Food Encyclopedia

malt

1. A grain (typically barley) that is sprouted, kiln-dried and ground into a mellow, slightly sweet-flavored powder. This powdered malt has many uses including making vinegar, brewing beer, distilling liquor and as a nutritious additive to many foods. Malted-milk powder and malt vinegar are two of the most popular malt products available today. See also malt syrup. 2. A soda-fountain drink, also called malted, that is a thick, rich mixture of malted-milk powder, milk, ice cream and a flavoring such as chocolate or vanilla. See also milk shake.