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Brand owned by Mondelez International (United States) · about the brand
Bournvita Chocolate Nutrition Drink
Decode Label Safety Score
Score limited by
Contains ammonia caramel colour (E150c/d) — which can generate 4-MEI during manufacture — IARC classifies 4-MEI as Group 2B (possibly carcinogenic to humans); this label does not state its concentration
No lane-by-lane breakdown: the label doesn't carry what the lanes are scored from.
This malt beverage, marketed for children, contains a significant amount of added sugar and an artificial color (ammonia caramel) classified by IARC as a possible human carcinogen. While it provides some fortification with vitamins and minerals, the high sugar content and the presence of a concerning additive make it a concern most relevant to regular consumption by children.
Reviewed 11 times
At a glance
From the declared label — not a lab testFindings to weigh
What’s favorable
- Cocoa Solids
- Minerals
- Vitamins
Declared allergens: Milk and Gluten
Relevant if you have any of these allergies or intolerances.
Based on the declared ingredient list. This is a risk only to people with the allergy, not a general-population safety issue, so it does not lower the safety score.
High in added sugar; contains a possible carcinogen (ammonia caramel color).
The score is capped for a specific safety reason, set out below. This malt drink contains a high amount of added sugar, which is not ideal for children's health. It also includes ammonia caramel color (E150c/d), which has a by-product classified by IARC as a possible human carcinogen. While fortified with some nutrients, these concerns make it less suitable for its target audience.
Concern breakdown
Score out of 10 · higher = fewer concernsHow this product performs on each concern we check for beverage. This is a breakdown of the same evidence behind the score above — not a separate verdict.
3 concerns could not be assessed from this label. That means we don't know — not that there's nothing to find.
Toddlers & young children (1–5)
LimitContains significant added sugar (Sugar, Liquid Glucose, Maltodextrin), which should be limited in children's diets to prevent dental issues and unhealthy weight gain.
Other audiences
LimitThe 'Colour' ingredient, if ammonia caramel (E150c/d), contains a by-product (4-MEI) classified as a possible human carcinogen by IARC. This is a serious concern for regular consumption by children.
Specific sensitivities
Avoid if affectedContains Barley, Wheat, and Wheat Gluten, making it unsuitable for children with gluten-related disorders.
Contains Milk Solids, which can trigger allergic reactions or digestive issues in sensitive children.
Why the score is capped
Contains ammonia caramel colour (E150c/d) — which can generate 4-MEI during manufacture — IARC classifies 4-MEI as Group 2B (possibly carcinogenic to humans); this label does not state its concentration
Rule F-CAP-10 · Source: IARC / EFSA classification of the additive
What's good
Fortified with essential vitamins and minerals, supporting children's growth and development.
Watch out for
High added sugar content from multiple sources (Sugar, Liquid Glucose, Maltodextrin).
Presence of 'Colour' which, if ammonia caramel (E150c/d), contains a possible carcinogen.
Contains gluten and milk solids, which are common allergens.
Ingredient Concerns safety database
Sources cited below may be Indian (FSSAI) or international (EU, US, WHO, IARC) — an international classification or law is evidence, not an Indian regulatory finding.
Wheat Flour
Wheat and wheat-derived ingredients contain gluten, which triggers an autoimmune response in people with celiac disease, causing intestinal damage. People with non-celiac gluten sensitivity (NCGS) or wheat allergy must also avoid this ingredient. Labelled as a major allergen by FSSAI.
Regulatory & scientific authority Source: FSSAI Food Labelling Regulations; Celiac Disease Foundation
Wheat Flour: regulation, sources and other products →Decode Label Analysis
The generic listing 'Colour' is highly concerning. If it refers to ammonia caramel (E150c/d), its by-product 4-MEI is classified by IARC as a Group 2B possible human carcinogen. This is a significant safety concern, especially for a product marketed to children.
This product contains a high amount of added sugars (Sugar, Liquid Glucose, Maltodextrin). High sugar intake in children is linked to dental caries, obesity, and an increased risk of chronic diseases.
Claim check
Front-of-pack marketing claims checked against this product's actual ingredients and nutrition. "Can't verify" means the label does not provide enough information to check the claim — it is not the same as the claim being false.
This describes the product’s packaging or its category, not a testable attribute of the food itself — so it’s classified separately rather than flagged as a doubtful claim.
The claim '2X STRENGTH NUTRIENTS' is a comparative claim that cannot be verified without a baseline for comparison or specific nutrient quantities.
This nutrient figure isn’t in our database for this product yet, so we can’t check the claim against the panel — it isn’t being called false, we just don’t have the numbers on file.
The claim 'SCIENTIFICALLY DESIGNED' is a general marketing statement that cannot be verified from the provided ingredient or nutrition information.
The ingredient list includes Cereal Extract, Barley, Millets, and Wheat, which supports the claim of being a 'CEREAL BASED BEVERAGE MIX'.
Read straight from the back-of-pack photo — quantities, sections and any disguised terms, so the small print can’t hide behind the marketing.
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1.
Cereal Extract 58%Cereal Extract 58%*
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2.
Barley
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3.
Millets
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4.
Wheat
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5.
Sugar
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6.
Cocoa Solids
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7.
Maltodextrin
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8.
Colour synthetic colourAmmonia caramel (INS 150C)Colour (150c)
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9.
