Flavor Trends, Strategies and Solutions for Menu Development
Menu Magic With Malted Milk
Malted milk powder transforms a breakfast classic at Claudine Kitchen and Bakeshop in Encino, Calif., where it lends a nutty profile and helps crisp the exterior of the Churro-Style Malted Milk Pancakes, topped with chocolate ganache.

Photo Credit: Claudine Kitchen and Bakeshop

Menu Magic With Malted Milk

This secret ingredient transforms sweet and savory menu items

By Pam Smith
January 7, 2023

Malted milk powder is a secret ingredient that adds a complex, toasty depth of flavor to a range of food and beverage items.  

It lends a distinctive flavor to baked goods, and doubles down flavor in sweets like butterscotch pudding and pie. It serves as a tool to lock in flavor in frozen desserts and transforms even a humble hot chocolate to a more decadent version. Just a touch of malted milk whipped into ricotta changes it into a simple and craveable dessert to top with berries.

It’s not just sweets that benefit—savory items ranging from popcorn to barbecue sauce to a pumpkin polenta will get a flavor boost. When looking for that “added something,” malted milk powder should be in the flavor toolbox for menu development.

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About the Author

mmPam Smith, RDN, is a nutritionist, culinary innovator and flavor consultant, best-selling author, TV and radio host, and provides strategic menu development and insight for clients such as Disney, Firebirds Wood Fired Grill and many commodity boards. She is the co-creator of Darden Restaurant’s Bahama Breeze and Seasons 52 and is the host and emcee of the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival. As founding principal of Shaping America’s Plate and P.S. Flavor! Artisanal Spice Blends, and co-chair of The Culinary Institute of America’s Healthy Menus R&D Collaborative, Pam works to increase offerings of fresh, innovative and tasty menu options that are both delicious and nutritious. She is also Culinary Director for Flavor Forward Events, a powerhouse boutique company that works closely with leading-edge culinary and mixology experts to turn creative visions into unforgettable events.Read More Stories by Pam Smith

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