Ovaltine

Ovaltine is a brand of milk flavoring product made with malt extract (except in the blue packaging in the United States), sugar (except in Switzerland), and whey. Some flavors also have cocoa. Ovaltine, a registered trademark of Associated British Foods, is made by Wander AG, a subsidiary of Twinings which acquired the brand from Novartis in 2003, except in the United States, where Nestlé acquired the rights separately from Novartis later on.

History

Ovaltine was developed in Bern, Switzerland, where it is known by its original name, Ovomaltine (from ovum, Latin for "egg," and malt, which were originally its main ingredients). Soon after its invention, the factory moved out to the village of Neuenegg, a few kilometers west of Bern, where it is still produced.

Ovomaltine was exported to Britain in 1909. A misspelling of the name on the trademark application led to the name being Ovaltine in English-speaking markets. A factory was built in Kings Langley, which exported it to the United States as well. By 1915, Ovaltine was being manufactured in Villa Park, Illinois, for the U.S. market. Ovaltine was later manufactured in Peterborough, Ontario for distribution in Canada.

Composition

Ovaltine is a mix of malt extract, sugar, and whey. Some flavors also contain cocoa. The product is a powdered drink mix that is added to milk. It is marketed for its health benefits, as it contains vitamins and minerals.

In popular culture

Ovaltine has been popular in a number of countries, particularly in Britain, where it has been associated with the BBC radio serial The Archers. In the U.S., Ovaltine was advertised on the radio and television show Little Orphan Annie and was a sponsor of the Captain Midnight radio show.

See also

• Milo (drink)
• Horlicks