Malted Milk
Milk flavored with malt powder, a blend of malted barley, wheat flour, and milk solids. As a product it is sold as a dry mix to stir into milk, and as the flavor of classic soda-fountain shakes.
| Category | Milk & Cream |
|---|---|
| Maker / Origin | United States |
| Storage | Keep the powder in an airtight container in a dry pantry; it cakes with humidity. |
| Shelf life | The dry mix keeps about 6 to 12 months in a cool, dry pantry. Mixed into milk, keep refrigerated and drink within a day or two. |
| Best uses | Malted milkshakes, hot malted drinks, baking, and candies such as malted milk balls. |
| Substitutes | Plain milk shakes without the malt, or milk with a spoonful of malt syrup. |
| Pairings | Chocolate, vanilla ice cream, and soda-fountain dishes. |
| Last checked | October 18, 2026 |
About it
Malted milk began as an infant and invalid food in the 1870s (William Horlick's patent) before soda fountains made it a treat. The malt powder gives milkshakes their distinctive toasted flavor; a classic malted uses more powder than seems reasonable.
Storing it
Stir the powder into a little hot milk first to dissolve it, then add cold milk. Mixed malted milk does not freeze well.
Using it
Blend 2 to 3 tablespoons of malt powder into a milkshake for the classic flavor. Stir it into hot milk at night for a malted drink.
Swaps & pairings
A chocolate or vanilla milkshake is the base; malt powder is the ingredient itself. Malt syrup from brewing suppliers gives a similar note.
More from this maker: United States