When: Thursday 14 November 2024
I did a quick comparison between Nesquik Strawberry, bought in Australia in June 2024 (can't remember the price, but I think it is similar to NOMU's price), and NOMU Reduced Sugar Pink Milk, bought at Die Boord Superspar for R75, in Stellenbosch, South Africa, today (14 November 2024).
I mixed a sample of each according to the package instructions, with cold milk.
Colour and ease of dissolving
The Nesquik Strawberry drink sample, once mixed was lighter in colour, and had a more yellow tone. NOMU Pink Milk had more colour, and it had a more purple tone.
The Nesquik powder mixed more easily. The NOMU sample still had some undissolved powder at the bottom of the glass even after repeated stirring and standing time.
Aroma, flavour and aftertaste
The Nesquik Strawberry drink sample had less aroma, and less flavour as well. A family member found a slight plastic flavour.
The NOMU Pink Milk drink sample had significantly more strawberry aroma and flavour. It was sweeter, and there was only a very slight, almost imperceptible metallic aftertaste (presumably from the steviol). It would have been great to still have some of the discontinued South African Nesquik Strawberry powder to make a direct comparison, but from what I remember, the NOMU version does seem to come quite close.
Nutritional information
The most important nutritional difference is probably the amount of energy in each product. Nesquik powder has 1690 kJ per 100g vs NOMU's 1351kJ (20% less energy). On the pack, NOMU states that it contains 40% less sugar, "than other strawberry flavoured cold milk drink powders on the market", and they probably mean the local South African market. The Australian Nesquik Strawberry lists cane sugar first, NOMU Pink Milk has sugar as the third ingredient, after dextrose and maltodextrin.
Conclusion
A good product - well done NOMU! Smiles from family members; this one is the clear favourite.
Now to taste all the other versions on the market!