Pack image shown to identify the product. Decode Label is independent of Complan and is not sponsored or endorsed by it. Trademarks
Brand owned by Zydus Wellness (India) · about the brand
Complan
Decode Label Safety Score
How we got 4.4 ShowHide
Reviewed 1 time · Methodology v3.1 (updated 8 Oct 2026) — what changed
This 'health malt drink' for children contains a significant amount of sugar and an ambiguous flavour blend, which are key considerations for parents. While it provides some fortification with vitamins and minerals, the high sugar content and the presence of peanut oil (a major allergen) are the primary concerns. The product is not suitable for children with peanut allergies due to the risk of severe reactions. For other children, its high sugar content means it should be consumed sparingly as part of a balanced diet, rather than as a primary source of nutrition.
At a glance
From the declared label — not a lab testFindings to weigh
What’s favorable
- Minerals
- Vitamins
- Inositol
- Taurine
- L-Carnitine
Declared allergens: Peanuts and Milk
People with these allergies should avoid it and check the pack’s own allergen statement.
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 sugar and contains peanut oil, a major allergen
This 'health malt drink' for children is high in sugar, which contributes to its overall energy content but should be consumed in moderation. It also contains peanut oil, a major allergen that can cause severe reactions in sensitive individuals. The flavouring substances are a blend of natural and artificial components, with the specific compounds not fully disclosed. While fortified with vitamins and minerals, its nutritional profile is dominated by sugar.
Consider this product carefully if you are
- Looking for a lower-sugar option — Added sugar is 13 g per 100 g.
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.
Infants under 1
AvoidContains added sugar, which is not recommended for infants under 1 year of age.
Toddlers & young children (1–5)
LimitHigh added sugar content should be limited in the diets of young children, for dental health and to avoid establishing a preference for very sweet foods.
Other audiences
LimitThis product is high in sugar. Excessive sugar intake in children can contribute to dental caries and unhealthy weight gain. It should be consumed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
Why the score is capped
Highly processed (NOVA) and high total sugar
Rule F-CAP-07
What's good
Fortified with essential vitamins and minerals
Contains beneficial amino acids (Taurine, L-Carnitine) and Inositol
Watch out for
High added sugar content, which should be consumed in moderation, especially by children.
Presence of peanut oil, a major allergen, makes it unsuitable for individuals with peanut allergies.
Use of 'Natural and Artificial Flavouring Substances' without specific disclosure of compounds.
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.
Peanuts
Peanut allergy is one of the most common and severe food allergies, capable of causing anaphylaxis — a potentially fatal allergic reaction. Even trace amounts (cross-contamination) can trigger reactions. Peanut allergy is usually lifelong and requires strict avoidance. Always carry an epinephrine auto-injector if allergic.
Regulatory & scientific authority Source: FSSAI; FDA; Allergy & Asthma Network
Peanuts: regulation, sources and other products →Added Sugars
Sugars added to food, and the sugars in honey, syrups and fruit juice concentrates, are "free sugars". The WHO guideline recommends that they stay below 10% of total energy intake and suggests below 5% for additional benefit. Where the sugar sits in the ingredient list and how many grams the panel declares is what matters; this is information, because the nutrition score already prices the grams.
Regulatory & scientific authority Source: WHO, Guideline: Sugars intake for adults and children (2015)
Added Sugars: regulation, sources and other products →Flavouring Substances
Indian rules classify added flavours as natural, nature-identical (chemically synthesised copies of natural compounds) or artificial, and require the class to be declared. The label names the class, not the compounds, so a reader cannot see which substances make up the blend, or whether it carries something they avoid. This is information about transparency, not a finding of harm.
Regulatory & scientific authority Source: FSS (Food Products Standards and Food Additives) Regulations 2011, flavours; FSS (Labelling and Display) Regulations 2020
Flavouring Substances: regulation, sources and other products →Decode Label Analysis
Contains Peanut Oil, a major allergen that can cause life-threatening anaphylaxis in sensitive individuals. This is a declarable allergen under FSSAI Labelling & Display Regulations 2020.
