What Is a Malt Beverage? Definition, Types, and Popular Examples (2025)
A malt beverage is any drink made from malted barley or other grains that has been brewed and fermented. The process is similar to making beer, but not all malt beverages are alcoholic.
Some are sweet, carbonated, and flavored (like Smirnoff Ice), while others are traditional non-alcoholic drinks (like Horlicks or Malta Goya).
In short, a malt beverage is a grain-based drink with a smooth, malty flavor that can be enjoyed with or without alcohol.
How Are Malt Beverages Made?
The process starts with malting barley, where grains are soaked, germinated, and dried. This converts starches into fermentable sugars.
Then, the malt is:
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Mashed with hot water to extract sugars.
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Boiled with hops or flavors.
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Fermented using yeast (to create alcohol or carbonation).
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Filtered and bottled for sale.
Depending on how long it’s fermented and what flavors are added, the drink may be alcoholic or non-alcoholic.
Types of Malt Beverages
1. Alcoholic Malt Beverages
These include beers, malt liquors, and flavored malt beverages.
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Beer: The most common type, brewed with malt, hops, and yeast (e.g., Heineken, Budweiser).
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Malt Liquor: A stronger, sweeter beer with higher alcohol content.
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Flavored Malt Beverages (FMBs): Drinks like Mike’s Hard Lemonade or Smirnoff Ice, made by blending malt liquor with fruity flavors.
2. Non-Alcoholic Malt Beverages
Not all malt drinks are boozy!
Some are sweet, energy-rich drinks found worldwide:
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Malta Goya – A Latin American favorite.
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Milo / Horlicks / Ovaltine – Malted milk drinks rich in vitamins and minerals.
These are made similarly to beer but without fermentation that creates alcohol.
Malt Beverage vs. Beer — What’s the Difference?
While all beers are malt beverages, not all malt beverages are beer.
Here’s a quick breakdown:
| Feature | Beer | Malt Beverage |
|---|---|---|
| Base Ingredient | Malted Barley | Malted Barley / Other Grains |
| Alcohol Content | 3–8% | 0–10% (Varies) |
| Flavors | Hops, Yeast | Fruit, Sweeteners, Spices |
| Examples | Heineken, Corona | Smirnoff Ice, Horlicks |
Beer focuses on fermentation and hops bitterness, while malt beverages can be sweet, creamy, or fruity.
Popular Examples of Malt Beverages
| Type | Example | Alcohol Content |
|---|---|---|
| Beer | Bud Light, Heineken | 4–5% |
| Flavored Malt Beverage | Smirnoff Ice, Mike’s Hard Lemonade | 4–8% |
| Non-Alcoholic | Milo, Horlicks, Malta Goya | 0% |
Why Are Malt Beverages So Popular?
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Smooth and easy to drink
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Offer both alcoholic and non-alcoholic options
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Can be flavored for variety (fruit, vanilla, chocolate)
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Provide energy and nutrients from malted grains
Their versatility makes them a hit in both social settings and health-focused markets.
FAQs
1. What is considered a malt beverage?
Any drink brewed with malted barley or grains, alcoholic or not.
2. Do malt beverages contain alcohol?
Some do, like beer or malt liquor; others, such as Horlicks or Malta, are non-alcoholic.
3. What is a flavored malt beverage?
An alcoholic drink made from malted barley and blended with fruit or soda-like flavors.
4. Is malt beverage the same as beer?
All beers are malt beverages, but malt beverages also include non-alcoholic drinks and sweet flavored options.
5. Are malt beverages healthy?
Non-alcoholic malt drinks can offer vitamins and minerals, but alcoholic versions should be consumed in moderation.
Final Thoughts
Malt beverages bridge the gap between refreshing soft drinks and traditional beer.
From rich malted milk to light fruity coolers, there’s a version for everyone.
Whether you’re enjoying a cold beer or a creamy malt drink, it all starts with one simple ingredient — malted barley.
