No: the 2018 “up for sale” headlines are historical, not evidence that Horlicks, Boost or Complan are currently for sale. Horlicks and Boost are now in Hindustan Unilever Limited’s (HUL) India portfolio; Complan is part of Zydus Wellness. The brands are adapting as traditional malt-based health-food drinks face softer demand, changing views about sugar and nutrition, and competition from protein products.
Are Horlicks, Boost and Complan still up for sale?
The phrase comes from 2018 coverage of potential sales involving GSK’s India consumer-products business and Kraft Heinz products that included Complan. The subsequent ownership changes mean that headline should not be read as a current sale announcement. The 2018 report is useful as historical context, but its market forecasts and transaction status are dated. Bloomberg’s 2018 report covered the earlier sale discussion.
Who owns the brands now?
| Brand | Current portfolio | What the sources establish |
|---|---|---|
| Horlicks | Hindustan Unilever Limited (HUL), India | HUL discusses Horlicks as part of its foods portfolio and describes its current product strategy. HUL interview, 2026 |
| Boost | Hindustan Unilever Limited (HUL), India | HUL discusses Boost as part of its portfolio and says the brand has entered ready-to-drink formats. HUL interview, 2026 |
| Complan | Zydus Wellness | Zydus lists Complan among its brands and describes several product ranges. Zydus Complan page |
Zydus Wellness announced an agreement in October 2018 to acquire Heinz India, whose brands included Complan, Glucon-D, Nycil and Sampriti Ghee. Zydus’s FY2018–19 annual report describes the acquisition and reports ₹4,667.36 crore consideration for the acquisition structure. This is a historical transaction figure, not a current valuation of Complan alone. Zydus FY2018–19 annual report
Why the category is changing
Traditional health-food drinks face weak momentum
Financial Express reported that Zydus Wellness’s Q1 FY27 investor presentation put India’s health-food-drink (HFD) market at ₹6,350 crore as of June 2026, down 7.7% year on year. The same publication attributed a 0.7% FY26 compound annual growth rate to Zydus’s annual report. These are company-reported figures relayed by Financial Express, not a single independently harmonized measure of the whole category. Financial Express, 2026
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- Horlicks Drinking Powder Nourishing malted drink Made with malted barley, wheat and dairy ingredients
- Delicious goodness packed with vitamins and minerals plus fibre
- Free from artificial flavors, colors, sweeteners or preservatives
- 400 Gram Size (14 Ounce)
- Suitable for vegetarians.
Protein products are widening the competitive set
HUL estimated India’s protein category at around ₹7,000 crore and penetration at roughly 3% in a 2026 interview. Those are HUL’s estimates, not independent market measurements. HUL executive director for foods Rajneet Kohli said the company wants “to make protein more accessible and relevant for everyday consumers, not just for gym-goers or sports enthusiasts.” HUL interview, 2026
HUL said its consumer research identified four barriers to protein adoption: some people do not feel they need it, worry about digestion, expect poor taste, or do not trust the brand. Kohli also described premiumisation as a trend driven by consumers seeking more functionality and differentiated products. These statements reflect the company’s interpretation and research, rather than an independent survey presented in the reporting.
Rank #2
- If you consider yourself a fan of malted shakes and drinks, you should try Horlicks, a British brand of malted milk powder. Horlicks powder is light brown and has a slightly sweet, malty flavor. It's traditionally mixed with hot milk and served as a soothing bedtime drink.
- With a flavor distinct from other malt powders, Horlicks can add a flavorful twist to other foods, from sweet treats to savory meat dishes.
- Product of the UK
- Comes in a Pack of 2 Jars for a total of 800 Grams
Concerns about sugar remain part of the conversation
In 2018, Bloomberg reported consumer concerns about sugar and quoted Suparna Ghosh, then head of community health at the Public Health Foundation of India, criticizing the sugar and carbohydrate content of children’s malt drinks. That is a dated comment, not a current assessment of any product’s formulation. No current package-label comparison or independent nutrition assessment is established here.
How the brands are repositioning
Horlicks and Boost under HUL
HUL says Horlicks is moving beyond its traditional health-food-drink identity toward lifestyle nutrition, including protein powders and ready-to-drink products. HUL says Boost has also entered ready-to-drink formats. Financial Express reported that Boost crossed ₹1,000 crore in annual turnover in Q1 FY2026–27; this is a company performance claim reported by the publication, tied to that period, not a recurring annual forecast. The same coverage described regional expansion and product extensions, while analysts cited in the report pointed to category pressures and competition from protein-oriented products. Financial Express, 2026
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- Rich Chocolate Malt Taste – Enjoy the perfect blend of smooth malt and indulgent chocolate flavor in every sip
- Anytime Enjoyment – Ideal for breakfast, afternoon snacks, or a relaxing drink before bedtime
- Quick & Easy Preparation – Simply mix with hot or cold milk and stir for a smooth, lump-free beverage
- Versatile & Convenient – Enjoy it your way—hot, cold, or even as a base for creative drinks and recipes
- Generous 400g Pack – Perfect for regular use at home, offering multiple servings in one pack
Complan under Zydus Wellness
Zydus’s current brand description presents Complan as more than a single child-focused drink: it lists NutriGro for children aged 2–6 and VieMax for adults, alongside the core drink. Those are company product descriptions and positioning, not independent evidence of efficacy. Zydus Complan page
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What to check before choosing a product
The brands’ broader ranges and nutrition messaging do not establish which drink is nutritionally preferable. To compare specific products, use the current package for the market where you shop and check:
Rank #4
- If you consider yourself a fan of malted shakes and drinks, you should try Horlicks, a British brand of malted milk powder. Horlicks powder is light brown and has a slightly sweet, malty flavor.
- A warming and delicious hug in a mug. Horlicks’ uniquely creamy and delicious malty taste is developed through a longstanding, traditional process made with British wheat and barley.
- Bursting with Goodness - Each mug of Horlicks Original contains 14 key vitamins and minerals. High in Calcium, Zinc, Vitamin C, Vitamin D & Vitamin B12.
- Create your perfect Horlicks moment - JUST ADD MILK - Add 3-4 heaped teaspoons (25g) of Horlicks into your mug then pour in 200ml of hot milk, stir well and enjoy its unique malty taste.
- Free from artificial colours & flavours, artificial sweeteners and artificial preservatives. 400g Jar of Horlicks Original.
- Ingredient list and sugar per serving
- Protein per serving and the stated serving size
- Price per serving, rather than only pack price
- Format, such as powder or ready-to-drink
- Intended age group and any relevant product directions
- Availability and formulation in your region
Company descriptions and marketing claims are not independent proof of health, growth or clinical benefits. Current labels and clinical evidence for individual products are not assessed here, so claims should be evaluated against the product’s own label and suitable independent evidence.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Classic plain malt beverage mix with a familiar taste
- Smooth texture and simple preparation for everyday use
- Plain flavor suitable for a wide range of preferences
- 1000 gram pack ideal for regular household use
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
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