Malted Food Drinks Market – Global Industry Size, Share, Trends, Opportunity, and Forecast, Segmented By Product Type (With Cocoa, Without Cocoa), By Distribution Channel (Pharmacies/Drug Stores, Supermarket/Hypermarkets, Departmental/Grocery Stores, Online, Others), By Region & Competition, 2021-2031F

Forecast Period	2027-2031
Market Size (2025)	USD 6.89 Billion
CAGR (2026-2031)	5.39%
Fastest Growing Segment	Without Cocoa
Largest Market	Asia Pacific
Market Size (2031)	USD 9.44 Billion

Market Overview

The Global Malted Food Drinks Market will grow from USD 6.89 Billion in 2025 to USD 9.44 Billion by 2031 at a 5.39% CAGR. Malted food drinks are soluble beverages formulated from malted grain powder, typically barley, and often fortified with milk solids, cocoa, and essential micronutrients to serve as a dietary supplement. The market’s growth is fundamentally supported by the rising consumer demand for convenient nutritional reinforcement and the increasing prevalence of micronutrient deficiencies across both pediatric and geriatric populations. These primary drivers sustain demand and are distinct from transient consumption patterns or flavor trends.

According to Euromalt, in 2024, the total EU malting capacity reached 10,237,085 tonnes, reflecting the substantial industrial infrastructure underpinning the supply chain for these malt-based products. However, a significant challenge impeding market expansion is the growing consumer apprehension regarding the high sugar content inherent in many traditional formulations. This nutritional concern invites regulatory pressure and intensifies competition from lower-calorie functional beverage alternatives, thereby constraining broader category growth.

Key Market Drivers

The Global Malted Food Drinks Market is being profoundly reshaped by the Increasing Demand for Nutritional and Functional Beverages, as consumers increasingly prioritize formulations that offer specific physiological benefits over simple caloric intake. This shift has compelled manufacturers to overhaul their product portfolios, moving beyond traditional energy claims to introduce variants fortified with higher protein, fiber, and essential micronutrients. These value-added products are designed to address widespread dietary gaps, particularly among younger demographics and active adults who seek convenient wellness solutions. Addressing this trend, according to BeverageDaily, July 2025, in the 'New beverage launches' report, Nestlé introduced 'Milo Pro' in Southeast Asia, a functional innovation boasting three times more protein than its standard counterpart to target protein-deficient adolescents.

Simultaneously, Rising Consumer Health Consciousness and Wellness Trends are forcing established brands to reformulate products to mitigate growing concerns regarding high sugar content. Educated consumers and regulatory bodies are scrutinizing nutritional labels more rigorously, prompting a wave of "cleaner" formulations that maintain taste profiles while significantly improving health credentials. Illustrating this responsiveness, according to afaqs!, March 2025, in the 'Bournvita taps influencers' article, Mondelez India proactively reduced the added sugar content in its flagship Bournvita formulation by 14.4% to align with evolving health expectations. Despite the pressure to adapt, the category retains strong regional footholds; according to Associated British Foods, in January 2025, the company reported a 1% increase in its Grocery division revenue, supported significantly by the Ovaltine brand delivering positive sales growth in key markets like China and Africa.

Download Free Sample Report

Key Market Challenges

The most significant impediment to the expansion of the Global Malted Food Drinks Market is the intensifying consumer and regulatory scrutiny regarding the high sugar content present in traditional product formulations. While these beverages are historically positioned as nutritional supplements, the paradox of their high caloric load from added sugars increasingly conflicts with the health-conscious priorities of modern buyers, particularly parents seeking nutritional reinforcement for children without the adverse effects of excessive sweetener consumption. This apprehension fundamentally disrupts brand trust and forces established malt-based products to compete disadvantageously against emerging, lower-calorie functional alternatives, directly eroding market share in the "health drink" category.

This disconnect between traditional product composition and evolving health standards is underscored by stringent dietary benchmarks that influence purchasing decisions. According to the American Heart Association, in 2024, dietary guidelines reinforced a strict recommendation limiting added sugar intake for children to no more than 25 grams per day, a threshold that a single serving of many conventional malt-based beverages can significantly deplete. As public awareness of such restrictive numerical limits grows, the market faces stalled penetration rates, with regulatory bodies increasingly imposing labeling restrictions that challenge the core value proposition of these commodities.

Key Market Trends

The Proliferation of Ready-to-Drink (RTD) Convenience Formats is significantly expanding the Global Malted Food Drinks Market as manufacturers transition from traditional powder-based supplements to portable, immediate-consumption beverages. This shift caters to rapid urbanization and the fast-paced lifestyles of modern consumers who prioritize on-the-go nutrition over preparation-intensive products. The trend is reshaping distribution strategies, with brands increasingly focusing on vending machines, convenience stores, and single-serve kiosks to capture impulse purchases outside the home environment. Illustrating this robust demand for accessible formats, according to Nestlé, October 2025, in the 'Nine-month sales 2025' report, organic growth of out-of-home channels reached 6.2%, underscoring the rapid expansion of immediate consumption segments compared to traditional retail.

