Talk:Milo (drink)

Seriously? Water
Okay, I'm sure some people must have it with water (the lactose-intolerant?). But how many? Is it a big thing in SE Asia maybe??


 * As an Asian-American who grew up drinking Milo in the United States, Texas, I have usually made it with hot water since the mixture already having evaporated milk in it makes it decently creamy with just water and since I drink it often (almost daily, in fact, I love the stuff), not having extra milk keeps the levels of sugar and animal-products in my diet under control. Also because it's slightly more convenient to use the hot water spout from the sink than heating up milk. If I feel like having it creamier, I might just add some half and half, whipped cream, marshmallows, or extra Milo powder. But overall, it's more or less just my family's hot chocolate mix, and I like to make mine with water. 136.50.55.195 (Talk) 18:25, 22 January 2021


 * In Scouting in Australia (and presumably in other youth groups), when making a large cooking pot (say, larger than four litre volume), hot water is mixed with the Milo powder, then later, cold milk is added. This improves the consistency (reduces the chances of sludge), as well as more to go around (cost/economy).   Youth members would then scoop in their cups, or it would be ladled out from the pot to the cup.  I am not sure how others do it, but assertions that Milo is only served with milk or hot milk is not an exclusive statement.  (Some people identified by an IP address alone keep trying to change the line. Q8682 (talk) 14:02, 6 March 2021 (UTC)


 * Many people seem to consider it is milk added to Milo as an exclusive action; and as likely to be resolved as whether you add milk first to tea, or after the tea is poured. It may be a geographic issue, and different in North Queensland, South Australia, or the North Isle of New Zealand; or generational.  As this is a social preference, there will be no single authoritative source.  We all have our personal preferences (and even no liquid; or milk with ice cubes).  However:
 * WikiHow – Heat 12 ounces of water. Milo does not dissolve well in cold milk so most Milo preparations begin with hot water. You can either boil water in a kettle, or heat it in a microwave-safe container for 1-2 minutes, until it just begins to steam.
 * Kuala Lumpur Time-out – Instead of hot water, pour cold fresh milk over Milo powder to produce a glass of milky Milo with chunky bits of chocolatey satisfaction.
 * Q8682 (talk) 10:31, 10 March 2021 (UTC)


 * Confirmed with Malaysian friends. They usually drink it as a hot water and Milo drink, may be a dash of milk.  If you also see the food tin label, the 'average composition per serving 30 g' is a ratio with the pure 100 g mix, i.e. it is mixed with hot water, and there is no adjustment for full milk or skim milk.  Compare this to the Australian nutritional label, where the serving nutritional value is distinguished when including 200 mL of skim milk or 200 mL of reduced fat milk.  Therefore at least one country consumes milo with hot water, another may use milk.  And from personal experience with camps involving 40+ youth, in northern Australia, we make it with hot water, then add cold milk. – Q8682 (talk) 12:21, 10 March 2021 (UTC)

Marketing and Manufacturing
Really enjoyed this article's details, but can't make sense of the sentence "The evaporatioking them and changing the taste and texture of the product." Cheers

A large amount of malt extract (malt is the grain itself) is made for the food industry, and not just Milo. It is either vacuum dried to 10% water and sold in drums, or spray dried in a heated flu to become a powder. Canterbury Foods (Lion Nathan), Joe White (AWB), and Coopers (SA) manufacture most of the extract. I suspect Milo would buy extract from these suppliers, and then do their own roasting to the desired color and clumping. — Preceding unsigned comment added by 27.33.245.201 (talk) 23:58, 9 April 2015 (UTC)

Milo Dinosaur
Haha, I laughed when Milo Dinosaur linked to Dinosaur... Venny85 (talk) 15:34, 31 August 2011 (UTC)

If you buy Milo in SE Asia, Milo is made in Malaysia. I also recently bought some milo in the Middle East, made in Syria (according to the label). Both have different tastes to the Australian Milo, especially the Syrian made Milo which is very sweet. Comparing the two side by side, it's obviously a different product, the Syrian milo having white/clear particles that look very much like sugar. In addition the Milo is a different colour.