High sugar content. WHO advises keeping free sugar intake under 10% of total energy, ideally under 5%, especially for children.
The product contains 'Natural and Artificial Flavouring Substances'.
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.
The label states '50% less added sugar' but does not provide a reference point or comparison product to verify this claim.
The term 'Advanced Nutrition' is a marketing term and cannot be objectively verified from the provided label information.
The claim 'Clinically Proven 2X Faster Growth' is a scientific claim that cannot be verified from the provided ingredient and nutrition lists.
The claim 'Supports Concentration & Memory' is a health benefit claim that cannot be verified from the provided ingredient and nutrition lists.
The claim 'Pro Immunity' is a health benefit claim that cannot be verified from the provided ingredient and nutrition lists.
The term 'Proprietary Food' is a regulatory designation that cannot be checked from the ingredient list.
The ingredients list 'Natural and Artificial (Milk Masala) Flavouring Substances', which includes the stated flavour.
The ingredients list 'Milk Solids (51.9%)' and the nutrition information shows 18g of protein per 100g, supporting the claim of milk protein.
The nutrition information lists numerous vitamins and minerals, totaling more than 34 distinct nutrients.
The ingredients list 'Milk Solids (51.9%)' as the primary ingredient, confirming it is dairy-based.
The ingredients list 'Natural and Artificial (Milk Masala) Flavouring Substances', which includes the stated flavour.
Read straight from the back-of-pack photo — quantities, sections and any disguised terms, so the small print can’t hide behind the marketing.
-
1.
Milk Solids 51.9%Milk Solids (51.9%)
-
2.
Maltodextrin
-
3.
Peanut Oil
-
4.
Sugar
-
5.
Minerals
-
6.
Natural and Artificial (Milk Masala) Flavouring Substances
-
7.
Natural Colours synthetic colourCurcumin (INS 100), Annatto (INS 160B)Natural colours (INS 100 (i), INS 160b (ii))
-
8.
Vitamins
-
9.
StabilizerGuar gum (INS 412)Stabilizer (INS 412)
-
10.
EmulsifierLecithin (INS 322)Emulsifier (INS 322 (i))
-
11.
Iodine 0.05% trace amountIodine (0.05%)
-
12.
Inositol
-
13.
Taurine
-
14.
L-Carnitine
Trace amounts: some named ingredients appear in token quantities or low in the list. At these concentrations a meaningful benefit is unlikely, and their front-of-pack prominence may not reflect their level in the formulation.
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
Declared on this label as
No detailed safety data in our database yet for this ingredient.
Learn More
| Energy | 419 kcal |
| Protein | 18 g |
| Carbohydrate | 62 g |
| Total Sugars | 39.3 g |
| Added Sugars | 13 g |
| Total Fat | 11 g |
| Sodium | 400 mg |
| Cholesterol | 0 mg |
| Calcium | 800 mg |
| Phosphorus | 780 mg |
| Vitamin D3 | 10 µg |
| Vitamin K | 45 µg |
| Vitamin C | 70 mg |
| Manganese | 1.5 mg |
| Vitamin B1 | 0.5 mg |
| Vitamin B2 | 0.7 mg |
| Vitamin B6 | 6 mg |
| Vitamin B12 | 0.76 µg |
| Calcium Pantothenate | 3 mg |
| Biotin | 14 µg |
| Iodine | 0.1 mg |
| Iron | 13.5 mg |
| Vitamin B9 | 1 mg |
| Vitamin A | 360 µg |
| Vitamin E | 7 mg |
| Vitamin D | 30 µg |
| Copper | 540 µg |
| Zinc | 4.5 mg |
| Selenium | 15 µg |
| Potassium | 920 mg |
| Chloride | 500 mg |
| Magnesium | 75 mg |
| Molybdenum | 11 µg |
| Carnitine | 7 mg |
| Choline | 58 mg |
| Inositol | 30 mg |
| Taurine | 15 mg |
Colour shows the per-100g level (green = low, amber = moderate, red = high), from the product's label.