Wheat Gluten
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10.
Minerals
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11.
Liquid Glucose
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12.
EmulsifiersLecithin (INS 322), Mono- and diglycerides of fatty acids (INS 471)Emulsifiers (322, 471)
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13.
Vitamins
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14.
Raising AgentSodium carbonates (INS 500)Raising Agent (500 (ii))
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15.
Flavours undisclosed flavouringFlavours (Natural, Nature Identical and Artificial (Vanilla) Flavouring Substances)
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16.
Milk Solids
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17.
Iodised SaltIodised Salt.
In label order — normally largest quantity first. Select a row for the full write-up and sources.
These are major food allergens named on the ingredient list. They are a risk only to people allergic to them — not a general-population safety issue — so they do not lower the safety score. Anyone with the allergy should avoid this product, and check the pack’s own allergen statement.
✓ Decode Label Assessment: Favorable ⚠ Decode Label Assessment: Concern Decode Label Assessment: Neutral
Who should take caution
About this ingredient
No detailed safety data in our database yet for this ingredient.
Learn More
Compare with other health malt drink products
Assessed using the same Decode Label methodology, sorted by score. Each score reflects the information available for that product at the time of assessment.
Side-by-side comparisons
How this product's label compares with others on the same shelf, row by row.
What are the ingredients in Bournvita Chocolate Nutrition Drink?
The label of Bournvita Chocolate Nutrition Drink lists 17 ingredients, in label order: Cereal Extract, Barley, Millets, Wheat, Sugar, Cocoa Solids, Maltodextrin, Colour, Wheat gluten, Minerals, Liquid Glucose, Emulsifiers, Vitamins, Raising agent, Flavours, Milk Solids, Iodised Salt. Flagged by the analysis: Colour, Liquid Glucose.
Is Bournvita Chocolate Nutrition Drink safe to eat?
Bournvita Chocolate Nutrition Drink scores 3.9/10 on Decode Label (Concerning). The score is capped for a specific safety reason, set out below. This malt drink contains a high amount of added sugar, which is not ideal for children's health. It also includes ammonia caramel color (E150c/d), which has a by-product classified by IARC as a possible human carcinogen. While fortified with some nutrients, these concerns make it less suitable for its target audience.
Why does Bournvita Chocolate Nutrition Drink score 3.9/10?
Flagged in the score: High added sugar content from multiple sources (Sugar, Liquid Glucose, Maltodextrin). Presence of 'Colour' which, if ammonia caramel (E150c/d), contains a possible carcinogen. Also noted: Contains gluten and milk solids, which are common allergens.
Who should avoid Bournvita Chocolate Nutrition Drink?
The points the analysis notes are most relevant to: Children (due to sugar and color); Individuals sensitive to food colors; Gluten sensitivity or celiac disease; Milk allergy / lactose intolerance.
Is Bournvita Chocolate Nutrition Drink suitable for babies or young children?
Toddlers & young children (1–5): Limit.
Does Bournvita Chocolate Nutrition Drink contain allergens?
Yes — the ingredient list contains milk (Milk Solids) and gluten (Barley, Wheat and Wheat gluten). Check the allergen statement on the pack too if you have a diagnosed allergy.
Does Bournvita Chocolate Nutrition Drink contain milk?
Yes — the ingredient list names Milk Solids. People with milk allergy / lactose intolerance should treat it as containing milk, and check the allergen statement on the pack too.
Does Bournvita Chocolate Nutrition Drink contain gluten?
Yes — the ingredient list names Barley, Wheat and Wheat gluten. People with gluten / wheat sensitivity (coeliac disease) should treat it as containing gluten, and check the allergen statement on the pack too.
Are the claims on the Bournvita Chocolate Nutrition Drink pack accurate?
Decode Label checked 4 claims against the ingredient list and nutrition panel. "2X STRENGTH NUTRIENTS" — can't be verified from the label. "ADD TO MILK FOR 2X VIT D, IRON, ZINC" — can't be verified from the label. "SCIENTIFICALLY DESIGNED" — can't be verified from the label.
Is Bournvita Chocolate Nutrition Drink vegetarian?
Bournvita Chocolate Nutrition Drink is marked vegetarian.
Answers are generated from this product's own Decode Label analysis — the score, the ingredient list and the label claims shown above. Always check the pack itself for allergen and dietary information.
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About this analysis: Based on declared label information and available evidence. Decode Label does not independently laboratory-test products, and a score is not a regulatory determination or medical advice.
Disclaimer: Safety scores are Decode Label-generated assessments based on publicly available regulatory data (FSSAI, WHO, EFSA, IARC) and peer-reviewed research. They are not a substitute for professional medical advice, and they are not a regulatory determination, a laboratory safety certification or a medical diagnosis. Ingredient safety can vary by individual health conditions, concentration, and usage context. Decode Label is an independent information service and scores every brand by the same rules. No brand pays for or influences its score. Our founder also founded the personal-care brand Botani Bestie (see our story); its products are scored exactly like everyone else's. Data limitations: This assessment is based on the information declared on the product label and the evidence sources above — Decode Label does not independently laboratory-test this product. Ingredient concentrations, sourcing and manufacturing can vary between batches and are not always disclosed. A finding that is not shown here means it was not identified from the available label information, not that it has been ruled out.
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