[New author] Milo is also manufactured in Kenya by Nestle, and retains a taste that is similar to the Australian product. Kenyan Milo is widely available in the UK.

--Treebo 15:42, 22 August 2005 (UTC): Milo is also manufactured and sold in Sri Lanka.

I know some places have Milo McFlurries, at least Australia and I think South Africa. Can anyone expand upon this? [New author] In Colombia there was a limited edition McFlurry made with "Milo Nuggets" which is a very popular snack made with hard chunks of Milo, covered with chocolate.

On a side note, I have Milo from Ghana and from New Zealand (Australia on the label), and they're not alike at all. Ghana's is very coarse and crunchy, while New Zealand's is closer to a fluffy powder, redder in color, and noticeably sweeter with a slightly different flavor. Ghana's makes that nice crunchy topping on milk, but New Zealand's is so full of air it's practically hydrophobic and won't mix in cold at all.

--midorigin 05:47, 29 November 2005 (UTC)

A few years ago (2001 actually) I used to make cold Milo all the time (in New Zealand) a glass of milk with a goot heaped spoonful of Milo. However one day I opened a new can and did this, only to be shocked to watch all my Milo disolve - instead of the crunchy-topped chocolate-tainted milk I was expecting, I got a chocolate milk. I rang the 0800 number on the can and was informed that Milo has recently ceased to be made in New Zealand, and the can I had was manufactured in Australia. While it tasted the same, it was a finer powder than the formally NZ-made stuff. I was dissapointed. I believe it has become a little grainer again since then.

This bears no relevance to the encyclopedic value of this entry, I just felt like mentioning it.

However, I was curious about this - if anyone has knowledge... In most local Asian supermarkets here you can buy 250mL cans of Milo - they are a sweet watery Milo mixture which is surprisingly nice cold (I've never tried it hot). I believe they come from Malaysia. Anyone know more? Are they popular? --Sycophant 08:53, 11 October 2006 (UTC)

Milo outside of Asia
It is basically impossible to find Milo anywhere in North America. I have only ONCE seen milo for sale in an import store. It was only in a very small can (Malaysian origin) and was pretty expensive in comparison to actually buying it in Malaysia. To me, Milo has a slightly similar taste to Carnation Instant Breakfast (Nestle made) and Nesquik (again, Nestle).

I live in Colorado and Milo is sold at the local Safeway and City Market in the Mexican Food section. They have cans of pre-mixed which are marked as energy drinks and cans of powder. --David C.

I live in Vancouver, Canada. Plenty of Malaysian and Jamaican-made Milo in supermarkets. Both Asian and common supermarkets (though I have to say the Asian stores have better pricing... a Malaysian-made tin of 500g goes for about $3.99 CDN). --Eric L.

I live in Central Texas. I usually buy it at Asian stores or on Amazon. — Preceding unsigned comment added by 136.50.55.195 (talk) 18:54, 22 January 2021 (UTC)

I think it was Tesco that imports a lot of Australian stuff into their stores, things like TimTams and Shapes, I can't remember if Milo was one of them. Shame they never imported Cherry Ripe, that is one of my favourite chocolate yum yum bars JayKeaton 14:38, 4 May 2007 (UTC)

Milo is widely available and used in the Caribbean including the Bahamas. The product is manufactured in Malaysia and imported by Nestle Caribbean with offices in Trinidad and Jamaica. The product is sold in the ubiquitous 500 g metal tin, as well as in 200 g and 400 g refill packets. At one time individual serving packets were available but I haven't seen them in a couple of years. BHSEdit4BHS (talk) 01:21, 29 January 2018 (UTC)

Pronunciation of the word "Milo"
I'm interested in hearing how everyone pronounces Milo. As an American-English speaker I'm inclined to use the sound "my" as in "my foot," but most people I've heard in Ghana pronounce it with a "me" as in "me too."

