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Ovaltine

Drinks

Proprietary malt drink provided as a powder to made up with hot milk.

The English name is said to come from an accidental mis-spelling of the original Swiss 'Ovomaltine' (from ovum, Latin for 'egg', and malt, its main ingredients) when introduced to the UK market in 1909. Advertised as "builds up body, brain and nerves to the highest efficiency" it gained an extraordinary following the the England of the 1920's to 50's. Ovaltine was included in soldier's ration packs and recommended for pilots during WW2. The RAF was a large consumer of Ovaltine Tablets.

It was manufactured at Kings Langley in Hertfordshire at a remarkable Arts and Crafts style factory and farm which incorporated a health resort for disadvantaged children.


The facade of the former Ovaltine Factory
Image: Mike Quinn


In October 2002, the Ovaltine business was bought by Associated British Foods and manufacture in the UK ceased.




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