Simultaneously, the Development of Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Packaging Solutions has emerged as a critical trend, driven by escalating environmental regulations and consumer demand for ethical corporate practices. Companies are aggressively reducing their reliance on virgin plastics by engineering biodegradable laminates and transitioning to paper-based alternatives for straws and outer wrappers. This operational pivot extends beyond mere compliance, serving as a core brand differentiator in a competitive landscape where environmental stewardship increasingly influences purchasing decisions. Highlighting this industrial commitment, according to Mondelēz International, April 2025, in the '2024 Snacking Made Right Report', the company achieved a milestone where approximately 96% of its packaging is now designed to be recyclable, reflecting the industry-wide operational shift toward circular economy principles.

Segmental Insights

The Without Cocoa segment has emerged as the fastest-growing category within the Global Malted Food Drinks Market, primarily driven by a significant shift in consumer preference toward functional nutrition. Unlike cocoa-based variants, which are frequently associated with indulgence and higher sugar content, non-cocoa formulations are increasingly favored for their perceived purity and medicinal value. This growth is accelerated by the rising demand for white malt products that offer concentrated sources of essential nutrients, such as biotin and folic acid, without additives. Consequently, health-conscious demographics are prioritizing these unadulterated dietary supplements, cementing the segment's rapid expansion.

Regional Insights

Asia Pacific dominates the Global Malted Food Drinks Market, anchored by deep-rooted consumption habits in India where these beverages are integral to daily childhood nutrition. The region’s leadership is reinforced by a vast demographic base and rising disposable incomes, driving demand for fortified drinks that offer convenience and perceived health benefits. Unlike Western markets where malt is often associated with confectionery, Asian consumers view these products as essential dietary supplements. Active oversight by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) regarding product standards further reflects the sector's massive scale and critical role in the regional food and beverage ecosystem.

Recent Developments

• In December 2025, Hindustan Unilever Limited unveiled a major reformulation of its leading health food drink, Horlicks, in select Indian markets. The new product integrated a "Superfoods" blend of malted barley, almonds, oats, and millets, utilizing proprietary NutriMax technology. This breakthrough research-led process was designed to reduce naturally occurring anti-nutrients like phytates, thereby enhancing the body's absorption of critical minerals such as iron and zinc. The company also introduced a variant with zero added sugar, employing a smart sweetness technology that leverages the natural sweetness of malted barley without relying on artificial sweeteners.
• In July 2025, Nestlé introduced a significant product innovation within the malted food drinks market by launching Milo Pro, a high-protein beverage targeted at teenagers and young adults. debuting in Indonesia, this new formulation contained three times more protein than the standard drink to support muscle repair and physical growth. The company developed this product to align with consumer research indicating a strong demand among Southeast Asian youth for protein-rich dietary options. This launch represented a strategic effort to evolve the brand beyond its traditional demographic and address specific nutritional deficiencies in the region.
• In December 2024, the manufacturers of Ovaltine in Thailand launched an upgraded "Malt Power" formula to strengthen the brand's standing in the competitive malted beverage landscape. This product revitalization featured a richer taste profile and an enhanced nutritional boost, catering to consumers seeking both indulgence and wellness. The launch was accompanied by a packaging refresh and a marketing campaign centered on positive energy, designed to modernize the heritage brand's image. The company emphasized that this development was intended to deliver a superior sensory experience while providing essential vitamins and minerals to families and loyal consumers.
• In October 2024, Zydus Wellness expanded its presence in the global malted food drinks market by entering the adult nutrition segment with the launch of Complan VieMax in India. The company introduced this new nutrition drink scientifically designed with protein, prebiotics, and probiotics to address critical health needs such as muscle mass maintenance, gut wellness, and immunity. The formulation incorporated the probiotic strain Bacillus coagulans and thirty-one vital nutrients to support protein digestion and absorption. This strategic move aimed to complement the brand’s existing portfolio for children and bridge nutritional gaps like protein deficiency among adult consumers.

Key Market Players

• Nestlé S.A.
• Abbott Laboratories
• Associated British Foods Plc
• GlaxoSmithKline plc
• Mondelēz International, Inc.
• Danone S.A.
• Zydus Wellness Limited
• Cytosport Inc.
• Continental Milkose (India) Ltd.
• CTL Foods, Inc.

By Product Type	By Distribution Channel	By Region
With Cocoa Without Cocoa	Pharmacies/Drug Stores Supermarket/Hypermarkets Departmental/Grocery Stores Online Others	North America Europe Asia Pacific South America Middle East & Africa

Report Scope:

In this report, the Global Malted Food Drinks Market has been segmented into the following categories, in addition to the industry trends which have also been detailed below:

• Malted Food Drinks Market, By Product Type:

• With Cocoa
• Without Cocoa

• Malted Food Drinks Market, By Distribution Channel:

• Pharmacies/Drug Stores
• Supermarket/Hypermarkets
• Departmental/Grocery Stores
• Online
• Others

• Malted Food Drinks Market, By Region:

• North America
• United States
• Canada
• Mexico
• Europe
• France
• United Kingdom
• Italy
• Germany
• Spain
• Asia Pacific
• China
• India
• Japan
• Australia
• South Korea
• South America
• Brazil
• Argentina
• Colombia
• Middle East & Africa
• South Africa
• Saudi Arabia
• UAE