-- midorigin 06:23, 29 January 2006 (UTC)

In New Zealand I've never ever heard the first pronounciation. Lisiate 04:36, 9 February 2006 (UTC)

Personally I pronounce it the same: "My-Low" --211.28.114.3 09:01, 28 March 2006 (UTC)

In Australia it is always pronounced me-low, as per a couple of other comments. — Preceding unsigned comment added by 49.183.202.117 (talk) 12:24, 29 September 2014 (UTC)

Portuguese influence in Ghana would lead to I being pronounced in the more Latin tongue of 'mi' and not 'my'. In Australia, if you called it anything other than 'me-low' you'd get some seriously strange looks. :P 211.30.71.59 11:52, 3 October 2006 (UTC)

Malay-speaking people would normally pronounce the word as "Mee-low" as well, as that's how Milo would sound as a Malay word. Some would even drag the pronunciation to "May-low". 219.74.164.34 (talk) 07:18, 19 May 2010 (UTC) singapotter


 * In Malaysia they usually say "Mee-Low" except if they work with tourists when they say "My-Low". As a German my pronunciation would be closer to the Malay version. (also since Nestle is a French Swiss company I assumed the pronunciation would be more French and less English. I didn't know about. the Australian history of it) On the other hand we have no Milo in Germany.

60.50.22.107 (talk) 03:30, 24 October 2010 (UTC)


 * I've lived in New Zealand and Malaysia. In New Zealand, it's "my-lo". In Malaysia, it's "mee-lo".

Who are these Australians who think it's pronounced "Mee-low" here?! It's always been "My-low". Here's a 1988 TV ad that clearly states the pronunciation in the jingle. Pureriviera (talk) 04:32, 1 March 2020 (UTC)

Milo is Australian. It has always been pronounced "My-Low", as demonstrated by the advertisement above. It is IRRELEVANT how it is pronounced in other countries. STOP VANDALISING THE ARTICLE. MiloIsAustralian (talk) 12:42, 19 August 2023 (UTC)

Milo and Yoghurt
I sometimes eat milo one top of chocolate yoghurt or mousse. How much people do it?


 * Eewww. Casliber (talk · contribs) 14:45, 8 July 2010 (UTC)

I love Milo on Farmer's Union Greek-style yoghurt (sort of like natural yoghurt, for those outside South Australia). DavidMRoberts (talk) 07:26, 13 July 2010 (UTC)

Other Milo products
Maybe there should be a section on the other Milo products, eg cereal, chocolate bar, ice cream, etc, available. I would do it, but I'm a bit a wiki-novice and don't want to screw anything up. Thanks, --Colourblind 03:53, 5 June 2006 (UTC)

Condensed Milk variation
when the article mentions 'milk', i presume it's normal milk and not condensed milk? in Singapore at least, mixing it with condensed milk is quite the norm; maybe the article could reflect this. Chensiyuan 03:39, 26 July 2006 (UTC)

Fine
This chocolate drink intruiges me. I wish i could get a box of it. Although we have chocolate milk in Serbia. RocketMaster (talk) 15:45, 19 December 2008 (UTC)

Malaysians drink the most Milo
Hi, this newspaper article (http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2009/2/24/nation/3333128&sec=nation) claims that Malaysians drink the most Milo. I would put this in, but I don't know how to do the references.

"Tak Kieu"??
"One can order Milo in Singapore or Malaysia's Kopi tiams by placing an order for "Tak Kieu" ("Kick ball" in Hokkien), referring to the fact that the company has been sponsoring soccer events in the region, especially in Singapore, and has been using pictures showing soccer players." I personally have never heard in Malaysia that you can order Milo by saying "tak kieu". I'm going to remove it as it sounds like someone posted it as a joke. If anyone can verify this, accept my apologies and revert the edit.Senaiboy (talk) 12:15, 27 August 2009 (UTC)

