What Can You Substitute for Malted Milk Powder? 14 Options

Malted milk powder is a common ingredient in many desserts, but it can be hard to find.

But fear not! There are many substitutes that can be used for this tasty ingredient.

Read on to find out more about some of the options you have when it comes to substituting malted milk powder.

What is Malted Milk Powder & Where to Buy

What is Malted Milk Powder

Malted milk powder is a powdered form of malted barley, wheat flour, and whole milk.

It was first developed around the mid-1800s by the American pharmacist James Horlick. And it is a common ingredient in many recipes nowadays.

Malted milk powder can be used to create many different types of foods, including milkshakes, cakes, cookies, doughnuts and even dog treats!

Where to Buy Malted Milk Powder

Malted milk powder can be found in stores where baking supplies are sold or online at Amazon.com for example.

What Can You Substitute for Malted Milk Powder

Here are the top substitutes for malted milk powder. Choose the one you prefer for your recipe.

You’ll find some of them can also be a good substitute for malt powder.

1. Coconut Milk Powder

coconut milk powder

Coconut milk powder is one of the most highly recommended substitutes for malted milk powder out there.

Both of them have the same fat level and the same consistency. This makes it a perfect substitute for baked goods and drinks like smoothies.

You can use this substitute at the same ratio as malted milk powder in any of your recipes.

Coconut milk has a light sweetness to it, so you won’t find your recipe overly sweet when using coconut milk powder. You may need to add some sweetness by way of sugar or syrup.

2. Vanilla Powder

vanilla powder

Vanilla powder is gluten-free and vegan substitute for malted milk powder. It may not be as common in kitchens across the world, but it is not that difficult to find.

This type of powder is created by dehydrating the vanilla beans and then grinding them down into a powder. This process keeps the sweetness of the vanilla intact while keeping it at a minimum so it won’t overpower your dish.

3. Oat Milk Powder

oat milk powder

Oat milk is a great substitute for any recipe calling for milk. In the case of powder milk substitutes, the same rings true. It has a very neutral taste, so you will need to sweeten your recipe with syrup or sugar.

Oat milk powder is a great replacement for malted milk powder in drinks or baked goods. It is also gluten-free and vegan, making it very friendly for almost any recipe.

4. Rice Milk Powder

rice milk powder

Rice milk is known for its sweet and light flavor. When it is crushed into a powder, it does not lose these qualities.

You may need to add some malt syrup to your recipe to kick that rice flavor. If your recipe will not be ruined by the rice flavor, malt syrup is not necessary.

5. Maca Powder

maca powder

Is maca powder a substitute for malted milk? Of course yes!

Maca powder comes from the Maca root. It is a root that is heavily touted as a healthy plant.

It is very similar to malted milk powder in terms of consistency, taste, texture, and even coloring. You can swap this out and keep your cooking ratios the same.

You may also reap the benefits of this root with its energy-increasing properties. Science suggests it can help reduce stress and boost energy levels.

6. Soy Milk Powder

soy milk powder

Soy milk powder is an excellent alternative if you are cooking for someone with allergies. It is allergy-friendly and has a light flavor with a perfect sweetness.

If you are looking for a substitute with less sugar, soy milk powder is the one for you.

7. Malt Syrup

barley malt syrup

While it is not a powder, malt syrup is a suitable replacement in terms of the taste and sweetness of malted milk powder.

It will need to be diluted with unflavored milk of your choosing because you can not replace the malt milk powder in a 1:1 ratio with the syrup. You will risk overpowering your dish with sweetness.

8. Quinoa Milk Powder

quinoa flour

Quinoa milk powder is perhaps one of the less common items that can be used as a substitute for malted milk powder.

However, it is a healthy alternative that works well with smoothies and baked goods.

Because of its strong flavor, you will want to cut the amount of malted milk powder your recipe calls for in half. If you have unsweetened quinoa milk powder, you will want to add a sweetening agent.

9. Almond Milk Powder

almond milk powder

Like other replacement ingredients with a strong taste, the almond powder will need maple syrup or malt syrup to complement it and rid the mixture of its almond taste.

Besides the flavor, it is very similar in consistency to malted milk powder and can be replaced in a 1:1 ratio.

10. Ovaltine Milk Powder

ovaltine

Ovaltine is a classic milk powder ingredient for many households.

It makes for a great malted milk powder replacement because it contains malt as an ingredient. And it comes in chocolate flavoring and original flavoring.

If you buy the chocolate version, it is best used in a chocolate recipe, so you don’t ruin your recipe by using it. Its consistency, pre-existing malt contents, and sweetness level make for a great substitute in any recipe.

11. Bread Flour

bread flour

Bread flour is a very off-the-beaten-path alternative to malted milk powder. However, if you are in a pinch at home and this is all you have, it will do the trick.

Bread flour already has malt in its mixture, which is why it will work as a replacement.

Use the same amount you would use for your malted milk powder, and you won’t be disappointed.

You can use bread flour in place of regular flour and the malted milk powder, so don’t be surprised if you end up with a smaller amount of dry ingredients.

12. Corn Starch and Sugar

corn starch

Corn starch and sugar is another inventive way to sub out your malted milk powder. These two ingredients are often found in any pantry.

Corn starch is a thickening agent, which makes it work well as a substitute. You will need to add sugar to the mix to sweeten it since corn starch is very bland.

Going this route will ensure that your end product is fluffy and full-bodied due to the addition of corn starch.

13. Regular Milk Powder

If you do not have any dietary restrictions, using regular milk powder in place of malted milk powder is an option.

This option is usually unsweetened, so you will need to add a sweetening agent.

Though it is not a vegan or gluten-free option, it is acceptable in a pinch if you can eat it. You can use the same cooking ratios as malted milk powder with regular milk powder.

14. Molasses

molasses

Molasses is not a powdered substitute, but when it is diluted with milk, it acts as a replacement for malted milk powder.

The production of molasses requires that the sugar be ground and extracted three separate times, so molasses is extremely sweet.

Proceed with caution if you choose this as your replacement. Diluting it with flavorless milk will work just fine.

FAQs About Malted Milk Powder Substitute

What’s a good malted milk powder substitute in waffles?

If you’re looking for a way to add flavor and texture to waffles, look no further than malted powder.

This ingredient can be used as an alternative to malted milk powder in baking, as a topping on ice cream or cereal, or made into a milk shake.

Can I substitute barley malt syrup for malted milk powder?

Barley malt syrup is a good sub for malted milk powder especially when you making ice cream. A 1:1 ratio will bring you an amazing experience!

Can I substitute malted milk powder with dry milk?

You can substitute it with dry milk when neither of the above substitutes is available for you. But it won’t work as well as malted milk powder.

Final Words

As you can see, there are a number of substitutes that would work well with most recipes.

The best substitute for malted milk powder depends on the recipe and what suits your needs best. We hope this post was helpful in helping you find a suitable replacement to use in your next recipe!

I’m Jennifer Schlette, a Registered Dietitian and Integrative Nutrition Health Coach. I love cooking, reading, and my kids! Here you’ll find the healthiest recipes & substitutions for your cooking. Enjoy, and be well, friends!

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