We love its delicious 'chocolatey' malt taste - cosiness, relaxation and comfort in a mug.

Brimming with vitamins A, B6, B12 and C, alongside zinc, calcium and magnesium, Ovaltine helps replenish your energy and gives you a head start on the day’s vital nutrients. Relax, unwind and savour a timeless classic.

Malted Drinks Fun Facts

• Recipe originally developed in Berne, Switzerland.

• Original name: Ovomaltine - however, when the drink was first exported to Britain in 1909 someone got the spelling wrong (Brits and foreign languages) on the trademark application form. That's why its called Ovaltine in all English-speaking countries. 

• Over the years the formulation was changed which is why there are different versions available around the world. The UK version contains malt, milk, cocoa powder, minerals & vitamins.

• Tastes great hot or cold.

• Ovaltine is an anagram for 'Vital One'.

A Rich and Proud Heritage

The Ovaltine story began almost 120 years ago in a humble Swiss laboratory with a Swiss chemist by the name of Dr. George Wander. It was 1904 and Dr Wander was investigating the nutritional qualities of barley malt. He made a very happy discovery. His research showed him that barley malt was full of complex carbohydrates and naturally occurring vitamins.

The scientist then decided to combine the healthy barley malt with other nutritious ingredients like milk, egg, and cocoa.

The result of this combination was named Ovaltine.

Timeline - 1904 to Today

• 1904 - Swiss chemist, Dr. Wander, invents Ovaltine while investigating the nutritional qualities of barley malt. 

• 1909 - Ovaltine begins its great success story in the UK. 

• 1913 - The first iconic Ovaltine press ad appears. 

• 1919 - 20 Ovaltine begins to be exported to Australia, India, South Africa and other parts of the British Empire. 

• 1932 - Athletes at the Olympic Games are served Ovaltine as a healthy boost. 

• 1935 - The Ovaltineys make their first broadcast. 

• 1953 - Explorer and hero Sir Edmund Hilary uses Ovaltine when climbing Mount Everest. 

• 1974 - The famous Ovaltine 'lady' is reintroduced on new packaging. 

• 1997 - Ovaltine Chocolate is launched to the world. 

Ovaltine is now enjoyed in over 54 countries worldwide. It's the perfect comforting and tasty drink for the busy lives we live today.

By the way, did you know that in many countries Ovaltine is called Ovomaltine ?

Full of Vitamins and Minerals

Ovaltine was launched as the very first convenient and complete milk fortifier. It was intended to provide hot, nutritional drinks that would strengthen.

By 1909, news of Ovaltine had reached the UK. The British people started their long and happy relationship with the delicious drink. It's a relationship that continues and strengthens today.

Because of the busy world we live in, Ovaltine is even more relevant than ever. It's easy to make, warming and restorative. No wonder Ovaltine is loved and trusted by so many.

Since its beginnings in Switzerland, millions of families across the world have grown up enjoying the fabulous 'chocolatey' malt taste of their friend Ovaltine.