Milo in Colombia
Although several chocolate drinks are marketed in Colombia, I seriously doubt that Milo will ever be displaced from the #1 spot. It's the most traditional chocolate drink in this country (and the best, in my opinion). It's pronounced like "me" instead of "my". Alvabass (talk) 18:22, 12 March 2014 (UTC)

Energy Content
This is one of the most ridicculous things i've ever read: "The high calorie content means Milo can be useful for preventing weight loss." While being factually correct this phrase tries to turn the potentially unhealthy high sugar content into something good. The solution for a problem that doesn't exist in reality 77.11.216.120 (talk) 07:12, 18 March 2014 (UTC)

Addictive?
The article quotes a source that Milo contains theobromine, and addictive substance. Read the reference. It is for the Nigerian brand made from cocoa. Does malted barley contain this substance? Is it really addictive? Was this bit added by an Ovaltiner? — Preceding unsigned comment added by 27.33.245.201 (talk) 23:49, 9 April 2015 (UTC)

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Milo in Colombia
I suggest Colombia be added to Milo's main markets, it's a really popular drink in Colombia and there are loads of derivative products.

Milo biscuits: http://www.corporativa.nestle.com.co/brands/galletas/milosandwich

Milo chocolate bar: http://www.corporativa.nestle.com.co/media/pressreleases/2009_milochocoabrra

Milo nuggets: http://www.exito.com/products/0000490661744556/Milo+Nuggets

Milo cereal: http://www.corporativa.nestle.com.co/brands/cerealesdesayuno/MILO

Milo tetra pak: http://www.portafolio.co/negocios/empresas/milo-llega-loncheras-35124

Milo special edition w/James Rodriguez on it: http://www.exito.com/images/products/154/0001904632463154/0001904633151202_lrg_a.jpg

And so on. — Preceding unsigned comment added by Dougwash (talk • contribs) 17:54, 8 May 2016 (UTC)

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Name origin noting
The company indicates the name Milo comes from Milo of Croton:


 * MILO® is named after Milo of Croton, a Greek wrestler who lived in the 6th Century BC and possessed legendary strength.

The 1994 news article/advert says Milon:


 * The name Milo comes from a character in Greek mythology, Milon, who was a champion athlete famous for his strength. The name was adopted because the aim of the drink was to build a strong, healthy body and give energy, Mr Mayne said.

So far I cannot substantiate one way or the other the suggestion by then-South African company 'House of Louis':


 * 1933 – The Louis business imports an assortment of tea leaves from Ceylon plantations. When selecting a name for the brand of teas, Michel’s first two letters of his name are chosen – MI – and the first two letters of his surname – LO. The tea business 'MILO' was thus established, and later purchased by Nestlé for their well-known hot chocolate malt drink.

The name Milo as a correspondent about wrestling was already known in Australia at the time (per Trove), and Nestlé's connections in South Africa in 1933/4 are unknown.

The product had been developed by MAYNE over four years. Was the company just securing a trademark or brand name prior to release in October 1934? Would an Australian-based business producing a product for within Australia, do a global search to determine if the name was in commercial registration or circulation elsewhere?

Other than Milo cattle station in southern Queensland, based on Trove searches, it does not appear Milo tea was a known product in Australia in the 1930s.

If someone wishes to chase this up, feel free! –Q8682 (talk) 05:21, 28 April 2021 (UTC)


 * Just to clarify: Can someone confirm if the South African company sold the name after October 1934?  If so, it was therefore Milo in Australia, and when it was identified this was going to be a profitable and international product, then they went around the world and acquired any similar names elsewhere.–Q8682 (talk) 10:36, 7 May 2021 (UTC)

"Chocolate drink"
In more than one place the article refers to Milo as a "chocolate drink" or "chocolate flavoured". But if you look in the ingredients there is no mention of chocolate. The earlier description mentions only malted barley; the further-down and more-detailed one mentions "cocoa". I believe that chocolate is made from cocoa but that is only my (uncertain) general knowledge. Perhaps someone with more resources and more documentation could make the matter clearer... 1.136.104.193 (talk) 06:49, 10 May 2021 (UTC)


