Rebranded: Horlicks Is Now A ‘Functional, Nutritional’ Drink

New Delhi: The Union Ministry of Commerce & Industry had, earlier this month, directed e-commerce companies to remove all drinks and beverages from the ‘health’ category on their websites.

Taking cognizance, Hindustan Unilever Limited (HUL) has dropped health as a label from its popular brands ‘Horlicks’ and ‘Boost’. Instead, the company has decided to categorise these brands as ‘Functional and Nutritional drinks’.

Reporting a 1.53% decline in consolidated net profit for the fourth quarter of FY24, HUL said in its regulatory filing, “Functional nutritional drinks (Horlicks & Boost) delivered high single-digit growth, driven by Plus range. Tea continued to strengthen value and volume market leadership.”

According to the Central government, sugar content in these drinks is much above acceptable limits.

“National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR), a statutory body constituted under Section (3) of the Commission of Protection of Child Rights (CPCR) Act, 2005 after its inquiry under Section 14 of CRPC Act 2005 concluded that there is no ‘health drink’ defined under FSS Act 2006, rules and regulations submitted by FSSAI (Food Safety and Standards Authority of India) and Mondelez India Food Pvt Ltd,” the Ministry of Commerce & Industry said in a notification dated April 10.

As per FSSAI, ‘health drink’ is defined in India’s food laws and to project something under the same violates the rules.

Last year, NCPCR had directed Cadbury-owned Bournvita to withdraw all “misleading” advertisements, packaging and labels. The order followed after a video by influencer Revant Himatsingka, aka FoodPharmer – highlighting Bournvita’s high sugar content — went viral and led to a lot of criticism.

Also Read: Bournvita Slashes Sugar Content; Influencer Claims Big Win [Watch]