Alternatives to Milo (hot drinks)?

[AnyDream]

To the aktivite drinkers - how do you prepare it?

I remember drinking it as a child, but it's changed? Doesn't look quite so much like fairy poo as it used to...

[butterfly_warrior]

I grew up on akta vite and still drink it now. It's less sweet than milo... I also tend to sprinkle it on toast and ice cream...

In cold milk I just stir it in... and scoop of the crunchy bits from the top. In hot milk, it dissolves more thoroughly so you don't get the crunchy bits and I find I have to use less or it's just too strong (I have my milk fairly weakly chocolate flavoured).

[AnyDream]

Thanks everyone for the answers. I probably should have explained up front: I'm not motivated by virtuous ethical considerations (although I appreciate the free-trade suggestions), but I've been having problems with insomnia, I get a second wind quite late at night. I do like to have a hot drink about an hour before bed but I've started wondering if it isn't the Milo gee-ing me up. I have a lurking suspicion they have changed their formulation (to include more cocoa? or sugar?) because I vaguely remember thinking the flavour had changed.

So I'm basically wanting to road-test some alternatives so I don't have to give up my late night hot drink.

Don't be suggesting camomile tea either...that just ain't the same

[luna moth]

Definitely try the rooibos tea suggestion. Nerada do one with vanilla flavour, you make it up mostly with hot water, then add a bit of milk. No sweetener really required (although honey is yum) and It's caffeine free.
Or, make your own malted milk, using malt powder from a brew shop, and sugar and vanilla essence. That's yum. But, sugar. Not so good on the sleepsies.

[melbel]

definitely try the adundant earth organic hot chocolate hun...it is to die for!

[surprised]

LOVE chai latte. Home-made is best, but a bit epic. You can also get yum (full of sugar!) powders.

[butterfly_warrior]

The chai latte sachets are wonderful... but judging by the effect they have on me are loaded with caffeine.

[Kazbah]

I drink (actually have a cup next to me at the moment!) Lady Grey tea. It's quite flowery and light, very nice. Or I second the chai latte With a bit of honey in it too.

[Ella]

Ecco or Carro (same thing 2 different brands) Ecco comes in a stripey cylindrical container. It is a great alternative to tea, coffee and milo. It's caffeine and sugar free (pretty sure about the sugar cause its slightly bitter). I love it with a little honey and drank it through my pregnancies and continued on afterwards cause its so yummy. Also very cheap (about $3 for a tin that last me about 2-4 weeks with 1 or 2 cups a day)

[Muffy]

horlicks horlicks horlicks!!!!

[Cassius2]

Don't be suggesting camomile tea either...that just ain't the same

oh i hear ya woman

my top late-night snackypoos are: aktavite and Ovaltine...

[Rivlas]

For those who loke Chai latte did you know you can get it in syrup form. DD2 got some for Christmas and said it is nice. She loves Chai latte but only certain brands and hates the one with vanilla

Interesting about the milo as I don't have mine very strong and have found it sweet when DH makes it like his.

[Cassius2]

if we're talking teas i LOVE spearmint and i also LOVE liquorice mmmmmm need some now.