Malta Goya & Malta Drinks: Taste, Ingredients and Best Brands
The Yado guide to malta
Malta Goya & Malta Drinks
What malta tastes like, what it's made of, how to drink it, and which brand to pick, from the African and Caribbean market that keeps it cold on the shelf.
Shop Goya MaltaOn this page
What is malta?
Malta is a sweet, non-alcoholic malt drink brewed from barley malt and hops, like beer, but never fermented into alcohol. It's dark brown, lightly fizzy and rich, and it's a favorite across the Caribbean, Latin America and West Africa. Malta Goya is one of the best-known brands in the U.S.
In Puerto Rico, the Dominican Republic and Cuba, an ice-cold malta is a family staple. In Nigeria, Ghana and Cameroon, Malta Guinness is the party drink everyone reaches for. Wherever you grew up, chances are there was a crate of malta at every celebration.
What does malta taste like?
Sweet like molasses
A deep, caramel-and-brown-sugar sweetness up front.
Toasty and malty
A bread-like, toasted grain flavor from the barley malt.
A light bitter finish
A gentle bitterness from the hops keeps it from tasting like plain soda.
If you've never tried it, think of a cross between root beer, sweet tea and the smell of fresh bread. Malta Goya is smooth and very sweet, while Malta Guinness has a slightly richer, bolder malt flavor.
Malta Goya ingredients
Malta drinks are typically made from water, barley malt, hops and a sweetener (sugar or corn syrup), with caramel for that dark color. Recipes vary by brand, so always check the label on your bottle for the exact ingredients and nutrition facts.
The best malta brands, compared
Goya Malta
The classic. Smooth, very sweet and the best-known malta in the U.S. Our 10-pack is perfect for parties.
Shop Goya Malta
Malta India
Puerto Rico's own malta, loved for its rich, full flavor. A favorite with Puerto Rican families.
Shop Malta India
Malta Guinness
The West African favorite. Bolder and richer, and the drink of choice at Nigerian and Ghanaian parties.
Shop Malta GuinnessCan't decide? Pick up one of each and do a family taste test. Everyone has a favorite, and the debate is half the fun. We also carry Malta Tonic and other malt drinks in store.
How to drink malta
Ice cold
The classic way. Straight from the fridge or a bucket of ice.
Malta con leche
A Caribbean and Latin favorite: stir in a spoon of sweetened condensed or evaporated milk for a creamy, milkshake-like treat.
With your favorite meal
Jollof rice, suya, fried plantain, jerk chicken or pastelitos. Malta's sweetness balances spicy food.
Stock up for your next gathering
Fast U.S. shipping, or pick up cold malta at 1651 E 87th St, Chicago.
Goya Malta 10-pack Malta India 6-packMalta FAQ
Is Malta Goya alcoholic?
No. Malta Goya is a non-alcoholic malt beverage. It's brewed like beer but never fermented, which is why kids and adults across the Caribbean and Africa enjoy it.
Does malta have caffeine?
Malta drinks like Malta Goya are caffeine-free, so you can enjoy one any time of day.
Is malta healthy?
Malta is made from malted barley, which naturally contains B vitamins, and some brands add extra vitamins. It's also sweet, so enjoy it the way you'd enjoy any sweet drink, and check the nutrition label on your bottle.
What's the difference between Malta Goya, Malta India and Malta Guinness?
All three are non-alcoholic malt drinks. Goya Malta is the smooth, sweet classic, Malta India is Puerto Rico's hometown favorite, and Malta Guinness has a bolder, richer flavor that West African families love.
Should malta be served cold?
Yes. Malta tastes best ice cold. Many people also mix it with condensed milk for malta con leche.
Where can I buy Malta Goya near me?
Visit Yado African & Caribbean Market at 1651 E 87th St, Chicago (Mon–Sat 8 AM–7 PM, Sun 11 AM–5 PM), or order Goya Malta online for fast shipping anywhere in the U.S.
