Well, for a long time I trusted the most known brands and my favourite was Horlicks. I personally love it's taste. Last dec 2008, I took a weight loss challenge organised in my gymnasium "Solaris".
Of course I went for the whey protein powder, lost 8 kg in 3 months, was in top 10 amongst all the contestants in Pune. But the main challenge came when I had to maintain the protein intake. I did not want to take the expensive protein powders but wanted a lighter version of milk based health drink.
So I thought of checking out if I could drink the same thing that I was giving to my kids. That is "Horlicks".
A good friend mentioned that the best brand was Bournvita based on the maximum protein content displayed on the pack, which he said was around 40% RDA (recommended daily allowance) .
I went and bought Bournvita, trusting my friend. But my ever so data and research hungry brain had to feed on the claims made by Bournvita. I have this strange eye for figures and facts, where I know that something is not right, even when I have no connection to the subject at all! Some how, the figures did not match the claims made by Bournvita about it's recommended RDA.
I found it very strange that a company could sell milk protein so cheap when it was costing not less than Rs3000/- 1000gm of whey protein. I got suspicious and got all brands one by one. So we all had a feast on Horlicks, Bournvita, Boost, Complan for months together, where even my hubby and I got in the habit of eating (not drinking) these powders
!!!!!
Taste wise I still love Horlicks.
Malt is my Halt ! ( Malting always enhances the taste along with the nutrition of any cereal.)
But when I did a detailed comparative analysis of all the brands, I felt like knocking my head on the walls for having blindly drinking and making my babies drink what I assumed was one of the most trusted health drink. The worst brand which is cheating all of us is Bournvita. !!!
The Best and most trusted brand is COMPLAN. I thank my stars that I did this analysis to pick the gem out of the scum.
Second Brand that I trust is Horlicks.
Third Brand no one.
Dabur is not compared here as the ingredients are natural and does not fall under same category as other drinks.
Yesterday, my hubby reminded me about posting my research on the health drinks after reading an article in Times Of India about Supreme Court ruling against companies that were advertising TALL claims which were meant to lure uninformed customers.
So here is my research and my honest review on health drinks for kids in India.
The worst brand in terms of extreme misleading claim award goes BOURNVITA.
The best brand and most authentic brand with all true claims award goes to COMPLAN
If you are still interested, here are the false claims and their post mortem done by my logical and analytical research.
The ridiculous claims of Bournvita : They claim that their drink has 40% RDA (recommended diatery allowance) of Protein for kids.
. The Recommended Dietary Allowances (RDA) for protein, in grams, are:
Infants 0 to 6 months = 13gm;
Infants 6 to 12 months = 14gm;
Children 1 to 3 years = 16gm;
Children 4 to 6 years = 24gm;
Children 7 to 10 years = 28gm;
Source http://www.ehow.com/how_17040_feed-child-enough.html
Check this for more http://www.dietaryfiberfood.com/protein-requirement.php
Claim by Bournvita : Provides 40% RDA of Protein for children 4 to 6 years = 9.6gm So Ideally one drink of Bournvita of approx 10 gm powder should provide 9.6gm protein.
BUT….
Post Mortem Report of Bournvita :
What they are very cheekily mentioning under the grabs of tiny stars and other symbols are these startling facts:
The 40% RDA of protein is possible only when the Bournvita 10 gm powders is added into 240ml whole cow milk. As if they are providing the milk along with the powder! ( Or are they willing to gift a cow to each Bournvita customer!). SO in effect, the protein content of whole milk from cow is actually part of their claim! (By the way this misleading tactics is used by Kellogs cereals too).
Also Bournvita confuses the printed figures on the pack with the fact by providing a tiny reference star next to 40% RDA, that this 40% RDA of protein is possible only with two drinks in one day!
So what our kids get actually in one drink of Bournvita provided we use whole cow milk = 4.8gm protein. But wait. out of this 4.8gm the contribution of Horlicks is only 0.7gm protein !!! The rest 4.1 gm is from our darling cow's milk
.
So we are spending Rs 7.96/- to get 0.7gm protein from a powerful trusted brand called Bournvita ???????
I might as well just give plain milk which has minimum 6gm protein
Why they can not be sued? Because, they are not hiding these facts, but manipulating the visibility of these numbers on the pack.
What they should be doing?
Simply mention how much is the protein content in 2 teaspoons of Bournvita, like other brands (check Complan)?????
The Brand that I trust is COMPLAN.
Why? Cuz, they have not manipulated any fact and figure on the pack. They claim that their product when provides as much protein as one glass of skim milk does is absolutely true. A skim milk contains approx 5-6 gm protein.
The other brands that can be trusted are Horlicks and Junior Horlicks.
Boost is in the category of Bournvita
. (And we have Sachin Tendulkar endorsing it !!!! I wish he reads this post for his reputation).
I am providing two tables below for any one interested in more numbers which I am sure will open your eyes if you don't get bogged down by my colorful charts. ![]()
In This Chart I have standardized the quantity of powder to 33gm = 2 heapful of spoon of drink powder. Check the protein and calcium content. Also compare the cost per drink. Check the protein and calcium content.
