Ovomaltine is Switzerland’s original malt chocolate brand: a powder drink created in Bern in 1904 by the pharmacist Dr. Albert Wander, which grew into a whole family of products ā crunchy chocolate bars, the famous Crunchy Cream spread, biscuits and muesli. In Switzerland it is simply “Ovo”, a breakfast institution passed from generation to generation.
If you know it as Ovaltine, here is the key fact: the Swiss-made version follows its own recipe, different from the export versions sold abroad. This guide explains what the brand is, how it differs from Ovaltine, and which Swiss-made Ovo products are worth trying.
What is Ovomaltine?
Ovomaltine is a Swiss malt chocolate brand created in Bern in 1904; the name combines “ovum” (Latin for egg) and malt, the ingredient that still defines its taste today.
Dr. Albert Wander developed the drink as a nourishing tonic based on barley malt, milk, eggs and cocoa. The formula proved so popular that it crossed from pharmacies into kitchens, and today it is part of breakfast in dozens of countries. The maker, Wander AG, still produces it in Neuenegg near Bern ā the product story is documented on the official Ovo website.
The barley malt is what sets the drink apart from ordinary chocolate powders: a roasted, slightly caramel-like depth that no plain cocoa drink has. Over the decades the brand expanded far beyond the powder ā the crunchy malt pieces became the signature of an entire product line, and for many fans the Crunchy Cream spread has overtaken the drink itself as the product they cannot live without.
Ovomaltine vs Ovaltine: what is the difference?
Ovomaltine and Ovaltine share the same origin but not the same recipe: the Swiss-made original keeps the traditional formulation, while export versions are typically produced locally with adapted, often sweeter recipes.
According to the often-told story, the English name “Ovaltine” was born from a misspelling in the British trademark filing ā and it stuck. More important than the name is what is inside:
| Swiss original | Ovaltine (export) | |
|---|---|---|
| Recipe | Traditional Swiss formulation, strong malt character | Adapted by market, often sweeter |
| Production | Switzerland (Neuenegg, Bern) | Various countries, depending on market |
| Product range | Full family: powder, Crunchy Cream, bars, biscuits, muesli | Usually limited to the drink |
This is why Swiss expats rarely accept the local version: the taste they grew up with is the Swiss one, and most of the product family never leaves Switzerland at all.
The Ovo product family
Beyond the original powder drink, the Swiss Ovomaltine range includes Crunchy Cream spread, crunchy chocolate bars, Ovo Sport, chocolate branches, biscuits and muesli ā most of them sold only in Switzerland.
The products most worth knowing:
- The powder ā the original malt drink, in the classic orange tin.
- Crunchy Cream ā the chocolate spread loaded with crunchy malt pieces; the brand’s modern bestseller.
- Crunchy chocolate bars ā Swiss milk chocolate with the same malt crunch, available as 100 g bars and bigger formats.
- Ovo Sport ā the compact malt tablet bar that generations of Swiss hikers have carried in their backpacks.
- Branches, biscuits and muesli ā chocolate sticks, Petit Beurre biscuits, crunchy cookies and breakfast cereals, all with the same malt signature.
Where to buy original Swiss Ovomaltine
Most Ovo products ā Crunchy Cream, bars, biscuits, Ovo Sport ā are produced for the Swiss market and rarely exported, so buyers outside Switzerland typically need a shop that ships directly from Switzerland.
Swissfood.store stocks the Swiss retail range ā the same products found on Swiss supermarket shelves, in original packaging, shipped worldwide from Switzerland. Browse the full Ovomaltine range in one place, from the 1 kg powder tin to the spread and the chocolate line.
Frequently asked questions
Is Ovomaltine the same as Ovaltine?
Same brand family, different recipes. The Swiss-made original keeps the traditional formulation with a stronger malt character, while the export versions are typically produced locally with adapted, often sweeter recipes.
What does it taste like?
Chocolate with a roasted, slightly caramel-like malt depth ā less sweet and more complex than a plain cocoa drink. The crunchy products add the signature crispy malt pieces.
What is Crunchy Cream?
A chocolate spread filled with crunchy malt pieces ā the brand’s modern bestseller and a staple in Swiss households. It is produced for the Swiss market and is hard to find in regular stores abroad.
Can you buy the Swiss version outside Switzerland?
The export Ovaltine drink is widely available, but the Swiss product family ā Crunchy Cream, bars, Ovo Sport, biscuits ā usually has to be ordered from a shop that ships directly from Switzerland, such as Swissfood.store.