Malta

Image: Open Food Facts (CC BY-SA 3.0)

Common questions

Is Malta healthy?

Malta scores 60/100 on Scout's independent analysis of ingredients, additives, and lab results — a fair-to-good score — solid, with tradeoffs. This beverage contains added cane sugar, which contributes to high sugar content and can lead to health issues such as obesity and metabolic disorders when consumed in excess.

How processed is Malta?

Malta is NOVA Group 3: Processed Foods.

Which ingredients drive Malta's score?

In Scout's ingredient-by-ingredient analysis, Cane Sugar, Caramel Color are flagged as ingredients of concern. The full breakdown, with why each one matters, is in the Key ingredients section on this page.

You might also like

See more

Malta

60 Fair

Analysis updated August 2026 · How Scout scores

View on Amazon

At a glance

Beneficial ingredients 0
Harmful ingredients 2
Category Soda
Summary

This beverage contains added cane sugar, which contributes to high sugar content and can lead to health issues such as obesity and metabolic disorders when consumed in excess. The presence of caramel color, an artificial coloring agent, raises concerns due to potential byproducts like 4-MEI. Despite these issues, the product does not contain seed oils or artificial sweeteners, which helps mitigate some of the negative aspects.

Key ingredients 6

Water
Neutral

Water is a neutral ingredient that serves as the base for the beverage. It is essential for hydration but does not contribute additional nutrients or calories. The quality of water can vary based on source and treatment, but no significant health impacts are noted here.

See more about Water →
Malted Barley
Neutral

Malted barley is used for its flavor and fermentable sugars in beverages. It is a natural ingredient that provides some carbohydrates and trace nutrients. However, in this context, it does not significantly impact the nutritional profile of the product.

Benefits

Provides flavor and fermentable sugars, contributing to the beverage's taste.

See more about Malted Barley →
Molasses
Neutral

Molasses is a byproduct of sugar refining that contains some vitamins and minerals. It adds flavor and color to the beverage but is used in small quantities. While it contains trace nutrients, its impact on the overall nutritional profile is minimal.

Benefits

Contains trace amounts of minerals like iron and calcium.

See more about Molasses →
Hops
Neutral

Hops are used primarily for flavoring and aroma in beverages. They are natural ingredients that can provide some antioxidant properties. However, in the context of this beverage, they do not significantly alter the nutritional profile.

Benefits

May provide some antioxidant properties and contribute to flavor.

See more about Hops →
Cane Sugar
Bad

Cane sugar is a refined sugar that contributes to the calorie content without providing essential nutrients. Excessive consumption of added sugars is linked to various health issues, including obesity and metabolic disorders. In beverages, it is often used to enhance sweetness but can lead to excessive sugar intake.

Risks

High intake of added sugars can lead to weight gain, insulin resistance, and increased risk of chronic diseases.

See more about Cane Sugar →
Caramel Color
Bad

Caramel color is an artificial coloring agent used to give beverages a brown hue. It is created through the controlled heating of carbohydrates, which can produce unwanted byproducts like 4-MEI. The use of artificial colors is often discouraged due to potential health concerns.

Risks

Potential presence of 4-MEI, a byproduct that may pose health risks with high exposure.

See more about Caramel Color →

Processing

Group 3 · Processed

Processed Foods

Get the full breakdown in the Scout appTake Scout shopping

Scan any product to see lab results, healthy alternatives, and your personalized analysis.

Download on theApp Store GET IT ONGoogle Play

More in Soda