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Milk based drinks

How much malted milk powder should I use in a recipe?

Quick answer

For a milkshake, about 2 tablespoons of malted milk powder per serving is plenty, according to one guide, while one recipe uses just 1 tablespoon for two shakes. Start with 1 tablespoon and add more to taste. For other recipes, follow the recipe or start with a small amount.

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In this article
  1. How much malted milk powder should you use?
  2. Other uses
  3. What is in it?
  4. Tips
  5. Storage

How much malted milk powder should you use?

For a milkshake, published guidance runs from 1 tablespoon (one recipe for two shakes) to about 2 tablespoons per serving. One chocolate malt recipe uses 1 tablespoon for two small shakes, and a tasting guide says about 2 tablespoons per serving is plenty. Begin with less and add more, since the flavor is strong.

Malt strength Powder per shake
Light about 1 tablespoon
Classic about 2 tablespoons
Stronger more than 2 tablespoons, added by taste

These are starting points drawn from recipes, not a rule.

Other uses

  • Milk drinks: follow the directions on the jar, because brands differ.
  • Baking: recipes that use malted milk powder specify the amount. Do not guess, since it adds sugar, flavor and browning.
  • Ice cream and toppings: use the recipe amount.

What is in it?

One source lists malted milk powder as malted barley, wheat flour and evaporated whole milk. The malt is sugar extracted from barley after it is soaked, sprouted and dried, then toasted for flavor. Because it contains barley, wheat and milk, check the label if you avoid gluten or dairy.

Tips

  • Add it at the end of blending, then blend a few seconds more so it mixes in.
  • Measure with a level tablespoon.
  • Taste before adding more, since the flavor is strong.
  • If you cannot find it, one guide suggests Horlicks Original malted milk, but sweetness and amounts may differ.

Storage

Follow the storage directions and date on the pack.

People also ask

How many tablespoons of malted milk powder for a milkshake?

Published guidance runs from 1 tablespoon (one recipe for two shakes) to about 2 tablespoons per serving. Start low and add to taste.

When should I add the malted milk powder?

At the end. Blend the base first, then add the powder and blend briefly.

Does malted milk powder contain gluten?

It is made with malted barley and wheat flour, so yes. It also contains milk. Check the label.

General information only, not medical advice. If you have a health condition or are pregnant, ask your doctor before changing what you drink.

Sources

  1. Tasting Table: Malted milk powder milkshake, read 6 Nov 2026
  2. WebstaurantStore: Malt vs Shake, read 6 Nov 2026
Written by Drinks Type Editorial Team · Published Oct 21, 2025 · Updated Nov 6, 2026
About · How we verify this · Editorial policy · Corrections

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