What are the ingredients in Nestlé Bear Brand milk?

What is in Bear Brand milk?

Bear Brand is a Nestle brand sold in several Asian markets and in Asian stores elsewhere. Under that name Nestle sells several different products, and the recipe is set by each market:

• Sterilized milk: a ready-to-drink milk in tins or cartons.
• Powdered milk drink: a fortified milk powder you mix with water, sold in sachets and tins.
• Gold and other variants: flavored or fortified drinks, sold in some markets.

Because of this, we cannot give one list. A powdered milk drink typically lists milk solids plus added vitamins and minerals, while a sterilized milk lists milk and may include added vitamins. These are general descriptions, so read your own label.

How to read the label

1. Find the ingredient list. Items are listed from the largest amount to the smallest.
2. Look at the allergen line. It is a milk product, and some versions may carry other allergen notes, so check your pack.
3. Check the nutrition panel for calories, fat, sugar and added vitamins per serving.
4. Check the serving size and whether the number is for the powder or the prepared drink.

Is Bear Brand lactose-free?

Do not assume so. Many pages claim it is lactose-free, but we found no official page that says this. It is made from milk, which contains lactose, unless the pack states lactose-free. If you are lactose intolerant or allergic to milk, read the label and ask a doctor or dietitian.

Is it suitable for children?

Fortified milk powders are sold for different age groups, and the pack says who they are meant for. The NHS says not to give skimmed or 1% fat milk as a drink to children under 5. Ask a pediatrician before giving any product to a young child, and do not use milk drinks in place of infant formula.

Where to find the official ingredient list

Look for your product on Nestle’s website for your country, or at the packaging in front of you. Online nutrition databases are user-maintained and can be out of date.