Malt Drinks: Our Selection for an Authentic, Full-Bodied Taste

By the Joybuy Editorial Team

Searching for that rich, comforting flavour of a malt drink that you can't find on your local supermarket shelves? Whether you're nostalgic for a childhood taste, seeking the flavours of Africa or the Caribbean, or simply curious about a non-alcoholic, nutritious, and flavourful alternative, the choice can quickly become overwhelming.

Our mission? To bring clarity to your choice. We've broken down the most popular malt drinks to guide you to the one that will perfectly meet your expectations.

Buyer's Guide: 3 Things to Check Before Choosing Your Malt Drink

To make the right choice, you first need to understand what sets one non-alcoholic malt drink apart from another. Here are the essential criteria.

1. Composition and Ingredients

Not all malt drinks are created equal. The base is always barley malt, which provides that distinctive taste—both sweet with toasted notes. Some recipes, particularly those from popular African drink brands, add sorghum malt. This grain lends a unique flavour and a touch of cultural authenticity. Many are also fortified to become a vitamin-rich drink (often with B-complex vitamins), making them a great ally for a natural boost.

2. Flavour Profile: Sweet, Rich, or Full-Bodied?

While taste is subjective, we can identify three main categories:

• Sweet and sugary: Ideal for those looking for an indulgent and highly approachable drink.
• Rich and caramelised: A more complex profile, with notes of caramel and a creamy texture.
• Full-bodied and less sweet: Some brands, like Malta Guinness, offer a subtle bitterness reminiscent of the drink's brewing origins.

3. An Alternative to Sodas and Energy Drinks

A malt drink is an excellent natural energy drink. Unlike traditional energy drinks, which are often loaded with caffeine and taurine, its revitalising power comes from the carbohydrates in the grains and the added B vitamins, which contribute to a healthy energy-yielding metabolism. It's a popular choice for families and anyone looking to avoid artificial stimulants.

Recommended Malt Drinks to Try

We have selected three must-try options, each with its own distinct personality, to help you make your choice.

Maltina Malt Drink 330ml

What sets it apart

Produced by Nigerian Breweries, Maltina is a true institution in Nigeria. Nicknamed "?The Happy Drink?", it is renowned for its rich, sweet taste and smooth finish. Its unique recipe combines barley malt and sorghum malt, giving it an authentic flavour. According to the manufacturer, it is fortified with vitamins A, B, C, and calcium.

Key features

• Very sweet and sugary taste, with notes of vanilla.
• Velvety and comforting texture.
• Fortified with vitamins A, B, C, and calcium.
• A cultural touchstone for the Nigerian diaspora.

Who is it for? For those seeking a particularly sweet and indulgent malt drink. It's the ideal choice for a first tasting or to rediscover a comforting childhood flavour.

Supermalt Malt Drink 330ml

What sets it apart

Supermalt is another icon, highly popular within Caribbean and African communities, especially in the UK. Produced in Denmark, it stands out with its powerful and more full-bodied malty taste. Its recipe, based on barley malt (10.1% of the liquid), is enriched with a complex of B vitamins (B1, B2, B3, B5, B6).

Key features

• Rich and full-bodied flavour profile, with a well-balanced sweetness.
• Enriched with B-group vitamins, which are allies for energy.
• A hint of liquorice extract for added complexity.
• Very refreshing when served chilled.

Who is it for? For fans of a pronounced and authentic malt taste. It's the perfect choice for those who prefer a less sweet flavour than Maltina, but one that is just as revitalising.

Malta Guinness Malt Drink 330ml

What sets it apart

From the famous Irish brewery, Malta Guinness offers a unique experience. This non-alcoholic, sparkling malt drink is distinguished by its rich flavour, enhanced by a fine bitterness reminiscent of the famous stout beer. Its recipe combines sorghum, barley malt, and hops, all fortified with B vitamins.

Key features

• Unique taste that balances malty sweetness with a delicate bitterness.
• Its sparkling nature makes it particularly thirst-quenching.
• Lower in sugar and calories than most of its competitors.
• The quality and expertise of the Guinness brand.

Who is it for? For those who appreciate less sweet and more complex drinks. Its sparkling quality and hint of bitterness make it a prime alternative to classic sodas for an adult audience.

Looking for Other Drinks to Discover?

If our selection doesn't satisfy all your cravings, or if you're curious to discover other wellness drinks, explore our full category. A wide range awaits to meet all your needs.

? Discover our range of Functional Drinks

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What's the difference between a malt drink and a non-alcoholic beer? The key difference lies in the production process. A non-alcoholic beer is brewed like a traditional beer, after which the alcohol is removed. In contrast, a malt drink is made by stopping the fermentation process before any alcohol can develop. The result: a naturally alcohol-free drink that is often sweeter and thicker.

2. Are malt drinks suitable for children? Yes, since they are alcohol-free, they are enjoyed by the whole family in countries where they are popular. However, it's important to be mindful of the sugar content. For example, per 100ml, Supermalt contains 12.8g of sugar compared to 3.3g for Malta Guinness. As with any soda or fruit juice, moderation is key.

3. Is a malt drink a natural energy drink? Yes, absolutely. The energy it provides comes from the carbohydrates (sugars) in the malted grains, which are a quick source of fuel for the body. The addition of B vitamins helps support this energy metabolism. It can therefore be classified as a natural energy drink, as it contains no artificial stimulants like caffeine.