Nesquik and Ovaltine are two popular chocolate-flavored drink mixes in North American, Europe, and beyond. This article takes a look at the differences between Nesquik vs Ovaltine to help readers differentiate between the two. The products pictured above were used for our comparison since they are the most similar of all products between the two brands.
If you have a favorite between Nesquik and Ovaltine, be sure to vote for the one you prefer in the poll at the end of this article. Also, check out our article on Nesquik vs Yoo-hoo if you are curious about the differences between these products as well.
Here are the similarities and differences between Nesquik and Ovaltine:
Nesquik vs Ovaltine
Taste Test
Nesquik was the clear winner of our taste test. It had a more pronounced and pleasant chocolate taste compared to the milder chocolate flavor of the Ovaltine. One person commented that the Ovaltine tasted more like a meal replacement drink than chocolate milk. The Nesquik was believed to be more dessert-like. A comment about the Ovaltine was that it didn’t feel like you were blowing your diet drinking it. Another person stated that it didn’t feel overindulgent drinking it.
While Nesquik was our taste test winner, two of the three testers agreed that they would still enjoy Ovaltine if it were a drink option instead of Nesquik. Keep in mind that there are nutritional benefits of drinking Ovaltine over Nesquik as you will see below.
Appearance
Nesquik (pictured left) is a lighter brown compared to the darker Ovaltine (pictured right). Additionally, the Nesquik has a slightly finer texture compared to Ovaltine.
The Nesquik (pictured left) looks almost identical to the Ovaltine (picture right) in this photo. However, the Nesquik is a shade lighter when looking at them with the naked eye. This makes sense given the slight color differences of the powders.
Mixability
Both powders mixed nicely into the cold 2% milk that we used for the taste test. There were no issues with clumping or excessive chocolate residue remaining in the glass after the beverages were finished. We also mixed the two powders into almond milk and had no issues.
Ownership & History
Nesquik was introduced to the U.S. market in 1948 by the Swiss food and drink conglomerate, Nestle. It was initially called Nestle Quik in the U.S. and Nesquik in Europe when it was launched there in the 1950s. It wasn’t until 1999 that the name Nesquik was used in all markets.
In addition to the classic powder, the company produces strawberry powder, hot fudge sundae flavor powder, no sugar added chocolate powder, and strawberry & chocolate syrups. They also make ready-to-drink flavored milk products in various flavors.
Ovaltine is owned by Associated Bristish Foods and made by Wander AG. However, Nestle has the rights to Ovaltine in the U.S. market. Its name is Ovomaltine in the Swiss markets with a bit different formula. A misspelling of Ovomaltine when the product went to an English speaking market is what is said to have influenced the different “Ovaltine” name. It was originally developed in Bern, Switzerland, and first introduced in 1904.
Ingredients
The most notable difference in ingredients is the vitamins added to Ovaltine. You receive much more of your recommended daily value of vitamins and minerals with Ovaltine vs Nesquik. See the nutrition section below.
Nesquik – Sugar, cocoa processed with alkali, less than 2% of soy lecithin, carrageenan, salt, natural flavor, spice.
Ovaltine – Sugar, alkalized cocoa, beet juice color, caramel color, whey (from milk), and 1.5% or less of: natural vanilla flavor, salt, carrageenan, soy lecithin. Vitamins and minerals: calcium carbonate, magnesium hydroxide, vitamin c (sodium ascorbate), ferric orthophosphate (iron), zinc sulfate, vitamin e acetate, niacinamide, copper gluconate, vitamin a palmitate, vitamin b6 (pyridoxine hydrochloride), vitamin b1 (thiamine hydrochloride), biotin, vitamin d3. Made on equipment that also processes wheat.
Nutrition
Keep in mind that both products list sugar as their first ingredient. Of course, this greatly contributes to the calories of each chocolate powder. While you save some calories drinking Ovaltine, this powder also contains many beneficial vitamins and minerals that are lacking in Nesquik. If nutrition were the only factor in deciding between these two products, Ovaltine would likely be the best option for most people.
| Nesquik – Chocolate Flavor (powder only, no milk) | Ovaltine – Rich Chocolate (powder only, no milk) | |
| Serving Size | 2 tbsp (15g) | 2 tbsp (11g) |
| Calories | 60 | 40 |
| Total Fat | 0g | 0g |
| Saturated Fat | 0g | 0g |
| Trans Fat | 0g | 0g |
| Cholesterol | 0mg | 0mg |
| Sodium | 30mg | 20mg |
| Total Carb. | 14g | 9g |
| Dietary Fiber | <1g | 0g |
| Total Sugars | 12g | 9g |
| Includes Added Sugars | 12g | 9g |
| Protein | <1g | 0g |
| Vitamin D | 0mcg 0% | 1.1mcg 4% |
| Calcium | 0mg 0% | 110mg 8% |
| Iron | 0.4mg 2% | 2.5mg 10% |
| Potassium | 90mg 2% | 50mg 0% |
| Vitamin A | 0mcg 0% | 170mcg 15% |
| Vitamin C | – | 7mg 6% |
| Vitamin E | – | 2.4mg 15% |
| Thiamin (B1) | – | 0.2mg 15% |
| Riboflavin | 0mg 0% | 0mg 0% |
| Niacin | – | 2.4mg 15% |
| Vitamin B6 | – | 0.7mg 40% |
| Vitamin B12 | 0mcg 0% | 0 mcg 0% |
| Biotin | – | 36mcg 120% |
| Magenesium | – | 30mg 6% |
| Zinc | 0mg 0% | 1.8mg 15% |
| Copper | – | 0.2mg 20% |
Price
The table below shows the prices we found for Nesquik vs Ovaltine. It is not a huge sample size, but it should provide an idea of what you will pay for each product. Keep in mind that the Ovaltine has 2 ounces more powder than the Nesquik based on the products we compared.
| store | Nesquik – Chocolate Flavor Powder – 10 oz | Ovaltine – Rich Chocolate – 12 oz |
|---|---|---|
| HEB | $3.04 | $4.61 |
| Kroger | $3.49 | not available |
| Target | not available | $3.99 |
| Safeway | $4.99 | $5.99 |
| Meijer | $3.29 | $4.39 |
| Giant | $3.59 | $4.99 |
| Average | $3.68 | $4.79 |
Poll: Nesquik vs Ovaltine
Do you prefer Nesquik or Ovaltine? Vote for your favorite in our poll.
