William Horlick

William Horlick

Portrait of William Horlick

William Horlick (1846–1936) was an English-born food manufacturer and the founder of the Horlicks brand of malted milk. He is best known for developing the process of creating malted milk powder, which became a popular nutritional supplement and beverage.

Early Life

William Horlick was born in 1846 in Ruin Bank, Gloucestershire, England. He was the son of James Horlick, a miller, and his wife, Priscilla. William was educated in local schools and showed an early interest in chemistry and food science.

Emigration to the United States

In 1869, William Horlick emigrated to the United States to join his brother, James Horlick, who had moved to Chicago, Illinois. The brothers initially worked in the food industry, focusing on developing nutritional supplements.

Development of Malted Milk

In 1873, the Horlick brothers founded J & W Horlicks in Racine, Wisconsin. They began experimenting with malted barley and wheat flour, combined with dried milk, to create a nutritious and easily digestible food product. In 1883, William Horlick patented the process for making malted milk powder, which was initially marketed as "Horlick's Food for Infants and Invalids."

William Horlick's contribution to food science

Popularity and Expansion

Malted milk quickly gained popularity not only as a nutritional supplement but also as a beverage. It was used by explorers such as Robert Falcon Scott and Ernest Shackleton on their expeditions to the Antarctic, due to its lightweight and high-calorie content. The product's success led to the expansion of the Horlicks company, which established factories in Slough, England, and other locations worldwide.

Later Life and Legacy

William Horlick continued to be involved in the business until his retirement. He passed away in 1936, leaving behind a legacy of innovation in the food industry. The Horlicks brand remains a popular product in many countries, known for its nutritional benefits and distinctive taste.

Related Pages

• Malted milk
• Racine, Wisconsin
• Food science
• Nutritional supplement