Nestlé: Milo only contains 6% sugar if recommended preparation is followed

PETALING JAYA: Nestlé has responded to viral videos claiming how Milo is "too sweet", saying that if consumers follow its recommended preparation, the serving only contains 6% sugar.

Nestlé (Malaysia) Berhad senior nutritionist Nurul Iliani Ahmad said that Milo in powder form contains milk, malt, cocoa and sugar.

She said that the recommended preparation is to add five teaspoons of Milo powder into 200ml of hot water.

"This serving contains only 6% sugar. Out of this 6%, 3% is natural sugar (from milk and malt) and 3% is added sugar," said Nurul in a statement on Tuesday (Feb 6).

Nurul clarified that the 40% sugar content shown on the label refers to Milo powder before water is added.

With 200ml of water added, Nurul said that sugar comprises only 6% of the beverage.

Nurul also said Milo has several nutritional benefits.

"Protomalt is a malt extract which gives a combination of different types of carbohydrates to provide energy," she said.

She said that Milo also contains several B vitamins, vitamin D, calcium, phosphorus, iron and protein.

"We encourage consumers to prepare Milo with powdered milk and/or water, and enjoy it as part of a balanced diet," said Nurul.

"In line with the ever-evolving needs of our consumers, we continuously make efforts to produce healthier and tasty products," she added.

The controversy surrounding Milo's sugar content erupted after entrepreneur Vishen Lakhiani uploaded two videos on the chocolate malt drink's high sugar content which went viral on social media.

For enquiries, consumers can call Nestlé Consumer Services toll-free line at 1-800-88-3433.