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.
Also on this shelf
More Health & Malt Drink (Bournvita, Horlicks) products we've analysed, in name order.
What are the ingredients in Complan?
The label of Complan lists 14 ingredients, in label order: Milk Solids, Maltodextrin, Peanut Oil, Sugar, Minerals, Natural and Artificial (Milk Masala) Flavouring Substances, Natural Colour, Vitamins, Stabilizers, Emulsifier, Iodine, Inositol, Taurine, L-Carnitine. None of them is flagged by the analysis.
Is Complan safe to eat?
Complan scores 4.4/10 on Decode Label (Moderate). This 'health malt drink' for children is high in sugar, which contributes to its overall energy content but should be consumed in moderation. It also contains peanut oil, a major allergen that can cause severe reactions in sensitive individuals. The flavouring substances are a blend of natural and artificial components, with the specific compounds not fully disclosed. While fortified with vitamins and minerals, its nutritional profile is dominated by sugar.
Why does Complan score 4.4/10?
What the analysis notes: High added sugar content, which should be consumed in moderation, especially by children. Presence of peanut oil, a major allergen, makes it unsuitable for individuals with peanut allergies. Use of 'Natural and Artificial Flavouring Substances' without specific disclosure of compounds.
Who should avoid Complan?
The points the analysis notes are most relevant to: Peanut allergy; Avoiding high added sugar; Sensitive to artificial flavouring substances; Milk allergy / lactose intolerance.
Is Complan suitable for babies or young children?
Infants under 1: Avoid. Toddlers & young children (1–5): Limit.
Does Complan contain allergens?
Yes — the ingredient list contains peanuts (Peanut Oil) and milk (Milk Solids and Natural and Artificial (Milk Masala) Flavouring Substances). Check the allergen statement on the pack too if you have a diagnosed allergy.
Does Complan contain peanuts?
Yes — the ingredient list names Peanut Oil. People with groundnut (peanut) allergy should treat it as containing peanuts, and check the allergen statement on the pack too.
Does Complan contain milk?
Yes — the ingredient list names Milk Solids and Natural and Artificial (Milk Masala) Flavouring Substances. People with milk allergy / lactose intolerance should treat it as containing milk, and check the allergen statement on the pack too.
Is Complan high in sugar?
Yes — 39.3 g of total sugar per 100 g, above the 22.5 g per 100 g that UK front-of-pack labelling marks as high. The label declares 13 g of that as added sugar per 100 g.
Are the claims on the Complan pack accurate?
Decode Label checked 11 claims against the ingredient list and nutrition panel. "50% LESS ADDED SUGAR" — can't be verified from the label. "ADVANCED NUTRITION" — can't be verified from the label. "CLINICALLY PROVEN 2X FASTER GROWTH" — can't be verified from the label.
Is Complan vegetarian?
Complan 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.
Reader reviews
How the product performed for people who used it — taste, value, everyday experience. Separate from the Decode Label score above, which rates what is on the label.
Sign in to leave a review.
Sign in →No reviews yet — be the first to share your experience.
Help us keep this accurate
Two quick questions about our analysis — not about the product.
Was this analysis helpful?
Tells us whether the breakdown above actually answered your question.
0 of 0 readers found this analysis helpful
Does your pack match this page?
Recipes change and packs get reformulated. If the ingredients or the panel on the pack in your hand differ from what we show, tell us and we will check it.
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.
Report Error
If you believe this score is inaccurate, provide details below. Our team reviews every report and will update the rating if warranted.
Report submitted
Our team will review your report and update the rating if the evidence warrants it. Thank you for helping keep our data accurate.
Share this product
Complan
Link copied — paste it in your Instagram bio or Story!