Why does Horlicks Original have a Nutri‑Score of E and which nutrients lower its rating?

The Nutri‑Score algorithm assigns many negative points for the very high sugar content (39.3 g) and the moderate salt level (1.08 g), while offering few positive points because of low fibre (2.1 g), no fruit/veg content, and modest protein. These factors push the overall score into the lowest E grade.

How might the high sugar and salt content of Horlicks Original affect people with diabetes or hypertension?

The excess sugar can cause rapid blood‑glucose spikes, making it unsuitable for diabetic management, and the 1.08 g of salt per 100 g contributes to sodium intake that may aggravate hypertension, so both groups should limit or avoid this product.

Is the wheat in Horlicks Original a concern for people with gluten intolerance or celiac disease?

Yes, wheat makes up 41 % of the formula and contains gluten; therefore the product is not safe for anyone requiring a gluten‑free diet.

Horlicks

Original

Cereals And Potatoes

Product Insights

Horlicks Original is a plant‑based malted cereal drink classified under the "Cereals and potatoes" group. It carries a Nutri‑Score of E and falls into NOVA group 3, indicating a highly processed product with high sugar (39.3 g per 100 g), moderate salt (1.08 g), low fat (2.3 g) and modest protein (9.1 g). The formulation includes wheat (gluten source), palm oil and the additive E550, which may be concerns for allergen‑sensitive or sustainability‑focused consumers.

Nutrient Levels

Traffic light indicators

Fat

low

Saturated Fat

low

Sugars

high

Salt

moderate

Nutritional Values

Values per 100 g/ml

Energy Kcal362 kcal

Fat2.3 g

Saturated Fat1.1 g

Carbohydrates77.3 g

Sugars39.3 g

Comparative Analysis

Compared with the average cereal product (9 g sugar, 6.9 g fat, 2.96 g salt per 100 g), Horlicks Original contains about 39 g sugar, over four times higher, while its fat (2.3 g) is lower and salt (1.08 g) is roughly half the average.

Ingredients

Wheat 41% (Wheat Flour and NUTRITION INFORM Malted Wheat), Malted Barley 31%, Dried Whey Milki, Calcium Carbonate, Energy klkcal Dried Skimmed Milk, Sugar, Fat lofwhich sauae L. Palm Oil, Salt, Anti-Caking Carbohydrate agent (E550), Vitamin Mix Vitamin C, Niacin, Vitamin E, Fibre Pantothenic Acid, Vitamin B6, Protein Riboflavin, Thiamin, Folic Acid, Biotin, Vitamin D, Vitamin B12). Ferric Pyrophosphate, Zinc Oxide. VitaminEmg Typical values TAIK (of which sugars) Salt Vitamin D pg Thiamin (Vit Bilg cereals Riboflavin VibB2,ng Vitamin C,mg ALLERGY ADVICE For allergens, including

84%

35%

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