 * According to the website, the four main ingredients are malted barley, milk powder, sugar and cocoa. (See here.) Laterthanyouthink (talk) 10:29, 30 May 2021 (UTC)

Merge proposal
I'm proposing merging Milo (chocolate bar) into this one, as (apart from being a scrappy, poorly-referenced article), the product was apparently discontinued in 2003, and there have been lots of other products come and go over the years. They may as well all be described in the "Derivative products" section. Laterthanyouthink (talk) 10:29, 30 May 2021 (UTC)
 * Done. Laterthanyouthink (talk) 07:52, 17 June 2021 (UTC)

The change in the milo bar should be address more clearly. It was to Milo what Coca Cola new was to Coke. A complete and utter failure. They replaced an iconic Australian chocolate bar that every kid who grew up with loved with some rubbish 'energy' bar that's identical to all the other crap import bars on the market. The other items mentioned are not in general circulation, and as a Milo fanatic I'm happy to say I've never seen them on the shelves anywhere. 'Brownie' is not an appropriate name for the new bar, at all. They're most definitely not brownies. The Milo Splits, whatever they are (certainly not in circulation in my state) are probably closer to brownies. But the ORIGINAL Milo Bars was an iconic consumer good for 80's Australia.
 * Talk page of Milo (chocolate bar) at time of merge (untitled comment):

There were thousands of letters written in to Milo when they pulled the classic bar for the rubbish new one, most were met with a straight up 'tough luck, we're not making the old ones again no matter how many people demand it, deal with it' reply. I wish I had of kept the articles handy but I was researching this very subject just a few days ago, I'm sure the sources can be dug up as required, but given that I have a POV outlook like most Australian's do (ie: the new bar tastes like satan's scrotum and aren't worth using as suppositories on your worst enemy and the old ones were as amazing as eating rainbows and pooping butterflies) I honestly don't feel I could do this iconic Aussie foodstuffs any justice, but ask that whoever edits this article or has it on watch (no, not the nestle pr guys who've already sanitised this to avoid any reference to the massive out of proportion and over dramatic backlash nestle got from the Australian consumer public (I've got to admit, our priorities are a bit skewed when the shit fit we chucked over a change in a chocolate bar was enough to make the news several times!) but someone more NPOV to the cause, please, fix this horrible little stub? :P BaSH PR0MPT (talk) 05:14, 11 April 2014 (UTC)
 * End of talk page of Milo (chocolate bar)

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 * Milo tin (Australia and New Zealand).jpg

Marketing Sugar to Children? No "controversy" section?
This article does not seem to acknowledge any of the issues involved in Nestle marketing this high-sugar product to children.

Several sections of this article underplay, positively spin or completely ignore the misleading marketing practices conducted by Nestle over the years. Using sports-based marketing and targeting towards children, Nestle managed to build a positive health perception towards drinking Milo, which is 40% sugar by weight.

"Carbohydrates can be used for energy by the body, which is the basis of Milo being marketed as an energy drink." - This is clear marketing "spin" - trying to justify the high sugar content and make it appear as a positive.

"In the Philippines, Nestlé partnered with the Department of Education in 2017, in a marketing response to the "energy gap" within school-aged children whose athletic and academic performance were impacted due to low energy." - Nestle ran campaigns targeted towards mums in Malaysia and the Philippines discussing an "energy gap" in children, and implying that parents need to give their children Milo in order to help them excel in schoolwork. The idea of the existence of an "energy gap" was supposedly invented in a study comissioned by Nestle.

There is little supporting evidence in modern nutrition literature that a high amount of sugar intake early in the morning, in the diet of adolescents, has a net positive benefit. As it is currently written, this article is potentially damaging from a public health standpoint.

How do we solve this? Inclusion of a "Controversies" section or a re-write of the existing content? 190.250.96.164 (talk) 17:16, 11 April 2023 (UTC)