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If you’re visiting Malaysia or Singapore, you might come across a drink called Milo Dinosaur. This chocolate malt drink is extremely popular in both countries, and for good reason! Below we look at a milo dinosaur recipe, alternatives, and a bit of history.
Time for a quick scientific poll: Raise your hand if you ate a spoonful or two of Milo powder straight from the tin as a child. Keep your hand raised if you did the same as an adult. Thought so.
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What are the ingredients of Milo Dinosaur?
In addition to Milo powder, a Milo Dinosaur contains a combination of milk, condensed milk, evaporated milk, a non-dairy creamer, sugar, and ice.
Some people also like to add chocolate syrup for extra sweetness.
A Brief History of the Milo Dinosaur
No one knows for sure where the recipe for Milo Dinosaur came from or who created it. The drink first gained popularity in Malaysia and Singapore in the 1970s, and has been a fixture in both countries ever since.
These days, Milo Dinosaur can be found at most local eateries, and it’s become something of a national icon.
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The Taste of Milo Dinosaur
So what does Milo Dinosaur taste like? Well, imagine if you took a chocolate milkshake and turned the flavor up to 11.
That’s Milo Dinosaur in a nutshell. The drink is very sweet, but somehow still manages to be addictively delicious.
How did the Milo Dinosaur get its name?
There are a number of theories as to where this chocolate drink got its name:
- That the name “Milo Dinosaur” comes from the fact that this drink is large drink. The term “dinosaur” is used because of the size of the drink and also because of the time it takes to consume it.
- Some have said because of the dark brown color and chunky texture. Mmm.
- Because it is served in a tall glass with a straw making it look like a dinosaur. Okay.
- It was first popular when the introduction of the first dinosaur movies, including the original Godzilla movie was released, etc. Sounds plausible.
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Milo Dinosaur Recipe
Ingredients
2 cups of whole cold milk
5 tbsp milo powder + 5 tbsp milo powder for garnish
1 tsp of sugar
A splash of hot water
Ice cubes
Instructions for making Milo Dinosaur
(Prep time is less that 10 minutes)
Add 5 tbsp of Milo Powder and sugar to a mixing bowl and mix milo powder
Mix milo and sugar and hot water to dissolve the milo mixture
Add milk and mix well
Add ice cubes to a glass and pour over the milo milk mixture
Add 5 tbsp of milo on top
Alternatives to the Milo Dinosaur Recipe
Add and subtract to the cold milo drink to your taste bud’s content:
- Use lower-fat milk instead of full-fat milk
- Use water instead of milk
- Use condensed milk instead of sugar
- Use powdered milk instead of regular milk
- Use honey instead of sugar
- Use artificial sweeteners instead of sugar
- Add chocolate syrup for more decadence
- Use crushed ice instead of ice cubes
- Add more milo powder because you should
- Add cocoa powder or chocolate powder
- Use hot milk instead of cold milk for a hot milo
Milo Godzilla
Wait what? What is a Milo Godzilla? Make a milo dinosaur then add ice cream and/or whipped cream to finish. Yes, ridiculous!
Conclusion
Milo Dinosaur is a delicious drink, with a ‘chocolatey malty’ flavor that’s popular in Malaysia and Singapore. A cold cup is perfect for the sweet tooth and for sharing with friends or family and is sure to cool you down on a hot day.
What is your best Milo recipe? Leave your milo recipe in the comments for me to try and feature here at The Roaming Fork.
FAQ
A cold Milo drink has been a chocolate malt drink enjoyed by people all over the world for over 80 years.
Milo powder was invented in Sydney, Australia in 1934 by Thomas Mayne. It was originally made with milk, chocolate, and malt powder, and was marketed as a nutritious energy drink for children.
The Milo powder we know today is made with soluble cocoa and malt extract, and sometimes also contains milk powder, wheat flour, and sugar.
The iconic green and red tin was introduced in 1940, and the slogan “make mine a Milo” was first used in 1949.
Today, an iced Milo drink is widely available in many countries across Asia, Africa, Oceania, and the Americas. It remains a popular choice for people of all ages who are looking for a quick and delicious way to refuel.
Milo has been a household name in Singapore since the 1950s, and it shows no signs of losing its popularity among locals. But why is it such a beloved drink in the Lion City? For one, its rich, chocolatey flavor is unique to many other popular beverages. Additionally, Milo is often used in Singaporean households as a go-to ingredient for desserts such as cakes and ice cream. It is also marketed as a drink that gives energy – a perfect drink for a city that is known for its fast-paced lifestyle. Whether you prefer it hot or cold, with milk or water, it is clear that Milo has carved out a special place in the hearts of Singaporeans.
The ingredients in Milo include malted barley, milk powder, sugar, cocoa, and various vitamins and minerals like calcium and iron. While it may seem like a simple formula, the combination of these ingredients creates a uniquely rich and satisfying flavor that has been enjoyed by people worldwide.
Photo Credits
Photo by YAW ANSU-KYEREMEH on Unsplash
Photo by Charlotte May: https://www.pexels.com/photo/bottle-and-glass-of-milk-at-home-5946717/
Photo by Luigi Pozzoli on Unsplash
Milo Dinosaur Recipe
Equipment
- 1 Mixing bowl
- 1 Tall Glass
Ingredients
- 5 tbsp Milo Powder for drink
- 5 tbsp Milo Powder for garnish
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1 splash hot water
- 1 cup ice cubes
Instructions
- Add Milo powder, sugar, and hot water to a bowl and mix until Milo powder and sugar are dissolved
- Add milk to the bowl and stir
- Add ice to a tall glass and add milo mixture
Ice cold Milo – how could you go wrong
Love the name. Drinking this sounds refreshing. Will give it a try.