Bournvita is trying tricks in using the factor which customer might use to buy their product. How long a product will last is an important factor when we buy anything. Bournvita has reduced the per drink quantity to only 10gm. So obviously, at a glance it seems the best brand to provide 50 drinks as compared to other brands like Complan which suggest 33gm per drink, which lasts for 15 drinks only !!!!
Hats off to the Bournvita Product Marketing guys… you know how to strip our kids off their healthy nutrients
!!

In this second chart here I have mentioned figures as stated and claimed on each pack. Each brand has a different quantity that they suggest to be mixed in milk. This is one very good way to confuse customers who cannot calculate instantly which brand has best protein or other nutrient while shopping.
Check the protein and calcium content.
Also compare the cost per drink.
Bournvita is trying tricks in using the factor which customer might use to buy their product. How long a product will last is an important factor when we buy anything. Bournvita has reduced the per drink quantity to only 10gm. So obviously, at a glance it seems the best brand to provide 50 drinks as compared to other brands like Complan which suggest 33gm per drink, which lasts for 15 drinks only !!!!
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Hats off to the Bournvita Product Marketing guys… you know how to strip our kids off their healthy nutrients
!!
The next review I plan to write is on Pediasure and Complan Memory.
Related Reviews and Articles:





Saw a brand called protinex Junior in the chemist today. I rem my grandpa taking protinex, but they tell me this is a new brand for children called junior protinex. Could you provide a detailed review with comparison to pediasure or kidspro?
Sure but today I will be completing an article on Complan Memory which is long due.
hi Madhurie,
Great thanks …..to you on behalf of every mom.
This is an excellent research and useful to every mom who always wants to give a good health drink to her kid.
I felt very happy after seeing this reasearch as i am giving my kid COMPLAN only.
But i am thinking of pediasure and nutrilite ,thinking they have more nutrients than complan.
It will helpful if you have any thing to share with these health drinks also as well even i can share my research on these things in my next post.
Sirisha.
Yes I can see many other brands that are better but not getting time to write due to school workshops and seminar. Also main factor is cost per drink which matters, hence pediasure and nutrilite do not really fall under same consumer segment. They are high end products and must be compared with protien shakes and like. Also most welcome to share ur research here.
my son loves to drink milk wid turmeric daily ….any idea about the same…………….
Hi,
It’s a very good article. Only question is that what about the DHA? it’s available only in bournvita. what are other sources of DHA?
Thanks
well that’s true. DHA is best in fishes like mackerel, tuna, chicken, egg, Masoor daal.
i’ll be waiting for your pediasure analysis. hav been iving this for a long time to my son. hope i made a right choice.
Great research!!
Thanks for sharing with us..Being mother i was worried too much if i should give any of these drinks…always had doubts in mind…tried horlicks and complain
But now after seeing ur research data, i’m sure enough what i’m giving to my kid
Please prefer for natural health supplument- Nutrilite, both for kids and adult. No pesticides and chemicals are used, with PDCAAS score is 1. Its available through AMWAY business owners. Call me to help you in 9663330049.
Regards
Prasanta
Who is ripping and cheating – Horlicks, Complan, Boost, Bournvita, Dabur? « Reviews of Pune Schools and Products http://t.co/4laBIra
RT @TopsyRT: Who is ripping and cheating – Horlicks, Complan, Boost, Bournvita, Dabur? http://bit.ly/cZxoZj
superb..really appreciate it..
hi i would like to knw from u wat do u feel abt pediasure as a drink for kids ….. pls pls lemme knw
Nutrilite kids drink is a product of Nutrilite, world’s leading brand in nutrition and health suppliement. you can get it through Amway business owners, only through them it is available. I can help you, call mein 0091 9663330049.
Regards
Prasnta
GR8 great work…….I am fan of yours… I am giving nutilite kids cholclate drink to my kid….. Nutrilite claims that they prepare drinks from natural resources and protien Digesstibility (PDCAAS) is a global standard established by WHO with a score of 1.0 representing the highest possible score for a quality protien source. As per them the drink contains nutritonal values as suggested by WHO…need your views pls
Excellent work. I am glad you are putting in the effort to this kind of fact finding. Protein in take is always as per body weight of a person according to the body mass index. Good work….
Thanks Dev. It feel gr8 that quite a few read abt this article, and the chart seems to be on google image too for protein chart.
[...] Who is Ripping and Cheating? Author: Madhurie Singh Runner up: Net Neutrality and Indians Author: [...]
Who is Ripping and Cheating? Author: Madhurie Singh Runner up: Net Neutrality and Indians Author: [...]
Who is ripping and cheating – Horlicks, Complan, Boost, Bournvita, Dabur? « MADHURIE SINGH . COM: http://bit.ly/cUgBjC via @addthis
I have done a comprehensive comparison of all kids health drink brands in market. I have that in Ms excel & not abel to share the same. Also i have found Protinex Junior is superior in terms of nutrient content.
mail me at superindiankid@gmail.com
[...] Who is Ripping and Cheating? [...]
