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Amul

Amul Pro Whey Protein Malt Beverage with DHA - Chocolate

Name: Amul Pro Whey Protein Malt Beverage with DHA - Chocolate
Brand: Amul

Use in moderation SafeShelf · review pending

NOVA 4high added sugarultra-processedfortified vitamins mineralscontains DHAlow proteinlactose-freepregnancy-safenut-freeenjoy in moderation

Serving

—

Pack

500 g

Ingredients

Barcode

—

Buy on Amazon

01 — Ingredient mix

What’s in the box, ranked from most concerning.

Each ingredient gets a tier from our researched dossier. The list sorts worst-first; the donut summarises the distribution. Tap any ingredient for its full dossier.

Caution · 4 ingredients shown

Caution4 of 11 ingredients

SugarCaution

Caramel (E150c)E150aCaution

Permitted emulsifiers (E322, E471)Caution

SaltCaution

Cleared 7▾

Malt extractCleared

Milk SolidsCleared

Cocoa SolidsCleared

VitaminsCleared

MineralsCleared

Raising agent (E500 (ii))Cleared

DHACleared

02 — Claims audit

Every label claim, fact-checked.

We treat each claim as a question — does what’s inside back it up? Tap a claim for the reasoning.

6/11

claims fully supported

“Whey Protein Malt Beverage with DHA”misleading

The primary ingredient is malt extract (42%), followed by sugar and milk solids (17%). Protein is only 8 g per 100 g (~8% of calories), far below what constitutes a meaningful protein supplement. DHA is confirmed present at 3 mg per 100 g per rawLabelData, but this dose is negligibly small compared to EFSA's referenced intake of 200–250 mg/day.

“Boosts immune and nervous system function”misleading

The product is fortified with vitamin C (39.2 mg), vitamin D (6.89 µg), zinc (2.2 mg), selenium (32 µg), and B-vitamins (B6, B12) — all recognised by FSSAI/EFSA for immune and nervous system support. However, these are per-100-g values for a powder mixed with milk; actual per-serving contribution depends on serving size (not declared). Nutrient function claims are supportable but the word 'boosts' implies a clinical outcome rather than a nutrient function.

“For growth and maintenance of body”true

Protein (8 g/100 g) and multiple B-vitamins are present, which are recognised nutrients for normal protein synthesis and growth. The claim is a standard nutrient function statement supportable by the ingredient profile.

“For production of red blood cells”true

Iron (8.02 mg/100 g), vitamin B12 (9.73 µg/100 g), folate (244 µg/100 g), and vitamin B6 (7.1 mg/100 g) are all confirmed present — each recognised by EFSA and FSSAI for normal red blood cell formation.

“For normal vision”true

Vitamin A is confirmed at 935 µg per 100 g, which is an EFSA-authorised nutrient function claim for maintenance of normal vision.

“Keeps you mentally sharp, alert and physically active”unverified

No clinical or study data is provided to support an outcome claim around sharpness, alertness, or physical performance. While B-vitamins support normal energy metabolism and neurological function, the composite lifestyle claim goes beyond any authorised nutrient function statement.

“For development of bones & teeth”true

Calcium (186 mg/100 g), phosphorus (175 mg/100 g), and vitamin D (6.89 µg/100 g) are confirmed present — a standard FSSAI/EFSA-aligned nutrient function claim for bone and teeth development.

“Fights infection and protects body cells from damage”misleading

Vitamin C (39.2 mg), vitamin E (3.7 mg), selenium (32 µg), and zinc (2.2 mg) are present and recognised for immune defence and antioxidant protection. The functional basis exists, though 'fights infection' is stronger language than authorised nutrient function wording.

“For body fluid maintenance”true

Potassium (540 mg/100 g) and sodium (173 mg/100 g) are confirmed present; potassium is EFSA/FSSAI-recognised for maintenance of normal blood pressure and fluid balance.

“For development of Brain”misleading

DHA is present at 3 mg per 100 g per rawLabelData — a negligibly small dose versus EFSA's guidance of 100 mg/day DHA for maternal and infant brain development. While iodine (137 µg/100 g) and B12 are confirmed brain-function nutrients, the DHA claim at this dose is functionally unsupported.

“Malt Based Food”true

Malt extract is the first and largest declared ingredient at 42% of the formula, confirming the product is malt-based.