Complan/Horlicks piyo, Boost/Bournvita nahin http://goo.gl/z2r9
[...] Who is Ripping and Cheating? [...]
This is great piece of information.
I am a new user and i really appreciate the content on the site,it has been a great help so far….
Cheers!
Prachi, u will hav 2 wait.
[...] Who is Ripping and Cheating? [...]
Hey Madhurie,
This article was too good.. Hats off to you…
I am giving my daughter “Pediasure” .Do you have any feedback on this
drink? have you ever tried this out?
regards,
Nithya
hi madhurie
I fully agree with you. COMPLAN is the best. Honestly speaking, I havenot done any research on the nutritional facts and figures of these milk proteins but my uncle (now his age is 50 plus) who is a doctor used to drink Complan when he was doing MBBS. I have been drinking Complan since my childhood (My age is 32).Even during my academics days when I was in hostel, I used to drink Complan during exams (Drinking Complan really sharps the brain, I believe so) and now my son who is 4yrs, I also give him only complan but in different flavours.
All other brands like boost n bournvita I havenot tried. Horlicks I like due to taste.
BUT COMPLAN IS THE KING
You drink a energy supplement but who is ripping and cheating – Horlicks, Complan, Boost, Bournvita, Dabur? http://j.mp/4hK1X
RT @tweetmeme Who is ripping and cheating – Horlicks, Complan, Boost, Bournvita, Dabur? http://retwt.me/1Cdqs
Who is ripping and cheating – Horlicks, Complan, Boost, Bournvita, Dabur? « MADHURIE SINGH . COM http://j.mp/4hK1X
Hello Madhurie,
I am a new member of your site..
Thanks for coming up with such a beautiful site where one can get all the information at one place.
I just read your above article. Its really an eye opener to the parents.
I give Nutrilite Kids Drink Strawberry flavor drink to my 3.5 year old son. Any idea how good or bad it is..
Manali, if you can write the content of the pack here, I will let you know if it’s worth.
tk care
RT @ngkabra: Horlicks/Complan/Boost/Bournvita/Dabur: which provides your kid with max protein/calcium? http://j.mp/4hK1X via @madhuriesingh
RT @ngkabra: Horlicks/Complan/Boost/Bournvita/Dabur: which provides your kid with max protein/calcium? http://j.mp/4hK1X via @madhuriesingh
[...] This post was mentioned on Twitter by Navin Kabra and Prasoon Kumar, intelshwets. intelshwets said: RT @ngkabra: Horlicks/Complan/Boost/Bournvita/Dabur: which provides your kid with max protein/calcium? http://j.mp/4hK1X via @madhuriesingh [...]
RT @ngkabra Horlicks/Complan/Boost/Bournvita/Dabur: which provides your kid with max protein/calcium? http://j.mp/4hK1X via @madhuriesingh
RT @ngkabra Horlicks/Complan/Boost/Bournvita/Dabur: which provides your kid with max protein/calcium? http://j.mp/4hK1X via @madhuriesingh
RT @ngkabra: Horlicks/Complan/Boost/Bournvita/Dabur: which provides your kid with max protein/calcium? http://j.mp/4hK1X via @madhuriesingh
Horlicks/Complan/Boost/Bournvita/Dabur: which provides your kid with max protein/calcium? http://j.mp/4hK1X via @madhuriesingh
Horlicks/Complan/Boost/Bournvita/Dabur: which provides your kid with max protein/calcium? http://j.mp/4hK1X via @madhuriesingh
RT @tweetmeme Who is ripping and cheating – Horlicks, Complan, Boost, Bournvita, Dabur? http://retwt.me/1Cdqs
RT @tweetmeme Who is ripping and cheating – Horlicks, Complan, Boost, Bournvita, Dabur? http://retwt.me/1Cdqs
Hi Madhurie,
I am a new member and i truly appreciate your efforts in making all this information available to parents like me.
I also wanted to know whether you had done any analysis on Protinex. I use a both protinex and complan for my kid.
Let me know,
Thanks,
A
Hi A, I a so thankful to your query. I had earlier been a fan of protinex biscuits and later on the protein powder. It’s actually the best health drink in terms of protein content. It has 9.6 gm per drink (30gm). That’s amazing as compared to the measly 2-3 gm in other drink powders. But it’s quite expensive. If protinex is mixed with milk (6gm protein), the total protein content becomes 15.6 gm which is very high and kids do not need this much in one meal ! Kids need approximately 24gm protein daily. Also the calcium content is 400 gm, which is great!
The cost id Rs 850/- 400gm !!! So it makes per drink worth Rs70/- !!!!! Now how many can afford that! .
On the other hand, one could reduce the quantity per drink to 10gm only and that will be close to Rs21.25/ drink to give 3.2gm protein per drink ! (cost of milk not accounted).
RT @ngkabra: Horlicks/Complan/Boost/Bournvita/Dabur: which provides your kid with max protein/calcium? http://j.mp/4hK1X via @madhuriesingh