03 — The fuller picture

Read the whole thing if a one-line verdict isn’t enough.

What’s in favour, and what’s working against it

In favour

Fortified with 12 vitamins including B12, D, A, and folate
Fortified with 11 minerals including iron, calcium, zinc, and iodine
Contains DHA (omega-3 fatty acid) for brain support
Zero trans fat confirmed on label
FSSAI registered with two valid licence numbers
Vegetarian certified

Working against

Very high total carbohydrates — 85 g per 100 g
Very high added sugar — 32.7 g per 100 g
Ultra-processed (NOVA 4): emulsifiers, colours, flavourings present
Only 8 g protein per 100 g; misleading 'Whey Protein' front-of-pack claim
Contains industrial emulsifiers E322 (soy lecithin) and E471
DHA dose is just 3 mg per 100 g — extremely low for any functional brain benefit

Who should approach with care

Diabetes — The product contains 32.7 g of added sugar per 100 g, plus malt extract (high-glycaemic maltose) as its primary ingredient at 42%, creating a very high glycaemic load that is directly hazardous for people with type 1 or type 2 diabetes.

Children — Very high added sugar (32.7 g/100 g) contributes substantially to WHO's free-sugar limit for children; caramel colour E150c and salt also add to the concern profile for regular paediatric consumption.

Hypertension — Sodium is 173 mg per 100 g from salt and sodium bicarbonate; this powder is typically added to milk, compounding total dietary sodium intake, which WHO directly links to raised blood pressure.

Kidney Disease — The product delivers high sodium (173 mg/100 g), potassium (540 mg/100 g), and phosphorus (175 mg/100 g) — all minerals that impaired kidneys cannot efficiently excrete, risking fluid retention and accelerated renal decline.

Heart Disease — High sodium content, high added sugar, E471 (which may carry trans-fatty acid residues from hydrogenated oil processing), and cocoa solids (theobromine/caffeine) collectively increase cardiac risk burden.

Gluten Intolerance — Malt extract (42%) is derived from barley, a gluten-containing grain, and must be strictly avoided by individuals with coeliac disease or non-coeliac gluten sensitivity.

Lactose Intolerance — Milk solids (17%) contain lactose and the product is designed to be mixed with milk, significantly increasing total lactose exposure for those with lactose intolerance.

Infants — The product combines cocoa solids (theobromine/caffeine), barley-derived malt extract, and emulsifiers that are inappropriate for infants, with no FSSAI authorisation as an infant food.

Phenylketonuria — Milk solids (17%) contain phenylalanine-rich casein and whey proteins that individuals with phenylketonuria must account for within their strictly controlled low-phenylalanine diet.

Ibs — Malt extract contains fermentable carbohydrates (fructans, maltodextrins) and cocoa solids contribute caffeine and theobromine, both of which can exacerbate IBS symptoms including bloating and altered motility.

Pregnancy — Cocoa solids contribute caffeine and theobromine (fetal growth concern at high intake), and high sodium from salt may exacerbate gestational hypertension risk, per WHO sodium reduction guidelines.

Migraine — Cocoa solids contain phenylethylamine, theobromine, and other bioactive amines widely cited as dietary migraine triggers.

Elderly — Declining renal sodium excretion capacity in the elderly makes the 173 mg/100 g sodium content (before mixing with additional milk) a meaningful contributor to cardiovascular and hypertension risk, per FDA guidance.

The full analysis

Amul Pro is bought by parents looking for a nutritious milk-mix for children or by health-conscious adults seeking a fortified daily drink. While the product is genuinely well-fortified — carrying an impressive panel of 12 vitamins, 11 minerals, and a small dose of DHA — the 'Whey Protein' front-of-pack positioning is misleading: malt extract (42%) and sugar dominate the formula, resulting in 85 g of carbohydrates and 32.7 g of added sugar per 100 g, with only 8 g of protein (roughly 8% of calories). The most useful single thing a curious consumer should know is that this is a high-sugar, ultra-processed malt drink with added nutrients, not a meaningful protein supplement.

FSSAI licence

10012021000071

Manufacturer

Kaira District Co-operative Milk Producers' Union Ltd., Anand

Region

Source

MANUAL

Analysis

Independently researched